Pioneer A400 golden oldie?

[scotty67]

Just bought an old A400 to start my daughter's hifi journey. (I had an A300r Precision way back).

Anyway, hooked it up to my big Usher floorstanders and oh my goodness! They sound glorious together. Bass, soundstage in all directions and detail is wonderful.

I am a bit gobsmacked actually. My usual amp is a big valve 845 beasty which I love but am scratching my head as to which I prefer.

The only negatives are the mediocre phono stage and no remote.

So this is why it was a giant killer - matched with way more expensive kit it sings.

Now having to re-appraise my system.

[AJSki2fly]

Just bought an old A400 to start my daughter's hifi journey. (I had an A300r Precision way back).

Anyway, hooked it up to my big Usher floorstanders and oh my goodness! They sound glorious together. Bass, soundstage in all directions and detail is wonderful.

I am a bit gobsmacked actually. My usual amp is a big valve 845 beasty which I love but am scratching my head as to which I prefer.

The only negatives are the mediocre phono stage and no remote.

So this is why it was a giant killer - matched with way more expensive kit it sings.

Now having to re-appraise my system.

Yes I remember a friend having one and very impressive it was, I was not aware until I looked but it is in this list https://www.whathifi.com/features/best-19-stereo-amplifiers-what-hi-fis-lifetime

[scotty67]

Yes I remember a friend having one and very impressive it was, I was not aware until I looked but it is in this list https://www.whathifi.com/features/best-19-stereo-amplifiers-what-hi-fis-lifetime
Just had a look at the list - I've heard an Audiolab 8000A and Primare A30 at length and owned a Marantz ki. The phono stage in the Audiolab was excellent I thought. Didn't care for the Primare but my friend who owned it loved it! I found the KI disappointing (lacked grunt) but again was probably system dependant.

Now I need to find a modern day equivalent with remote capability. Another nice touch on the A400 is the balance control integrated into the volume knob. Apparently these can be troublesome but if you have one with jssues don't despair as Audiocom used to install replacements but unfortunately without balance capability. A nice feature though to fine tune for room acoustics.

Old amps now but this must be the epitome of a golden oldie that can sound ridiculously good connected to top end kit.

I have now linked it up to my valve phono stage and sounding lovely.

[Poldark]

Just had a look at the list - I've heard an Audiolab 8000A and Primare A30 at length and owned a Marantz ki. The phono stage in the Audiolab was excellent I thought. Didn't care for the Primare but my friend who owned it loved it! I found the KI disappointing (lacked grunt) but again was probably system dependant.

Now I need to find a modern day equivalent with remote capability. Another nice touch on the A400 is the balance control integrated into the volume knob. Apparently these can be troublesome but if you have one with jssues don't despair as Audiocom used to install replacements but unfortunately without balance capability. A nice feature though to fine tune for room acoustics.

Old amps now but this must be the epitome of a golden oldie that can sound ridiculously good connected to top end kit.

I have now linked it up to my valve phono stage and sounding lovely.Who's is it now then? [emoji16]

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[scotty67]

Who's is it now then? [emoji16]

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Mine at least until lockdown over!��

[Poldark]

Mine at least until lockdown over!��Pretty feable excuse if you ask me, nasty cough you've got there, perhaps she would be best to give you at least another 12 weeks!!! [emoji41]

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[Jac Hawk]

And the A400 can sound even better with a few tweaks under the hood, i had one a while back had it re capped along with a couple of other things the only thing like you said is the lack of a remote.

[scotty67]

And the A400 can sound even better with a few tweaks under the hood, i had one a while back had it re capped along with a couple of other things the only thing like you said is the lack of a remote.

Very interesting, where did you have the mods done? Maybe pm with details and costs if you don't mind?

[scotty67]

Pretty feable excuse if you ask me, nasty cough you've got there, perhaps she would be best to give you at least another 12 weeks!!! [emoji41]

Sent from my motorola one using Tapatalk

Just getting over the severe cough I kid you not. Take care!!!!!!

[Jac Hawk]

Very interesting, where did you have the mods done? Maybe pm with details and costs if you don't mind? My late step dad and i did it, he was pretty handy with that sort of stuff, but i believe there is a schematic with values of the amp on this site somewhere as well as a discussion about the best things to do.

[Jac Hawk]

Here's the thread i started years ago https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?8651-Pioneer-A400-Upgrade-Help-Required

also you can get upgrade kits frem here https://redhillaudio.co.uk/audio-upgrades/pioneer-upgrades/

[scotty67]

Here's the thread i started years ago https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?8651-Pioneer-A400-Upgrade-Help-Required

also you can get upgrade kits frem here https://redhillaudio.co.uk/audio-upgrades/pioneer-upgrades/

Cheers!

[RDC7]

Bit of an earlier era Pioneer fan having had a PL12D as a younger man a Trichord Revelation CD player based on a Pioneer stable platter machine, and a Trichord Digital Turntable, again a Pioneer stable platter machine ( 505 i think ) and currently running an A 300R Precision amp, which sounds stunning, which has a remote by the way and a balance control.

Cheers Chris

[Audio Al]

Now look what you have done I want one :doh: , I'm sure I had one of these in the mid 90's and blimey did it rock with the MS speakers , Purchased from a hifi shop in Barking near the station , May have been called hipafi ? or hypafi :scratch:

[57charles]

Now look what you have done I want one :doh: , I'm sure I had one of these in the mid 90's and blimey did it rock with the MS speakers , Purchased from a hifi shop in Barking near the station , May have been called hipafi ? or hypafi :scratch:

Hyperfi.

[Audio Al]

Hyperfi.

:)

[scotty67]

Bit of an earlier era Pioneer fan having had a PL12D as a younger man a Trichord Revelation CD player based on a Pioneer stable platter machine, and a Trichord Digital Turntable, again a Pioneer stable platter machine ( 505 i think ) and currently running an A 300R Precision amp, which sounds stunning, which has a remote by the way and a balance control.

Cheers Chris

I had an A300r Precision from Hyperfi with matching CD player. I don't remember it as sounding as good as the A400 but I think my speakers would have been the limiting factor.

I now think you should blow all your budget on the best speakers you can afford then amp, then source and finally cables.

Wasted so much time and money on source first theory.

And of course the 2nd most important thing is speaker set up.

I'm now trying Ken Ishiwata's recommendation on placement to great effect.

[cpjvej2012]

A400 is a stunning bit of kit and if you like it check out the other versions such as the A656... those are monster amps all stemming I believe from the A400 platform.

[cpjvej2012]

Here is an A656, bit Pricey though! But I would say is probably all the Amplifier you'd ever need!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-Reference-Amplifier-a656/133396847091?hash=item1f0f1259f3:g:uSkAAOSwqStep2R 3

[AlexB]

As nice as the A400 sounds it’s just a shame it looks so dated and cheap looking.

[Jules_S]

Still using my A-400 with my original Monitor Audio 14s and a turbocharged Pro-Ject Essential in my second system (office). Bought it back in about '93 or thereabouts I think form memory. Used it and the speakers for a number of years until I could afford to move up the hi-fi ladder, then I gave them to my best mate to use. He had them and used them right up until the beginning of last year, and when he treated himself to some new kit, he let me have them back again! The amp and speakers are doing sterling service, OK yes the phono stage really isn't all that but overall the sound is far better than you might expect.

[Jac Hawk]

I find it funny that people are surprised at an older amp like this or any other piece of HiFi equipment from 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years ago sounding good, it's not rocket science folks it's just good design, well made with quality parts, the HiFi industry have obviously told us the opposite, that new stuff is better but the fact is it just isn't and in many cases modern stuff is inferior. Good gear is good gear whenever it was made period!

[AlexB]

I find it funny that people are surprised at an older amp like this or any other piece of HiFi equipment from 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years ago sounding good, it's not rocket science folks it's just good design, well made with quality parts, the HiFi industry have obviously told us the opposite, that new stuff is better but the fact is it just isn't and in many cases modern stuff is inferior. Good gear is good gear whenever it was made period!

I think we are told that the more accurate the sound the better it is, truth is older equipment has a much more pleasant sound to my ears, Maybe it’s the aged components or higher distortion figures on old amps?

I always wondered what the term “warm” sounding meant but after listening to some old receivers I think I now understand:D

[dantheman91]

I Appear to have bought another A400 one came up local for a fairly cheap price so grabbed it i last sold one in 2013 lets see if times change

Pairing with KEF Reference 103 Speakers
Pioneer PDS 703



and Beers :)

[Alex_UK]

An A400 is an itch I really need to scratch... currently using my Aura amp with my Spendors and turntable and I think the Pioneer would work well with them... way back when the A400 was the darling of the hi-if mags I just couldn’t afford one, but always really really wanted one... seem plentiful on eBay, maybe tonight’s the night if I drink any more wine! :lol:

[Macca]

An A400 is an itch I really need to scratch... currently using my Aura amp with my Spendors and turntable and I think the Pioneer would work well with them... way back when the A400 was the darling of the hi-if mags I just couldn’t afford one, but always really really wanted one... seem plentiful on eBay, maybe tonight’s the night if I drink any more wine! :lol:

£140 buy it now https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-A-400-Amplifier/313142180598?hash=item48e8ba7af6:g:euMAAOSwRK9fB0a W

£140 is within the guidelines for a punt.

[Alex_UK]

£140 buy it now https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-A-400-Amplifier/313142180598?hash=item48e8ba7af6:g:euMAAOSwRK9fB0a W

£140 is within the guidelines for a punt.

Cheers Martin. I'm sure it would sell for similar money if it doesn't scratch the itch... (Have done similar and even made a profit with Pioneer Stable Platter CD Player and Rotel phono stage in the past...) Let's see what happens in an hour's time once the wine is finished! :lol:

[Barry]

I find it funny that people are surprised at an older amp like this or any other piece of HiFi equipment from 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years ago sounding good, it's not rocket science folks it's just good design, well made with quality parts, the HiFi industry have obviously told us the opposite, that new stuff is better but the fact is it just isn't and in many cases modern stuff is inferior. Good gear is good gear whenever it was made period!

Roughly 95% of my audio gear is at least 40 years old, and that includes some of my cartridges! :)

[dantheman91]

Dug out the high end Audio Note ANJ/D speakers to use with the A400 - Superb :)

My A400 was £75 sure lives up to its pedigree of an all time classic and the audio nuts of this world need to try one in there audio journey

[Filterlab]

There was a glut of excellent amps at low prices from the late 70s through into the 90s: Pioneer A400, Audiolab 8000a, A&R Cambridge A60, Cyrus 1, NAD 3020, Denon PMA 250, Marantz PM66, Arcam A85, Primare A30 etc. They all offered performance way outside of their price range and several really changed the Hi-Fi landscape. I got into Hi-Fi in 1991 so read about and heard many of these amps in budget and higher end systems. I’ve owned several of them too (still own an A85), and they really are still quality bits of kit.

Pioneer had lost their name as a quality manufacturer at the time, but the A400 reignited their name and they made some astonishing pieces of kit. Nowadays they make good kit, although their current cream of their crop seems to be their AV receivers, some of which have lounge-demolishing capability at comparatively low cost. Their SSDs are also brilliant quality.

Another one of their popular lines was the Stable Platter Mechanism CD players, which was a TEAC invention if I remember correctly (known as the VRDS - Vibration Free Rigid Disc Clamping System). Fed to a decent DAC these players still produce awesome sound compared to transports of much higher price. They are sought after and many fetch more money now than they did when new. In this case the name ‘Pioneer’ really is true. Some quality electronics came in this phase of their manufacturing, and that’s before one considers the Elite range. Have a look at the C91 preamp, the M91 power amp and the PD91 CD player - absolutely gorgeous and real “Accuphase” type components. Rock solid build quality and a lot of attention paid to details, layout and reduction of interference and vibration. Plus wooden cheeks and deeply polished finishes oozed quality.

Worth a look nowadays as I bet they still rock.

[Gmanuk101]

my good friend and fellow member RichB had one of these.... we all had hours of fun listening to this amp, it also did a few house parties set up too if my 90s hazy memory serves me well :)

[LoneStar]

I had an A400 and rated it very highly indeed. Lovely clean sound and quality power. I’m still using my Tom Evans modified A300R Precision but the A400 had something special.

[Gazjam]

Loved mine back in the Day,

Used with a Pioneer PD8700 CD player, and AE109 speakers.
Sounded ace, but knew the amp had more to offer in a better system.

[Filterlab]

...it also did a few house parties set up too if my 90s hazy memory serves me well :)
Ahhh, 90's house parties. No wonder your memory is hazy! :lol:



I had an A400 and rated it very highly indeed. Lovely clean sound and quality power. I’m still using my Tom Evans modified A300R Precision but the A400 had something special.
I'd completely forgotten about the Tom Evans upgrades, they were all over the Pioneer kit of the 90s. Always sounded quality.