Monday, June 18, 2012

A huge slab of japanese beef.

This is the Pioneer A-9, the top of the line integrated amplifier from Pioneers early eighties 'Communication Series'. The name refers to the block diagram graphics that are the dominant design feature. The look wasn't a hit with consumers, and a year after being introduced, Pioneer, were producing more conventional looking front panels again, like the A-70 that I loved. I didn't like the look of the Communication series when it was introduced, but it's grown on me over 30 years. I find it quite striking now. It's massively (over)built and sounds great. Read more here. I have 2 matching tuners, one missing the front panel cover, that I haven't checked out yet.

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