Pioneer X700 - stereo system

In the mid-1980s, Pioneer launched a compact, modular range that encapsulated the satin-black aesthetic and technological innovation of the era within the ‘mini component’ format. This system, centred around the A-X700 amplifier, belonged to that very generation (circa 1984), when digital tuners, space-saving ‘drawer-style’ turntables and the first dedicated CD players for the series were arriving on the scene. The design maintained uniform proportions and a consistent panel layout, intended to create an elegant and orderly arrangement on the same shelf.

The P-DX700 CD player introduced digital technology to Pioneer’s compact range, featuring intuitive front-panel controls and a dedicated manual; it was part of the mid-1980s wave that paired analogue systems with a compact and reliable drive mechanism. The technical heart of this design was the proprietary VWY061 pick-up, one of the first mechanisms developed by the brand and also fitted to the famous Pioneer P D70 and P D90. It was a die-cast unit, built with a robustness reminiscent of the legendary Philips CDM-0 and CDM-1 or the Sony KSS-100. A detail that highlights the pioneering spirit of an era in which reliability was considered an integral part of the design, in stark contrast to many modern mechanisms, which are more fragile and have a limited lifespan.

The PL-X300 turntable featured the characteristic pull-out tray and DC servo belt drive, a practical solution that allowed it to be fitted into shallow cabinets whilst retaining full automation.

The CT-X500 cassette recorder belonged to the same family, with contemporary technical documentation and manuals dating its production to the mid-1970s. 

For the tone control section, the SG-X700 equaliser offered a multi-band graphic equalisation typical of the era; divided into 7 bands per channel, with adjustment points covering from the low frequencies right up to the very high end. 

The F-X700L tuner, in the European ‘L’ version, added LW reception to the classic MW/FM range and adopted synthesised digital tuning, a hallmark of the transition to ‘memory’ radio.

The pair of S-700X speakers completed the set with a 3-way system designed for home use, in which Pioneer prioritised balance and compactness. 

Overall, this system stands as a coherent testament to Pioneer’s “mini-component era”: modules aligned in terms of aesthetics and dimensions, with the A-X700 amplifier as the functional core (45 W per channel as stated at the time), the P-DX700 CD player as a gateway to the new digital media, the PL-X300 and CT-X500 upholding the analogue tradition, the SG-X700 for fine-tuning the sound, the F-X700L for advanced radio reception, and the S-700X speakers as the natural companions of the system. 

Detailed configuration:

Complete Pioneer system comprising a CD player, turntable, stereo cassette recorder, equaliser, tuner, stereo amplifier and 2 loudspeakers:

P-DX700: CD player equipped with a TD6705AP digital-to-analogue converter, VWY-061 mechanism, dimensions 320 x 260 x 98 mm and weight 4.6

kgPL-X300: fully automatic turntable, 33/45 rpm, dimensions 320 x 98 x 210 mm, weight 5

kgCT-X500: stereo cassette recorder, 4 tracks, 2 channels, Wow and flutter < 0.06% WRMS, frequency response 25 Hz–17,000 Hz, dimensions 320 x 99.5 x 217 mm and weight 3.7

kgSG-X700: equaliser, dimensions 320 x 60 x 217.5 mm, weight 2.4

kgF-X700L: tuner, dimensions 320 x 60 x 217.5 mm, weight 2.4 kg

A-X700: stereo amplifier, 45 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, total harmonic distortion <0.07%, dimensions 320 x 98 x 221 mm and weight 5.2

kgS-700X: 3-way loudspeaker system designed to deliver high-quality sound, nominal impedance 6.3Ω, with a maximum power handling of 30 watts, dimensions 246 x 452 x 210 mm and weight 8.3 kg each.

When arranged in a tower configuration, the dimensions are approx. 32 cm wide, 20 cm deep and 51 cm high. The total weight is around 40 kg, including the cabinets.

The units on offer are fully functional and in excellent cosmetic condition. Supplied with interconnect cables.