Pioneer SX-x80 stereo receivers (1978–1980) · c. 1978–1980
Pioneer SX-1280
$5,575–6,475typical eBay ask
Oct 3, 2026
Oct 3, 2026
PioneerModel SX-1280 · Receiver
The story
The SX-1280 replaced the SX-1250 in 1978 and sits second from the top of Pioneer’s SX-x80 range. Only the SX-1980, at 270 W, was more powerful. Pioneer rated the SX-1280 at 185 watts per channel into 8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, at 0.03% THD. It weighs about 63 lb. This is a full-featured flagship receiver. It has twin bass and treble controls (main controls plus extra controls for the deep bass and extreme treble), tone defeat, two phono inputs, outputs for three pairs of speakers, a stepped volume control, and pre-out/main-in jacks that let you use the preamp and power amp sections separately. The meter bridge has signal and tuning meters plus two wide-range needle power meters. It is one of the 1970s “monster” receivers, built for people who want serious power in one silver-faced box and are prepared for the cost of servicing a large, heavy unit.
Before you buy
The pre-purchase checklist
Checklist · 6 checks
- 01Ask for a powered-on photo showing every dial and meter lamp lit and both power meters moving with music.
- 02Confirm the protection relay engages and stays in at moderate volume, since a relay that drops out under load can mean an output-stage or offset problem.
- 03Ask whether the output transistors are original, and whether bias and DC offset have been set during any service.
- 04Listen for scratchy pots and intermittent switches, especially the speaker selectors and the twin tone controls.
- 05Check that the rear pre-out/main-in connections are linked, because the power amp section plays nothing if that link is open.
- 06A 63 lb receiver needs a double box with heavy foam or a freight pallet, so confirm how the seller will pack it before you bid.
Buying guide · from Oct 3, 2026 listings
Which one to buy
eBay returns 106 results for the SX-1280, two for parts, but only three complete receivers made this snapshot, so the $5,575–6,475 'typical' band rests on just two delivered prices. Asks run from $4,000 (shipping not stated) to $6,911 for a serviced and recapped unit. Prioritise service history: ask whether the output transistors are original and whether bias and DC offset were set, and confirm how a 63 lb receiver will be packed or palletised. Red flags: the $4,000 unit gives no condition and no shipping, and the serviced unit's seller is at 97.1% feedback. The $5,146 'super clean' unit is the best starting point if the seller can confirm it works.
- Listed now
- 106
- For parts
- 2
- Typical ask
- $5,575–$6,475
- Full range
- $4,000–$6,911
Cheapest$5,145.50est. deliveredView on eBay →About $5,146 delivered, Buy It Now, from a 100% seller, roughly $430 under the band, and described as super clean. That describes looks, not function, so ask for a powered-on photo with all lamps and meters lit and whether it has ever been serviced.
Vtg PIONEER SX-1280 AM/FM Stereo Receiver 185 WPC Powerful Super Clean
Easiest to get working$6,911.11deliveredView on eBay →Serviced and recapped, $6,911 with free shipping, Buy It Now, the only SX-1280 here with stated work done. It costs about $1,765 more than the cheapest and the seller is at 97.1% feedback, so ask for the work list and read the seller's recent feedback.
Pioneer SX-1280 AM/FM Stereo Receiver (Serviced & Recapped)
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 3, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ; eBay shows your exact total before you buy.
Snapshot captured · listings may have ended
3 of 106 listedLive on eBay right now
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 3, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ; eBay shows your exact total before you buy.
- Used
- Cheapest
Vtg PIONEER SX-1280 AM/FM Stereo Receiver 185 WPC Powerful Super Clean
$5,145.50 est. delivered
$4,950.00 + $195.50 shipping
Buy It Now$4,950.00
Good buy
Super clean per a 100% seller at about $5,146 delivered; ask whether it has been tested and serviced.
Seller: bearmountainvintage
100% positive
- Serviced
- Easiest to get working
Pioneer SX-1280 AM/FM Stereo Receiver (Serviced & Recapped)
$6,911.11 delivered
$6,911.11 · free shipping
Buy It Now$6,911.11
Good buy
Serviced and recapped at $6,911 shipped, the top ask; the 97.1% feedback is worth a look before you commit.
Seller: samedayships
97.1% positive
UsedPioneer SX 1280 Vintage Stereo Receiver.
$4,000.00 + shipping
$4,000.00 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$4,000.00
Our take
Lowest ask at $4,000, but no condition and no shipping stated on a 63 lb receiver; get both answered first.
Seller: us-bu27
99.5% positive
Prices and availability change daily. The full, current search on eBay shows every matching listing, including new ones since Oct 3, 2026.
See all current listings on eBay →After you buy
Search supplies on Amazon →Service supplies
Most SX-1280s need their controls and switches cleaned, and many need dial or meter lamps. Contact cleaner is the first thing to buy; leave internal adjustments and recapping to the service manual or a technician.
Step up, step down, or stay in the family
