Pioneer listened. The SA-8900 II was a complete redesign of the power amplifier section. Pioneer scrapped the STK modules in favor of a fully . This is the defining characteristic of the "II" version. By using individual transistors, Pioneer achieved lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), improved channel separation, and a more robust handling of difficult speaker loads. The SA-8900 II features a Differential Pure-Complementary OCL (Output Capacitor-Less) power amplifier circuit, ensuring the signal path remains as clean as possible.
: High-grade construction with solid machined aluminum knobs and a heavy chassis weighing approximately 16.2kg (35.7 lbs). Performance and Sound Quality pioneer sa 8900 ii
In the late 70s, the turntable was king. Consequently, manufacturers poured resources into their phono preamplifier sections. The SA-8900 II boasts a high-quality phono stage (MM - Moving Magnet) with excellent RIAA equalization. It offers extremely low noise and high gain, making it a superb match for vintage cartridges like the Shure M97xE or Audio-Technica VM95 series. If you are a vinyl enthusiast, the phono stage alone makes this amp worth seeking out. Pioneer listened
Plug in a turntable, turn off the lights, and watch those meters dance. You will finally understand what your father was talking about. This is the defining characteristic of the "II" version
: Pre-out and main-in RCA plugs allow it to be used as a standalone preamplifier or power amplifier. Cons
Unlike many integrated amps where the phono stage was an afterthought, Pioneer designed this one to handle moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) carts without needing an external step-up transformer.
The original SA-8900 was a fine amplifier, but it suffered from a design choice common in the mid-70s: the use of STK amplifier modules (hybrid integrated circuits). While reliable, audiophiles often criticized these modules for lacking the transparency and transient response of fully discrete circuitry.