Audio Segment

Pioneer SX-590

The Pioneer SX-590 is a stereo receiver that was part of Pioneer's popular SX line of receivers, which were designed and released during the 1970s and early 1980s. The SX-590 specifically was a more compact and affordable model aimed at entry-level to mid-range consumers, offering a solid balance of performance and value.

General Specifications

Maximum power (8Ω): 20W
Maximum power (4Ω): 25W
Frequency response (-3dB): 5Hz-100kHz
THD+N: 0.3%
Signal to noise ratio (Line): 90dB
Signal to noise ratio (Phono): 73dB
Input sensitivity (Line): 200mV
Input sensitivity (Phono): 2.5mV
Damping factor: 25
Speaker load impedance: 8Ω-16Ω

Dimensions (WHD): 435×145×314mm
Weight: 8.3kg
Produced: 1979-1980
Initial price: 660DM

Measured Values

Maximum power (8Ω): 22W
Frequency response (20Hz-20kHz): ±0.5dB
Channel imbalance: <1.0dB
THD (1kHz, 1W): 0.028%
THD+N (1kHz, 1W): 0.033%
THD (1kHz, 10W): 0.048%
THD+N (1kHz, 10W): 0.046%
IMD (70Hz, 5kHz, 1W): 0.095%
Noise: -60.3dB
Amplification: 119.9
DC offset L: 91.0mV
DC offset R: 89.0mV

Maximum Power

Maximum power is measured using 8Ω resistors on both channels. A 1kHz sine wave input signal is applied and gradually increased until higher harmonics rise significantly. Typically, this is the point at which output clipping occurs.

Frequency Response

Frequency response is measured using several equilizer settings. 'Flat' indicates the tone controls are either turned off or set to their neutral position. 'Max' and 'Min' refer to the maximum and minimum tone control positions, respectively. In the phono section, the expected response follows the RIAA equalization curve.

Residual Noise

These graphs display the noise levels at various volume positions. To eliminate any interference from the input signal, the input lines are shorted during the measurement. Generally, the noise is highest at the mid-point of the volume range (50%)

Distorsion

Total harmonic distortion (THD) is measured using a 1kHz sine wave input, with the output level adjusted to meet different conditions. Intermodulation distortion (IMD) is measured using 'two sine' input signal. THD versus voltage is measured with a 1kHz sine wave input, while THD versus frequency is measured at various output levels.

FM Tuner

Measurements of the tuner section were performed using an FM signal generator, with its output fed directly into the antenna input. AM measurements were not conducted.

Known Problems

In this unit the power capacitors have deteriorated significantly, with the measured capacitance at 5200µF instead of the expected 6800µF.