Pioneer M-22 Power Amp - Epic Japanese Gear From the Past

Discussion in 'Power Amps' started by Armaegis, Mar 30, 2017.

  1. PTS

    PTS Friend

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    So, I bit the bullet and bought an M-22. Struck a deal with the seller for $800. Has a few battle scars, but pretty good overall. And it's working, although seller says it runs very hot (hotter than usual?) so taking to a tech as soon as it arrives. Pics below.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. winders

    winders boomer

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    Congratulations! You power switch is different than mine. On my M-22, you turn it. I like the toggle better! The faceplate is the same as mine though. I wonder what years our respective amps are.....

    You can get the service manual here:

    https://elektrotanya.com/pioneer_m22.pdf/download.html

    There is a discussion about an error in the service manual here:

    http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/297186-pioneer-22-class-amp-mistake-service-manual.html

    I have yet to find a copy of the M-22 "Operating Instructions". I did find the M-25 "Operating Instructions" but that isn't really what I want. That source did not have the M-22 document.
     
  3. msommers

    msommers High on Epipens

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    My god this is one beautiful iron beast. Congrats!
     
  4. PTS

    PTS Friend

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    Already downloaded that digital copy of the manual, but it's good to throw the link up in case anyone else needs it.

    Also wanted to let you guys know there's a working M-25 on eBay that has 18 hours left and only a few bids. It's beaten up, but if you can see beyond that it's a rare amp for not much money.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Pio...117982?hash=item3f8586689e:g:ZE0AAOSwhMpZo15E

    It's sold from San Francisco, CA.
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2017
  5. AdvanTech

    AdvanTech Friend

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    I think I'm going to go for it. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks
     
  6. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    I went back and forth with the seller for a while. I suspect it needs a lot of refurbishing (almost all units do). I'd recap the whole thing in your shoes at the very least.

    Also, you asshats are screwing up used prices. These used to go for $1000 restored for a while and 600-700 for unknown amount of work necessary like this one.
     
  7. uncola

    uncola Friend

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    I think the m22 design has nicer proportions than the m25.. it would be cool to see a high quality chinese clone, similar to the kinki studios goldmund clones in fit and finish
     
  8. Grahad2

    Grahad2 Red eyes from too much anime

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    ...They're outwardly identical...?
     
  9. uncola

    uncola Friend

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    oh I guess barrel distortion in the ebay pics. it looked longer :p
     
  10. uncola

    uncola Friend

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    looks like the m-25 is class A to 3 watts, then class ab up to 120 watts
     
  11. winders

    winders boomer

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    Come on...the M-25 has gold plated RCA inputs!! ;)
     
  12. winders

    winders boomer

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    Yes, that is the case. I just read that in the M-25 "Operating Instructions". Something else I just discovered by reading the M-25 "Operating Instructions" is that the name plate can be attached to the back so the back of the amp becomes the front. I almost missed that critical piece of information!! ;)
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2017
  13. PTS

    PTS Friend

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    Blame Marv for writing a glowing review that makes the front page when you google 'Pioneer M-22'. ;)

    All things considered, it's still within the wallet-friendly end of the audio. I read that if you factor inflation from 1979 to 2017, a brand new bought in Japan M-22 would set you back the equivalent of $3000 US.
     
  14. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    For all we know, Marv may have made another discovery.
     
  15. PTS

    PTS Friend

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    Calabasas residents have reported sightings of Marv slow dancing with a Class D Behringer amp.
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2017
  16. frenchbat

    frenchbat Almost "Made"

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    Hmmm so that 2 weeks ban was probably for the psych ward stay then. Right?
     
  17. richard51

    richard51 Mr. Sorbothane

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    Remember that all is relative under the sun...

    On audiokarma someone said that about the Sansui Au-X 701 : «
    I just bought one of these amps and for comparison to other amps that I have - it compares favourably with a Pioneer M22 poweramp, sansui 555a and 517 - and thats before a recap. Im suprised with how good this amp sounds and beleive that it would easily hold its own against the price range you talk about.»

    Some weeks ago i bought this Sansui Au-X 701 , a TOTl amplifier for sure, but i prefer my Sansui AU-7700 because of his analog, tubelike sound with almost the same details...My experience is the preference about an amplifier vary greatly in function of the room, treated or not, and of the taste, and other associated gear, hence it is difficult to say that one piece of gear top another one, if not in the same conditions exactly, with the same gear, and the same ears... At the end i keep the 701 with the 7700, i love the 2...





    http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....plifiers-please-provide-some-feedback.599648/
     
  18. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Audiokarma has near zero credibility to the members here. Too much mutual adulation and patting self on the back. Everyone's vintage or near vintage (late 80s when things already turned to shit) is the best or near best ever. Criticism of gear owned by others is not allowed, unless you have paid.
     
    Last edited: Sep 3, 2017
  19. JK47

    JK47 Guest

    I just picked up what appears to be a mint M-22 from Japan for approximately $400 USD.

    https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/e238181729

    If shipping is more than $300 USD (it may squeak by EMS's weight limit), I'll have my buddy hold it until I go there or he comes here sometime within the next 6 months.

    Meanwhile I'll start sourcing the caps to refurb the sucker once it arrives. I also have a Mitsubishi DA-A10DC amp in mint condition arriving soon.

    Vintage Japanese amp shootout in the forecast sometime within the next year.

    Go 2-channel powah !!!
     
  20. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    Don't forget you'll need a good inverter...
     

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