The Pioneer SX-780 is a unique and meaningful stereo receiver as it is the last of the 700 series. Comparing to most of the Silver Era Pioneer receivers, the SX-780 is not as powerful but it is still capable of driving most bookshelf speakers due to the high-quality internal components. If you are a proud owner of this classic stereo receiver and are planning to get a new pair of speakers to partner with it, then you might want to stick around.
In order to make full use of Pioneer SX-780’s sonic performance, we will need matching speakers, and to find such loudspeakers, we will first need to learn more about the classic vintage amp. By further understanding its sonic characteristics, merits, and limitation, we will then share with you a list of the best speakers to go for and pair with the Pioneer SX-780 stereo receiver.
Table of Contents
Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Pioneer SX-780
The Silver Era design looks bold and striking, attracting attention even when playing, still, it can be kind of fun looking at the needles moving left and right. This gave me a nostalgic feel which is pleasant and emotional but I digressed. The metallic feel is fortunately softened with the wooden case that provides a balance to the overall aesthetics of the Pioneer SX-780. It is bulky and gives you a feeling that is packed with plenty of muscles. The rated power output is 45 Watts per channel into 8/4 Ohms, it may not be what we expected but we are pretty sure it could still go a bit higher than that. The frequency response on the other hand is really impressive, it is from 5Hz to 80kHz.
The Pioneer SX-780 should have no problem driving most bookshelf speakers and should even be able to drive highly efficient floor-standing speakers. Turntable enthusiasts will be delighted to know that the SX-780 has an amazing Phono pre-amp section. There is also a headphone output which is pretty neat. It is also a bulky and heavy stereo receiver, especially so when comparing to modern amps within the same range. Still, the aesthetics won’t be an issue, as the moment you start playing the Pioneer SX-780 you would have long forgotten about it.
More Details at Amazon – PIONEER SX-780 STEREO RECIEVER
The soundstage is not as wide or deep as we expected, it is decent but we do yearn the size that the Pioneer SX-780 bigger brothers can muster. The stereo imaging is good as it clearly separates the various musicians on the stage with high definition. The warmth of the stereo receiver provides a full and textured sound quality. The highs can be a bit strained and we are thinking that probably it is due to the limited power output of the receiver, so speakers with high sensitivity will work well together with Pioneer SX-780.
We definitely should avoid hard-to-drive speakers so that the SX-780 can really shine with the power it has. The bass performance is tight and agile. The bass outputs are higher than expected and have plenty of weight to it but we will prefer to have a little more control. We can’t help but feel that the Pioneer SX-750 is a better stereo receiver when compared to the SX-780. All in all, the Pioneer SX-780 is still enjoyable to listen to especially when it comes to playing back vinyl. The nice warm sonic characteristic of this Pioneer stereo receiver is really suitable for turntables.
The overall sound reproduction of the Pioneer SX-780 is clean and smooth with a touch of warmth, pushing it to high volumes, the treble doesn’t get overly excited and you can still listen to your favorite tunes for hours without worrying about listener fatigue. The music presentations are very detailed but there are times the subtle musical nuances are not as audible. The midrange reproduction of the SX-780 is expressive and rich, it can be punchy when it needs to be. It is really an incredible amp for the price and can compete with some of the best on the market within the same price range. We have gathered enough data and it is time to share with you the list of the best speakers to match with this talented Pioneer SX-780 receiver.
Pioneer SX-780 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 45 Watts per channel into 8/4 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-80kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.05%
- Minimum Speaker Load Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Inputs: 2 Play/Tape inputs, 2 Phono inputs, 1 AUX input
- Outputs: Headphone output, 2 Tape REC outputs
- Dimensions: 480mm x 140mm x 320mm (18.9″ x 5.5″ x 12.6″)
- Weight: 11.2kg (24.7lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Pioneer SX-780
The Pioneer CS-88 is one of the very best speakers to match with your Pioneer SX-780 stereo receiver not just because they are both from the same company. The Pioneer CS-88 has incredibly high speaker sensitivity and can be easily driven by the SX-780, unlocking both HiFi components’ full potentials. They should have similar sound signatures which makes them compatible with each other. The CS-88 vintage loudspeakers are also exceptional in producing deep bass frequencies with depth. Aesthetically they match really well together. To nitpick, it might be quite difficult to find them in excellent condition though.
The Klipsch Heresy IV will be an amazing speaker choice to pair up with the Pioneer SX-780. With decades worth of innovation and craftsmanship, the Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV is more than a worthy match for your vintage stereo receiver and has the sonic prowess to provide you with an entertaining music listening experience. More importantly, the high efficiency of the Heresy IV enables your SX-780 to drive these premium floor-standers. The level of clarity that Heresy IV possess complements the Pioneer SX-780 really well. These speakers are capable of delivering deep and powerful low ends. The overall sound reproduction also doesn’t sound overly bright.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy IV in Natural Cherry
If you prefer a vintage speaker design with modern internal components and modestly priced, then the Wharfedale Denton 85 is that classic bookshelf speaker to go for. The midrange reproduction of Denton 85 is remarkable as it is able to reveal intricate details in instruments and vocals which complements the sonic characteristics of the Pioneer SX-780. The dynamics of the Denton 85 speakers are also superb which provides an engaging music listening experience. The soundstage is pretty big as it is quite unexpected from a bookshelf speaker of this size. The Wharfedale Denton 85 is a suitable match with the Pioneer SX-780 and you should hear them out.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Denton 85 (Red Mahogany)
The Pioneer HPM 100 is another Pioneer vintage speaker that you can match with your Pioneer SX-780. The HPM 100 is made in the same period as the stereo receiver which makes their sound signatures even more compatible and these classic speakers are also easy to drive. The speaker sensitivity of the Pioneer HPM 100 is 92.5dB and the power handling is 50 Watts (8 Ohms) which the SX-780 will be able to drive these speakers with relative ease. They can go loud and rock your listening room with a lively musical performance. It is no wonder that some audiophiles would hold on to the Pioneer HPM 100 speakers for years as they sound just amazing.
For listeners who have a tight budget and want an entry-level bookshelf speaker that suits the sonic characteristics of your Pioneer SX-780, you might want to check out the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 stand-mounter. It is an award-winning bookshelf speaker that can fit most budgets and will be terrific for vinyl playbacks. The balanced sound reproduction with a hint of warmth makes it pleasing to the ears. They are still transparent when it comes to bad recordings and will reveal them to you in quite a forgiving way. The bass is full-bodied and has sufficient weight which is quite impressive for compact bookshelf speakers.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Bookshelf Speaker
As mentioned earlier, the Pioneer SX-780 will be able to shine when powering easy-to-drive speakers and the Klipsch RP-500M will be a fantastic choice. It is highly efficient with high speaker sensitivity that enables your SX-780 stereo receiver to drive the RP-500M bookshelf speakers easily. Furthermore, the Klipsch RP-500M is modestly priced and is a solid performer. The ability to project a spacious soundstage and has remarkable stereo imaging already makes it a suitable partner to the classic Pioneer stereo receiver. The pacing is great and has a high level of clarity but it can be too bright sounding for some listeners which is why is better to have an audition with these stand-mounters first. The warmish sounding nature of the Pioneer SX-780 does help to slightly soften the hard edges though.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch RP-500M Reference Premiere Speakers
To Sum It Up
These are some of the modern/vintage speakers that best match with the Pioneer SX-780 and will be worth your time to arrange an audition with them. You can also use this list as a reference when hunting for other speaker brands/models. It will be recommended to look for speakers that are highly efficient unless you are planning to play your music at moderate to low volume levels. Klipsch speakers will be a brand to start with as their speakers are mostly highly efficient and there are a few of them which are really affordable. You should also check out their Heritage Series speakers.
