500A

About the 500A

The SAE 500A is a vintage integrated amplifier that provides approximately 10 to 16 watts per channel, suitable for small to midsize speakers at normal listening volumes. It includes two phono inputs with internal phono preamps, a radio tuner input, and an auxiliary input, all connected via stereo RCA jacks. The amplifier features separate volume controls for the left and right channels on a concentric knob, tone controls for bass and treble adjustment, and a loudness switch to compensate for human ear sensitivity at low volumes. It also has a speaker selector allowing operation of two sets of speakers independently or simultaneously, and a headphone jack with a mute function for the speakers. The unit uses proprietary Pioneer speaker terminals requiring special connectors or adapters. The front panel includes an amber incandescent indicator light. The amplifier has been noted to require occasional servicing of small signal transistors in the phono and tone control circuits to reduce noise typical of vintage units. The SA-500A is valued for its sound quality and vintage character but may lack some modern conveniences and connectivity.