Vintage Pioneer QX-949 Quad Amp, a garage find,

R

Ron T

Audiophyte
Found this Amp, it works but does need some help. Is it worth fixing and where can I take it for repair?
It also came with a TEAC A-2340R reel to reel that I'd like to hook up and play with.
 
Johnny2Bad

Johnny2Bad

Audioholic Chief
Personally I would not put too much effort or money into the Pioneer; it's not a particularly remarkable example of "Quad" technology and considering it's age, you can do better with almost any alternative.

Put another way, if you have a garage, well, now you have the beginnings of a garage HiFi.

The TEAC 2340R, however, if you can put up with the bulk of the machine, is a superior quality open-reel machine that is still sought after by musicians, if only to replay the 4-track tapes made on other 4-track decks.

Open Reel tape decks are not really that popular for various reasons, but the Teac 2340 and 3340 models have qualities that take them beyond the ordinary stereo machines (the 2340 can use 7" reels maximum, the 3340 can use any size ¼ tape reel including the larger 10" reels; both can accept tapes smaller than 7"). Collector value if you don't want it yourself, with the one caution that tape decks are heavy and shipping costs make resale more of a local ("pick up only") proposition.

If you don't want a bulky "project" then pass. Your wife or girlfriend is unlikely to put up with it in a part of the house a guest is likely to see. But if you are a musician the deck is a useful tool that can double as a HiFi device.
 
Rickster71

Rickster71

Audioholic Spartan
Back in its day 1974, it was their top of their line quad receiver.
If you listen to FM it has a pretty good tuner section.
Depending on condition I've seen them for about $200 to $500 for mint.
 
Johnny2Bad

Johnny2Bad

Audioholic Chief
Good observation and info Rick~. My comments are based on a few issues.

One, 1974 is a bit before the period where large improvements in Solid State gear happened in the 70's. If you want vintage Pioneer gear, I would suggest models from about 1978 to perhaps 1984 or so.

Pioneer broadly speaking put good tuners in almost all of their gear, plus outstanding older, used FM gear is readily available today at "steal" prices. $200 gets you top of the line tuners on eBay, and bargains can be had for under $50.
 

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