Pioneer SX-525 KW User manual

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FEATURES
ADVANCED CIRCUITRY WITH FET AND lCs
An FET (field-effect transistor) in the FM front end effec-
tively raises sensitivity and image ratio while safeguarding
against cross-modulation. The lF stretch is equipped with
lCs (integrated circuits) and ceramic filters which vitally im-
prove selectivity and capture ratio.
The MPX decoder - the circuit that separates the two
channels of FM stereo programs - works on the highly
accurate switching system and provides wide frequency re-
sponse and stability while a discriminator amplifier assures
sharp channel separation. ln less technical terms: the SX-
525 delivers finely balanced, dramatic stereo sound.
EFFECTIVE FM MUTING SWITCH
Unwanted irritating inter-station noise on FM is eliminated
by the FM IVIUTING switch. This circuit also cuts out
useless, too-weak FM station signals, leaving only strong,
high-quality stations to be received.
SENSITIVE AM FERRITE LOOPSTICK ANTEN-
NA
AM reception sensitivity profits greatly from the ferrite
loopstick antenna.
PR ECISION-ENGI NEERED AIVIPLI FI ER
CIRCU ITS
The audio amplifier is characterized by its extremely wide
frequency response, its great power bandwidth, its low
distortion figures and superb signal-to-noise ratio. lt is
exclusively equipped with low-noise silicon transistors'
FULL CHOICE OF PROGRAM SOURCES
All standard program sources can be connected, including
one turntable, two tape decks, and an auxiliary sound
source as well as a microphone.
TAPE.TO-TAPE DUPLICATI NG POSSIBLE
With the help of two (open reel or cassette) tape decks,
copies of tapes can be made easily.
UP TO TWO PAIRS OF LOUDSPEAKERS
For easv comparison of speaker systems, or for main/re-
mote speaker installations, up to two pairs of speakers can
be connected and operated individually or A+8.
VERSATI LE AUXI LIARY CI RCUITS
These include click-stop tone controls, a loudness switch
for more natural f requency response at low volume levels,
a stereo/mono mode switch, and a signal strength meter
for easy tuning.
DESIGN MATCHED TO OTHER PIONEER HI-FI
COMPONENTS
The modernistic, unobtrusively elegant design with metallic
front panel, large station dial and natural wood cabinet is
perfectly matched to that of other PIONEER hi-fi com-
ponents, permitting a total stereo system of uniform
attractiveness to be assembled.
LINE VOLTAGE AND FUSE
The SX-525 is available in two models: one model
operates only on 120V, and the other operates on
one of the five line voltages; 110V, 120V, 190V,
22OV and 240V. If your SX-b2b is the latter
model, set the unit to the proper line voltage by
following the procedure described below.
CHANGING LINE VOLTAGE SETTING AND
FUSE
To remove the fuse, turn the fuse cap located on
the line voltage selector in the direction of the
ZIITOW.
Then remove the fuse plug from the unit. Put the
fuse plug back so that the proper line voltage mark-
ing can be seen through the cut in the edge of the
plug. Whenever the position of the selector is
changed, check the rating of the fuse. A 14 fuse
is to be used for either 220Y or 240Y operation
and a 2A fuse for 110V,120V or 130V operation.
If the rating of the fuse is correct, replace cap.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
When the fuse blows, remove the fuse cap and re-
place. the fuse with a new one. See Fig. 1.
Fis. 1

PtoN efil
ASSEMBLING A STEREO SYSTEM
o Model SX-525 is a Stereo Receiver, i.e. it combines an
AM/FM stereo tuner, a preamplifier and a power amplifier
in one unit. To obtain a complete stereo system, it can be
combined with 2 or 4 speakers, l- turntable, 1 or 2 tape
decks, etc. See Fig. 2.
o With the help of the Pioneer "QuadraIizer" Amplifier,
model QL-600 and an additional pair of speaker systems,
the SX-525 can serve as the heart of an ultra-modern
4-channel stereo system. See Fig. B.
INSTALLATION
Do not install the SX-525 tn the following places:
o In direct sunlight or near heating units.
o In damp, dusty places or where air circulation is poor.
o In vibration-prone, unstable places.
CONNECTION AND INSTALLATION
OF SPEAKER SYSTEMS
CONNECTION
o As shown in Fig. 4, connect the lead wires of the speaker
system to the supplied speaker plugs. Be sure to observe
the correct polarity and no short between O and O
o For the main set of speakers, use the A speaker sockets.
Connect the right-channel speaker (the right-hand speaker
when viewed from the front) to the socket marked R, and
the left-channel speaker to the socket marked L.
. For the second set of speakers, use the B speaker sockets.
Connect in the same way as for the first set.
NOTE: When using both sers of speakers simultaneously (with rhe SpEAKERS
switch set to A + B, rnake sure that the impedance of each set is at
leasi Bfl
INSTAL LATION
optimal stereo effect is obtained when the listener is at the
vertex of the regular triangle whose base is the line connect-
i.tg the ieft and right speakers (approx. Bft to 8ft apart).
Wherever possible, install the speakers at the same height; if
the difference in height is too great, stereo effect deteriorates.
RIGHT
CHANN E L
LEFT
AB SPEAKER SYSTEMS
CARTR I DG E
TAPE PLAYER
TU R NTABLE sx-525
Er-f
l--lJ
oao o o o..aao.
Fis. 2
Fis. 3
CHANNE L
L
Fis.4

ANTENNA AND GROUND CONNECTIONS
FM ANTENNA
FM broadcast signals are attenuated somewhat by mountains,
buildings, and other obstacles. Therefore, even if a station is
nearby, a high-gain antenna may be required. Select the
antenna in accordance with the following:
o If the receiver is to be located in a wooden building and
stations are nearby, use the T-type antenna which comes
with the SX-525. As shown in Fig. 5, connect the feeder
terminals of the antenna to the FM antenna terminals.
Stretch out the antenna proper and secure it to the ceiling
or a wall in such a manner that pickup is optimum, as
determined by listening to the station to be received.
Refer to "FM Reception" on page 8.
. If .orientation of the T-type antenna does not eliminate
background noise, connect an outdoor antenna to the
antenna terminals shown in Fig. 6. In lieu of an antenna) a
combination FM/TV antenna may be used.
NOTES: 1. A number of FM antennas are available. Consult your sales dealer
for selection.
2. ln location adjacent to heavily traveled streets, around factories,
or near high-voltage power transmission lines, use of an FM antenna
may not give the desi red noise attenuation. ln such cases, consult
your sales dealer concerning a coaxial cable feeder (75,f2)for the
FM antenna When coaxial cable is used, make connection to the
receiver as shown in Fig. 7.
AM ANTENNA
Refer to "AM Reception" on page 8. With an AM station
tuned in, position the ferrite antenna for optimum pickup.
See Fig.8.
If positioning of the ferrite antenna does not yield satisfy-
ing results, stretch out the AM lead antenna (vinyl-insulated
wire) and connect it to the AM antenna terminal. Keep the
other end of the antenna lead as high as possible.
If the lead antenna does not give satisfying results, erect an
outdoor antenna and connect it as shown in Fig. 6. Special
construction is not required: vinyl-insulated wire may be
stretched between two masts or other supports.
FM T.TYPE ANTENNA
Fig.5
AB
PTNNER (
II|CONDUCTOR
!l r*l -4
A ouren fiFt€
IL,l sHTELD uU-
ffi tsnaror
GROUNDING
o A ground lead may not be necessary for reception. Still,
from a viewpoint of safety and elimination of noise, one
should be used.
COAXIAL CABLE
(75-ohm) i\\
fir '\q
& . Strip the end of the
J',-{[ coaxial cable as shown in A.
h:L tt . Loosen the screws shown
liu in B. Insert the stripped
end of the coaxial cable.
r Tighten the screws. Fig.7
DIRECTION OF STATION
AM ANTENNA
GROUND
Fis. 8

PIONEEFI
BEFORE SWITCHING THE POWER ON
Set the SPEAKERS switch to the position A after checking
the following:
1. VOLUME controi is at MIN.
2. MODE switch is at STEREO.
3. BASS, TREBLE controls are at FLAT.
4. BALANCE control is at NORM.
5. TAPE MONITOR switches (1 ,2) are set at OFF except for
tape playback.
FM RECEPTI ON
1. Set the SELECTOR switch to FM AUTO.
2. Set the FM MUTING switch to OFF. See Notes.
3. Turn the |UNING knob to tune the desired station.
Adjust i ! so that the reading of the SIGNAL meter
peaks.
4. When the receiving program is in stereo, the STEREO
indicator will light up. If not stereophonic but mono-
phonic, the indicator will not light. If the reception
is very weak or noisy, automatic switching to monophonic
reception takes place.
5. Adjust the volume and tone through the use of VOLUME,
BASS and TREBLE controls.
AM RECEPTION
1. Set the SELECTOR switch to AM.
2. Turn the TUNII\G knob to tune the desired station,
peaking the SIGNAL meter.
3. Adjust the VOLUME, BASS and TREBLE controls as
required.
PLAYING RECORDS
1. Set the SELECTOR switch to PHOI.,IO/MIC.
2. Start the turntable.
3. Adjust the volume and tone through the use of the
VOLUME, BASS and TREBLB controls.
USING A MICROPHONE
1. Plug the microphone into the MIC jack.
2. Set the SELECTOR switch to PHONO/MIC.
3. Adjust the volume by slowly turning up the VOLUME
control to the right. The BASS and TREBLE controls
should normally be set at FLAT.
NOTES:
1. To eliminate background hiss between stations and
undesired remote (weak) stations, set the FM MUTING
switch to ON. To receive very weak signals, set switch
to oFF.
2. ln the case of verv weak signals, much noise will be
heard when the SELECTOR switch is set to the FM
AUTO position. To limit this noise, set the SELECTOR
switch to FM MONO. Note, however, that stereo
broadcasts will be received in monophonic form.
3 To eliminate high noise during stereo reception, turn
thc SELECTOR SWitCh tO thc NOISE FILTER
posi ti on .
4. ln some countries, model SX-525 is delivered with a
selector switch f or adjusting the FM de-emphasis f rom
50 to 7Strrsec. lf your unit is equipped with such a
switch at the right of the chassis, and if the high
sound range gives an impression of weakness move
the de-emphasis switch to its other position.
NOTES:
1. While using the microphone, only monophonic sound
is heard from the left and right speaker systems.
2. Use a high-impedance, dynamic-type microphone f it-
ted with a standard plug.
3. Howling may result if the VOLUME control is turned
too high if the microphone is close to the speakers.
4. When a microphone is plugged into the MIC jack,
iurntable can not be used.

USING A CARTRIDGE TAPE PLAYER
1. Set the SELECTOR switch to AUX.
2. Start the cartridge tape player.
3. Adjust the volume and those tones as required.
USING A TAPE DECK
RECORDI NG
As shown in Fig. 9, during playing the signal is always pres-
ent at the TAPE 1 REC and TAPE 2 REC jacks. Operate the
SX-525 as explained in the sections "Playing Records and FM
and AM Reception" on page 8.
NOTE: Adjusting rhe VOLUME, BASS and TREBLE controls on rhe SX-b2b
does not affect the signal present of the TAPE 1 REC and TApE 2
REC jacks. Recording level must be adjusted on the tape deck itself.
O TAPE MONITOR
If the tape deck is of the 3-head type or is fitted with a tape
monitor circuit, the recording can be monitored by setting
the TAPE MONITOR switches (L, 2) to ON. The recording
and playback connections must both be left attached.
PLAYBACK
As shown in Fig. 9, setting the TAPE MONITOR switch 1 to
ON permits playback of the tape on tape deck 1, and setting
TAPE MONITOR switch 2 to ON permits playback of the
tape on tape deck 2. During playback, volume and tone can
be adjusted by the VOLUME, BASS and TREBLE controls
on the sx-525. Playback is possible regardless of which the
SELECTOR switch is positioned.
DUPLICATING OR EDITING RECORDING TAPES
With the SX-525, it is possible to record, say, an FM stereo
broadcast and then re-tape the parts of the broadcast one
wishes to keep onto a separate tape.
1. Connect two tape decks as shown in Fig. 10.
2. Turn the TAPE MONITOR switch 1 to ON.
3. Play back the recorded tape on tape deck 1 and record it
onto the tape deck 2.
4. You can monitor the tape during recording by setting the
TAPE MONITOR switch 2 to ON.
NOTE: Duplicating and editing can be cariied our very easiry by using a tape
deck equipped with a PAUSE switch for the recording side.
TAPE DECK 1 TAPE DECK 2
sx-525
TAPE DECK 1 TAPE DECK 2
.-.; I aooo rooS I f-.-
Fis. 9
1 TAPE MONI
SWITCH 2
LINE
OUTPUT
iMoN|TOR)
TAPE
MON 2
-q-
Off ^.r/
---------u
T
(MONITOR j
TAPE MONITOR TAPE MONITOR
slrtilTcH 1 swrTcH 2
TAPE
REC2
L---- c L-
TAPE MONITOR SWITCH
Must be switched ON
sx-525 Fig. 10

A WORD ABOUT ROOM ACOUSTICS
The quality of reproduced sound varies according to the size
and shape of the room, the materials of walls, floor and
ceiling and the amount and arrangement of furniture. Too
"ha.rsh"or"bright" a sound usually results from too many hard
reflecting surfaces, and/or too low a ceiling. This condition is
improved by having ample carpet area or covering the wall
(especially that facing the speakers) with a thick curtain.
On the other hand, too many absorbing surfaces will tend to
"soak up" the sound, resulting in a certain "deadness."
Furniture may be rearranged to provide irregular reflection of
the sound. In any event, the true stereo effect is lost if the
two speaker systems are placed too far apart. This may be
corrected by angling them slightly toward each other or
reducing the distance between them.
4-CHANNEL STEREO SYSTEM
conventional 2-channel stereo systems are designed so that
instrumental and vocal music can be reproduced in stereo
through left and right speakers placed in front of the listener.
In contrast, the newly developed 4-channel stereo system fea-
tures a high degree of reproduction of full dimensional sound
in concert halls, including applause and the hum of audience
voices in addition to stereo sound from musical instruments,
through the conventional two-speaker systems plus two more
speakers one each at the rear left and rear right. consequenily,
you car] get magnificently lifelike quadraphonic sound far
superior to that of 2-channel stereo.
Model QL-600, Quadralizer Amplifier, combined with your
SX-525, gives you quadraphonic sound. See Fig. 11.
HOW TO US,E THE OL-600, OUADR ALIZER AMPLIFIER
To obtain quadraphonic sound, combine the pioneer eL-600
with your SX-525.
The QL-600 has a quadralizer circuit for converting a z-
channel stereo signal into a 4-channel stereo signal plus am- [JEE. o o
plifiers for driving the two rear speaker systems. L_" qo o o o_r.,
As shown in Fig. L2, the eL-600 can be plugged into the
TAPE REC and TAPE MoN jacks of your sx-siB, giving you
quadraphonic sound of the MATRIX or PHASE SHIFT tvp.. rAPE DEcK
with the MATRIX system, quadraphonic recording ot-rvt
stereo broadcasts are reproduced to perfection.
what's more, with a quadraphonic stereo tape deck (pioneer
QT-6600, for example) connected to the eL-000 as shown in
Fig. 12, discrete 4-channel tapes can be reproduced.
TJIONEER
Fis. 11
O O O O....O.
oL-600
:OIIO-O
CH. 1
LEFT
SIDE
cH.2
FRONT
REAR
cH.3
RlGHT
SlDE
cH.4
FRONT
LEFT
SIDE RIGHT
SIDE
REAR
SPEAKER SYSTEMS
:arro:o
-
Fig. 12

CONDITIONS FREOUENTLY MISTAKEN FOR MALFUNCTION
Noise: There zlre a variety of noises relating to the
operation of a hi-fi unit. These are generally
divided into two types; (1) the unit is faulty (a
transistor or paft has deteriorated) and (2\ an
external source is adding to the unit.
When a hi-fi unit produces an unpleasant noise, it is
often assumed that the unit is faulty, but statistical
records indicate that the majority of noises pro-
WATCH FOR THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS; THESE ARE ALSO APT TO BE MISTAKEN FOR
MALFUNCTION-
duced in hi-fi acoustic units result from external
sources of noise: Due to the inherent high
sensitivity and the high fidelity in reproduction,
the unit amplifies and reproduces extraneous
noises, however small, into definite output noise. If
your receiver produces a noise, check according to
the following table and trace out the sowce of
noise for the appropriate corrective action.
SYMPTOM SUSPECTED SOURCE OF NOISE DIAGNOSIS AND REMEDY
a
F
a
O
o
o
E
co
o
F
(9
z
2
lll
F
@
=
z
uJ
I
=
Conti nuous or intermittent
noise like jjjjjj or zzzzzz. oStatic (lightning)
o Fluorescent lamp, motor, or thermostat
may be in use in house or in the vicinity of
the house.
ln many cases, it is very dif f icult to remove the source
of noise. ln order to make the radio input larger than
the noise level, set up a good outdoor antenna and make
a complete grounding.
When a station is tuned in,
hum is mixed in the pro-
gram.
oPoor fluorescent lamp, motor or electric
heater may be in use in house or near the
house.
Reversing the line plug may occasionally alleviate this
noise problem. Usually it is very diff icult to eliminate
the noise.
Static noise (in particular,
when automobi les run
close to the house).
oWhite noise generated from automobile
engi nes.
oRadio frequency sewing machine or welding
machine being used near your house.
ln an area surrounded by hills or high buildings, the FM
input signals are very weak" Thus the noise limiter in the
circuit loses its f unction. Set up an FM outdoor antenna
having many director elements.
Reception or FM stereo
program contains more
noise than FM mono pro-
gram.
oNote that the service area covered by an FM
stereo broadcast is about 50% of that of a
regular mono broadcast.
lncreasing FM input signal may alleviate this problem.
Use an exclusive FM outdoor antenna instead of the
indoor T-type antenna.
a
o
E
o
O
Irl
E
(9
z
t
J
L
z
I.JJ
r
=
Hum or buzz, When
switched to radio recep-
tion, the noise disappears.
Treble is not clear.
oPoor connection of shielded wire (a)
oJack connection is loose. (b)
rLine cord or fluorescent lamp is near the
shielded wire. (c)
oPoor grounding (d)
oHAM transmitting station or TV transmit-
ting station is near your house. (e)
Correct the conditions stated in (a), (b), (c) or (d). ln
case of (e), report it to an official activity.
Output tone quality is
poor and mixed with noise. .Stylus wears out. (a) oRecord wears out. (b)
rDust adheres to stylus. (c)
ostylus is improperly mounted. (d)
ostylus pressure is not proper. (d)
oThe TREBLE level is too high.
Check (a) through (e) and correct the condition.
Lower the TREBLE level.
SYMPTOM SUSPECTED SOURCE OF NOISE DIAGNOSIS AND REMEDY
Power is not turned on
although the power switch
is set to ON.
oFuse blows. (a)
oLine plug is loose. (b) Check (a) and (b) and correct the condition.
ln playing a record, in-
creasing the volume causes
howling.
.Distance between the turntable and the
speakers is too short.
oThe place on which the turntable or
speakers are set is unstable.
Change the distance or rearrange the installation of the
unit and speakers. (lnstalling the turntable on a firm,
sol id stand may alleviate this problem.)
Do not enhance the BASS sound level excessiveiy.
11

TJIONEEFT
SPECIFICATIONS
SEMICONDUCTORS
FETs
lCs
Transistors . .
Diodes
AMPLIFIER SECTION
Music Power Output (lHF)
Continuous Power Output
(each channel driven)
Continuous Power Output
(both channels driven)
Power Output in the Range
of 2OHz to 20kHz (both
channels driven)
Harmonic Distortion
I ntermodu lation D istortion
Power Bandwidth (lHF)
F requency Response
Speakers
Damping Factor
I nput Sensitivity/l mpedance
(1kHz, for rated output)
Recording Output
BASS Control
TREBLE Control
Equalization Curve
Loudness Contour
Hum and Noise (lHF)
1
2
33
30
72 Watts (4Q)
52 Watts (8O)
26W 126 w (4O)
20wl2O w (8O)
21W+21 W(4O)
17W+17W(8O)
13W+13W(SO,Harmonic
Distortion Less than 1 %)
Less than 1 % (Continuous
power output)
Less than 0.05 % (8Sr, 10W/
10W power output)
Less than 1 o/o (Continuous
power output)
Less than 0|2 % (8S1, 10 W/
10 W power output)
10 Hz to 45 kHz (8S2, Harmon-
ic Distortion Less than 1 %)
15Hz to 30 kHz, + 1 dB)
4to16Sl
40 (8S/, 1 kHz)
PHONO MAG 2.7mVl50 k,fl
MIC
AUX 6mV/100 kS2
200mV/70 kO
TAPE MONITOR 1,2
200mV/70 kSl
TAPE REC 1, 2 (Pin jack)
200mV
TAPE REC (DlN connector)
30mV
-12 dB , + 12.5 dB/100 Hz
-8.5 dB, + B dB/10 kHz
PHONO: R IAA S.T.D.
+ 11.5 dB/100 Hz, + 6 dB/
10 kHz with Volume Control
set at -40 dB position.
PHONO More than 75 dB
AUX More than 85 dB
FM TUNER SECTION
Frequency Range
Usable Sensitivity (lH F)
Capture Ratio (lHF)
Selectivity (lHF)
lmage Rejection
lF Rejection
Spurious Rejection
AM Suppression
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Harmonic Distortion
Tuning lndicator
Muting
Stereo Separation
Su b Carrie, Srppl"rrion
Noise Filter
Antenna lnput
De-emphasis Switch
(Except FTZ approved
and 120V model.)
AM TUNER SECTION
Frequency Range
Usable Sensitivity tlH F)
Selectivity (lHF)
lmage Rejection
lF Rejection
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Antenna
MISCELLANEOUS
Power Requirements
Power Consumption
Dimensions (overall)
Weight Without package
With package
Furnished Parts
88 MHz to 108 MHz
87.5MFlz to 108MHz
(FTZ approved)
2.2 ttV
3dB
More than 45 dB
More than 50 dB (gA MHz)
More than 80 dB (90 MHz)
More than 80 dB (gA MHz)
50 dB
65 dB
Mono: Less than 0.6 % {100%
Mod.)
Stereo: Less than O.8% (100%
Mod.)
Signal strength meter
Switchable to ON-OFF
More than 40 dB (1 kHz)
More than 40 dB
Switchable to ON-OFF
lmpedance 300O balanced
and 75 C2 unbalanced.
50pSf)7spS
525 kqz to 1,605 kHz
15 pV
More than 22 dB
More than 45 dB (1,000 kHz)
More than 35 dB
More than 50 dB
Bu ilt-in Ferrite Loopstick
Antenna
12OV 60Hz or 110V, 12OV,
130V, 22OV and 24OV
(Switchable) 50-60H2
120 W (Max)
"17 -1 1 I 16 in.l450mm (width)
5-1 1 I 16 in.l 145mm (height)
14-3116 in. /36gtm (depth)
17 lb, 10 ozl8.0 kg
22\b, 4 ozl10.1 kg
FM T-type Antenna 1
Pin Plug 2
Speaker Plug 4
Polishing Cloth 1
Operating lnstructions 1
NOTE : Specif ications and the design subject to possible modifica-
tions without notice due to improvements.

PIctN EEFI ELECTF|CIN IC GCIFI PGIFIATI clN
15-5, 4-Chome, Ohrnoni-nishi, Ohta-ku, Tokyo, Japan
U.5" PIclN EEFI ELECTFIclNICg COFlPEINATION
178 Commence Fload, Canlstadt New Jensey 07472 L.l. S A.
PIclNEEF| ELECTFIGINIC (EUFIOPE) N.V,
Noo.denlaan 83, 2O3O AnLwe.p, Belqrum
PRINTED iN JAPAN
(ARB.O42.B)
(72E13Y058)