Audio Systems: home audio question, model sx, leaps and bounds

Question
Let's try it again and this time I'll tell you WHAT I purchased new in 76.   "I purchased new Jul 1976, a Pioneer Stereo Receiver Model SX-535.   Just this week, the sound has given out.   I don't believe it to be my speakers because I have the same problem when I plug in my headset.   Can just barely hear any sound.   I also have a wireless headset hooked to it and it is now having problems.  Any suggestions?   I know it's only 33 years old but still . . ."


Answer
My father was in the consumer audio business so I grew up in this industry. I am in the commercial & studio end of the business. I learned at a very early age that we live in an economy of planned obsolescence. The moguls of the business from GE to RCA to Panasonic, Sony and the like want to sell their latest wares. They intentionally design the equipment to have about an average 10 year life span. If you were an astronaut would you want to be catapulted into space with a 1976 rocket or you would you even trust flying in a 1976 airplane?

Having said that the industry is mandated by the government to only stock inventory parts (if the manufacturer is in business) for 5 to 7 years. That means that the level of technician that can analyze and repair a 10 year old component is not nearly as seasoned as one who can fix a 33 year old component. Consumer equipment generally only carries a 90 day warranty. Hypothetically if you could find the parts and a 50 plus year old technician to service the Pioneer you would probably pay a hefty sum.

All of this taken into account, the quality of audio reproduction has jumped n leaps and bounds since 1976. You will do well looking into current models. Your Pioneer is not from the Elite series or I would say that it may be worth fixing.