Audiophile03 Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 I just picked up a mint Pioneer SX-636 for $40. I was looking for a receiver that would help my AR-2A's to shine. I had a Yamaha CR-400 which made them sound mediocre. After hooking the AR's up to the Pioneer, all I can say is WOW. The Pioneer really brightened up the highs and brought out some very surprising lows! So, in conclusion, I would have to say if you are looking for a receiver that will compliment your AR's, I would have to recommend giving this receiver a shot. On a side note, the receiver looks quite pleasing as well!Here is some retro pics I took: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JKent Posted November 24, 2011 Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 Great find! The '70s Japanese receivers are great compliments to classic speakers! Audio Karma has a thread "Best looking receiver" and lots of Pios are nominated.Your Pio is rated at just 25wpc but in the 70s they were "big" watts--very conservatively rated. I forget the particulars but something about sustaining the rated power output for an hour. Bet it's heavy too! Back in the day one of the audiophile mags (maybe $ensible $ound) recommended buying amps by calculating dollars per pound One caveat: 40-year-old electronics can develop issues that can fry speakers. You may want to have a tech who's experienced with vintage gear check it out.We don't need no stinkin' remote control! Just looking at that amp should put a smile on your face. Happy listening!Kent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audiophile03 Posted November 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2011 I actually picked it up from a friend that restores old electronics as a hobby. He did complete check up on it before he sold it to me so there is no crackling or popping when powering on and off, ect. It is an absolutely awesome receiver! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michiganpat Posted November 28, 2011 Report Share Posted November 28, 2011 I've got a marantz 2265 in my living room running my AR18's, and a 2230 in the office that was coupled to some smaller advents, which I sold to purchase my AR holographic imaging M5's...22xx series marantzes and AR's are a match made in heaven, IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sphotoz Posted November 29, 2011 Report Share Posted November 29, 2011 Great picture and a great receiver. I just recently retired my Pioneer SX-727 that i bought in 1974 along with my AR-5s. I still have my original receipt, I paid $292 for the SX-727 and $292 for a pair of AR-5s. I just replaced it this year with a Pioneer VSX-1020 which is a very nice unit. I cannot make myself part with the 727 so it sits in storage in my basement. The only thing wrong with it is some of the controls could use a good cleaning. Enjoy the 636, Pioneer sure used to make some nice looking equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dualref Posted December 3, 2011 Report Share Posted December 3, 2011 I use a SAE 301 amp (150WPC) and a SAE P102 Preamp to drive a pair of AR-3a's that are currently undergoing restoration. Clean, clean sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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