Pics of the SX-9:

Excellent comparison, Chris! For reference, your hd800 is unmodded correct?

I've never heard a gsx, but I was surprised to hear it was such a fine match with a stock hd800. Certainly, a 50 Ohm zout like some of doug's designs would seem preferable to most people out there, except maybe the treble happy kind.

I agree it was good read and this particular comparisons were of interest. Now, with such a variety of reference phones out there, I can't imagine the pain it is for amp makers to lock on a voicing. The rag seems to walk the line with brio.

Arnaud

Pics of the SX-9:

It's a nice receiver.  I seen one before. Just was mentioning there was better options at the time during the 80's. Pioneer like other companies went down south during the 80's when it came to receivers. The seperates and integrated amps were still very designed but usually cost crap load more at that time. Even today, you'll pay crap load more for a pair of good separates and integrated amps compared to receiver market.

Only receiver I kept fron the 80's was the Yamaha r9 that was given to me. It was Yamaha's last shot at the market retailing for 900 bucks on avg then for their totl series.  Now you can find them at under 100 bucks. The r9 is good example of a pretty well designed receiver during late 80's. I still have mine but it's in fair condition cause door is gone lol and I just got done fixing the stupid wiring inside which was very annoying but, other then that, a very nice sounding receiver during the 80's.

Not saying the pioneer is bad though. Forgot what one sounded like since I have more experience and run ins with their 70's sx series.

Chris' HD800 while unmodded, is more mellow than most other HD800s. It was roughly equivalent to my modded HD800. Yes, we have four HD800s sitting around that day in my house. It's just normal bell curve variance - has nothing to do with serial #s.

P.S. On the Klone. yes, it's still a fantastic amp. My comments above were nitpicks. Rag is #1. The SWA built Klone is #2. #3 Might be Dynahi. In terms of ranking for SS amps for me. I wish Doug / ECP was still building the Black Diamond.

I am interested with Klone. I might build one when I have time...

I see a lot of empty PCB board touted as Klone in ebay, except they are all much smaller than the original amplifier PCB. Are they legit?