Pioneer VSX-9300TX

[Thunder18]

I finally received the VSX-9300TX Pioneer receiver that I ordered from Best Buy, four days early no less(gold star for Best Buy)!

First impressions. This thing is big and heavy! The receiver I was using, the Pioneer VSX-912K is smaller in length, width, height and mass. You can see a picture of them next to each other here:

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cchristi18/detail?.dir=32eb&.dnm=6bbf.jpg
The shipping label listed the weight of the 9300 as 50.71 lbs! Actual weight according to the manual is 44.8 lbs! I had to remove one shelf from my entertainment center just to make space for it. It looks just like the Pioneer Elite VSX-54TX and the 56TXi right down to the piano black finish, "AIR studios" "THX Select" "Dolby Digital EX/Pro Logic IIx" and "DTS-ES Neo:6 96/44" badges. But it does not have the heavy aluminum "Urushi" door, just the simple plastic door that comes standard on the non-Elite models. You can see the 54TX here:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cchristi18/detail?.dir=32eb&.dnm=7e76.jpg
However, it has the remote from the 56TXi which is a large 2 line lcd illuminated learning remote.
The rear of the 9300TX also mirrors the 54TX save for the addition of a USB input at the bottom left that will allow you to play music directly from your computer on the receiver.

Features
The 9300TX is equipped with the Advanced version of Pioneer's Multi Channel Acoustic Calibration, Pioneer's microphone aided surround setup system. It also includes a serial port that allows you to connect the receiver to your computer in order to display/print the acoustic information the receiver measures while doing it's calibration. Power output is rated at 110 wpc @ 8 ohms(20Hz-20kHz) with .09% THD. They do break this specification into front, center, surround and surround back so take from that what you will. It does have 2 2700uF capacitors so it should have decent power reserves. It seems to be endowed with all the current sound formats. These include Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, DTS 96/24, THX Select and THX Surround EX. Listening modes include all of the aforementioned, as well as THX Cinema, Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie/Music, DTS Neo:6 Cinema/Music, DTS+Neo:6(Processes DTS 5.1 into 6.1 or 7.1), DTS+Neo:6+THX, DTS-ES+THX. It also includes some DSP schemes such as Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Musical, Monofilm and 5/7-D Theater for movies and Classical, Chamber, Jazz, Rock, Dance and 5/7 CH stereo for music.
It features 2 5-100 MHz Component video inputs and 1 output and includes component video upconversion, 5 composite and 5 s-video inputs and 3 outputs. 1 12volt trigger, 3 Optical digital inputs w/ 2 outputs and 2 coaxial digital inputs. Phono input and ground connection are included as well as 7.1 multi channel inputs for DVD-A/SACD and pre-amp outputs for the center(mono), front(stereo), surround(stereo) and surround back(stereo) channels. Also, all digital sound and component video inputs are assignable as well as re-nameable. It is also Multi room/Multi Source enabled, capable of displaying 2 different video feeds on 2 different monitors while using the Surround back channel as the stereo sound in another room.
Overall, it seems very nice so far, however, i've only had it for a few hours yet.

How's it sound? Great! I played around with the surround back channel which I had connected to some older Sony 3-way 21 5/8" tall bookshelf speakers consisting of an 8" woofer 4½" mid-range and an unspecified size tweeter. Using these in stere output playing a selection of well listened cd's there was a lot more bass then I could ever get from my previous receiver. I was pretty amazed as I hadn't heard these Sony's sound so powerful since I had them hooked up to a late 70's vintage Pioneer analog am/fm receiver and a 2 channel Pioneer amplifier my father brought from England that still needed at 220 volt transformer just to operate in the States!

You can see more pictures of it here:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cchristi18/album?.dir=32eb&.src=ph&store=&prodid=& .done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cchristi18/my_photos

[Thunder18]

Pricing might be something people would like to know so here goes! I purchased the Pioneer VSX-9300TX from Best Buy online. I had been watching the price fluctuate for a few months swinging from $1299 one week, to $799 the next week. Only to see it go back up to $1299 the following week. Then the next week it would drop to $899 and then it dropped down over 4th of July weekend to $809. At that time I discovered www.ebates.com(more on that later) where I was able to get another $50 off($10 of every $100 spent up to $500). So I ended up spending $759 + $35 4yr warr. + $35 shipping with 6 months interest free financing. Ordered on July 1st shipped UPS ground and received on July 8th.
The only possibly better deal to be had would be to purchase it at www.vanns.com who is offering it for $799 no tax and free shipping and as a bonus, you have the option of purchasing the JBL Northridge E150P powered subwoofer for an extra $50. This Sub sells for $359.99 at Best Buy online! Vanns regular price for this receiver is $1099.00 in case you were wondering, but they've had it for $799 for about a month now. If Vanns had offered a warranty similiar to Best Buy I probably would have purchased it there and bought the JBL Sub as well, but it's nice to know that if my Pioneer ever goes down, I can drive it to Best Buy less than 5 miles from my place to get it serviced.
Back to ebates.
By creating an account at www.ebates.com by merely entering in your e-mail address, a password and your mailing address. I was given access to a $10 off every $100 spend up to $500) coupon, utilized by accessing www.bestbuy.com through ebates website. A few days after the transaction I got confirmation that my purchase qualified me for $7.XX rebate credited to my account. When my rebate amount reaches at least $10, they send you a check. If you guys are like me and scour the internet for prices before making almost any purchase you could end up getting a decent amount of money back. There are hundreds of online retailers that qualify including Best Buy and Circuit City, Office Depot and plenty of non-electronics centered retailers as well. Check it out you'll be surprised.

[chas_w]

Great info Thunder. I hope you'll keep us updated as you log time on this unit.

It does have 2 2700uF capacitors

It has the 27,000 uF caps?? Isn't that the size of the 56tx caps? I thought the 54tx had 22,000 (or something like that).

Thanks for the review...keep the info coming!

[Buckeyefan 1]

I ended up spending $759 + $35 4yr warr. + $35 shipping with 6 months interest free financing. Ordered on July 1st shipped UPS ground and received on July 8th.
The only possibly better deal to be had would be to purchase it at www.vanns.com who is offering it for $799 no tax and free shipping and as a bonus, you have the option of purchasing the JBL Northridge E150P powered subwoofer for an extra $50.

Excellent deal you got there. Nice shopping!

The only other deal I think that compares is the Harman Kardon AVR7300 at Harman Kardon Direct at ebay. It will sometimes go for $800-$900, and weighs 55lbs. The next model down, the HK AVR635, is around 41lbs and is going for $699 shipped at www.jr.com and www.onecall.com.

[dponeill]

Great info Thunder. I hope you'll keep us updated as you log time on this unit.



It has the 27,000 uF caps?? Isn't that the size of the 56tx caps? I thought the 54tx had 22,000 (or something like that).

Thanks for the review...keep the info coming!

I have had the 9300 for about three weeks. With the exceptions of not having iLink and the front door not having the gloss black finish, it IS the 56TXi.

Dennis

[Spiffyfast]

I have had the 9300 for about three weeks. With the exceptions of not having iLink and the front door not having the gloss black finish, it IS the 56TXi.

Dennis

Wow, thats one heck of a deal then, glad best buy is starting to carry some nicer equipment

[dponeill]

Wow, thats one heck of a deal then, glad best buy is starting to carry some nicer equipment

Actually, I got mine off eBay. It was $648.00 incuding shipping. I figured that for that price I couldn't go wrong.

Dennis

[Thunder18]

Just thought i'd include a link. AIR Studios is a very prestigious recording studio and actually one of the most successful in the world.

www.airstudios.com/info/history.shtml (http://www.airstudios.com/info/history.shtml)

[Mr.Theater]

I also have this unit well i really have four of these units and i'm have some issues with the display when i use the component outputs of my adelphia hd box into the 9300 and the same out to my hdtv unit. I get white wash , over sat. of white and solid colors from the menus and the picture i have a vsx816 brand new and it does not have this problem.

Any ideas?

[Mr.Theater]

Ihave
pioneer vxs816 / vsx9300tx
xbox360
mitsubishi wsd7300 73" hdtv rear projection set
adelphia hd cable box (scientific Atlantic)
monster cable hts2500

[Thunder18]

I'm not at home so I don't have the manual with me, but there is something in the troubleshooting section that will probably fix your problem. Check there under video it's something like color burst mode or something like that.

[brian32672]

I'm not at home so I don't have the manual with me, but there is something in the troubleshooting section that will probably fix your problem. Check there under video it's something like color burst mode or something like that.
Or, if you don't have the manual...
I have uploaded the page that you need/want/are talking about.
Click below...

[Thunder18]

Great save Brian! You're good to have around in a pinch!

[impreza276]

Hi All!

A quick question: I would like to digitize my music collection (vinyl, tapes) and I have been looking at several options including buying a soundcard like the Soundblaster Audigy, or a analog-to-digital converter. Or using the the VSX-56Txi if it can perform such duties.

The question is can the VSX-56Txi produce a digitial stream from an analog source plugged into it? That way the quality of the ADC conversion would be very great.

Thanks!

[Thunder18]

Unfortunately not. Once you've digitized your music, you can play it on the Pioneer through USB connection to your computer, but you're best choice is still to digitize them on your computer at a high bitrate(as high as you are willing to give up the space for. I typically use 160 kbps min and frequently use 192 kbps).

[impreza276]

Thanks!! Guess there is little option to using a sound card for ADC duties, but it's okay..

[TheSwaz]

Hate to drudge up old threads, but I didn't see too many others on the 9300, so I thought I would just use this one. Let me start by saying that I have had my 9300 for ~2 weeks now, and absolutely love it. Not to mention that I got it brand new for $360 (eBay is wonderful sometimes).

So far, everything seems to be working just as it should, with one exception. I have tried a few times to hook up the receiver via the USB interface, and everytime it says that there was a problem installing the driver, and that the device may not working properly. I don't have an old computer by any means, and I know Win XP is preloaded with a ton of drivers, so it should be on there, but it's not. The manual lends no help to the situation, and does not come pre-packaged with a CD or anything. Does anyone know where I can get the driver for this, so that it will install and I can play via the USB cable? Thanks ahead of time.

Note*: I have not tried to hook it up via the serial cable yet, so I don't know if that works either.

[Thunder18]

I've had the 9300TX and have it's near clone the 56TXi presently. Neither has needed any software drivers loaded to play music over usb.
I generally keep a usb cable connected to the receiver and when the need arises I bring my laptop over to the receiver, plug in the other end of the usb cable to the laptop, give it a few seconds the laptop to find the appropriate drivers, change the receiver's input to USB and load my music through windows media player. It should work through any music player, but all it's doing is recognizing the receiver as an audio output device. Almost like when you plug headphones into your laptop and it ceases to output music from the speakers.

I would say make a call to Pioneer first if you can't get it resolved. If for some reason they can't recall the 9300TX, just tell them it's a 56TXi, they're the same except for the i.link I/O.

Gotta tell ya though, I miss the blue fluorescent display on the 9300TX. It really stood out. Make the amber on the 56TXi look kind of boring.

[TheSwaz]

I've had the 9300TX and have it's near clone the 56TXi presently. Neither has needed any software drivers loaded to play music over usb.
I generally keep a usb cable connected to the receiver and when the need arises I bring my laptop over to the receiver, plug in the other end of the usb cable to the laptop, give it a few seconds the laptop to find the appropriate drivers, change the receiver's input to USB and load my music through windows media player. It should work through any music player, but all it's doing is recognizing the receiver as an audio output device. Almost like when you plug headphones into your laptop and it ceases to output music from the speakers.

I would say make a call to Pioneer first if you can't get it resolved. If for some reason they can't recall the 9300TX, just tell them it's a 56TXi, they're the same except for the i.link I/O.

Gotta tell ya though, I miss the blue fluorescent display on the 9300TX. It really stood out. Make the amber on the 56TXi look kind of boring.

Yeah that will probably be my best bet. Thanks for responding so quickly. You know, I had the 1015 before this one, and the main thing that I miss from that is the blue LED light on the power button. I don't know why, but I just thought it looked cooler. I had to unfortunately replace that one as soon as my friend spilled a beer on it and it shot a ball of electricity out of the top. Oh well, RIP. I've moved on to bigger (literally) and better things.

-Swaz

[Thunder18]

Yikes! :eek: I can identify with you though. A lightning strike went through my cable box which sent it to my 9300TX via a conspicuously burned through s-video cable. My receiver shared this over-abundance of naturally occuring electricity with my TV, vcr-dvd player, Playstation2 and powered sub. Presumably, the same surge got my other vcr and cable modem in the next room over.

Regarding your usb problem though, I'm still curious as to what is causing it. Are you using XP service pack 2? I really did not have to load or manually install any drivers myself the first time I connected a computer to either of my receivers. In fact, the only software I ever had to install was the advanced MCACC software that you get when you register the unit with Pioneer(they will e-mail you a link to where you can download the software). Keep us updated if Pioneer is able to fix the problem. Maybe have a friend with a laptop bring it over to see if it will play music from theirs. You really shouldn't have to do anything other than connect it to the usb port on their laptop. If that doesn't work, i'd be inclined to believe that there is something wrong with either USB cable(cheap fix for that) or the usb connector on the receiver.

[TheSwaz]

yeah thats a good idea too. I am using XP SP2 currently, but have Fedora 6 on another partition....maybe I should try that. I still haven't had an opportunity to call them, so that will probably have to wait until next week sometime. In the meantime, I'm going to try with a different USB cable, in a different USB socket, and see if that does the trick. If not, I'll try to see if my friends laptop works with it.

Was using the advanced MCACC software really worth it to you, or was there only a negligible difference after fine-tuning it all?

[Thunder18]

To tell you the truth, I haven't even tried the software yet. I loaded it to my computer, but I couldn't be bothered to get a serial to usb cable to actually get the data I need from the receiver.

[mmdoctor]

Thunder18....not sure if anyone will see this post since the last one was over a year ago on this thread, but I'm interested in asking some detailed questions about your previous 9300tx (I read your posting about it getting fried by lightening). Anyway, I currently have the 1015tx (bought it used off Flea-Bay) but wondering if its worth upgrading to the 9300tx (can buy one new)? Is there a way we can hi-jack this thread to another place (or maybe we could correspond via e-mail)? Thanks in advance for your help. From your posts, you are very knowledgable about this receiver.

[Thunder18]

I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about it. I traded up from a VSX-912 to the VSX-9300TX so there was a huge difference in power between those two.

[mmdoctor]

I guess the biggest question I have is whether the 9300 has a USB input in the back? Have heard mixed reports and the few pictures I have been able to find on the internet are not zoomed in enough of the back to really see. It's supposed to be in the lower left corner correct? Also wondering if you might know where I could get a copy of the manual (that would answer pretty much every question I would have)? Tried finding a place to download it on the web, but no luck.

[Thunder18]

I guess the biggest question I have is whether the 9300 has a USB input in the back? Have heard mixed reports and the few pictures I have been able to find on the internet are not zoomed in enough of the back to really see. It's supposed to be in the lower left corner correct? Also wondering if you might know where I could get a copy of the manual (that would answer pretty much every question I would have)? Tried finding a place to download it on the web, but no luck.

Yes, it is a usb-b input located on the lower left corner(when looking at the back of the receiver). As for the manual, you're better off downloading the VSX-56TXi's manual because it's the same manual save for the parts about iLink which is the only feature the 9300TX doesn't share with the 56TXi. In fact, I don't think Pioneer ever even put the 9300TX on their website. I had purchased mine from BestBuy.com(it wasn't available in store) and had to have Pioneer send me material on it because the only stuff I could find was on Best Buy's website. Apparently it was kind of a custom model made to Best Buy could sell something in the higher mid-range level(this was before they had Magnolia's in Best Buys so they weren't Pioneer Elite authorized retailers at the time).

[morgandogge]

Thanks for keeping this thread going, Thunder18.

I recently acquired a VS-9300TX from Craigslist for dirt cheap. With the exception of HDMI, I am truly enjoying it so much that I am studying its full features using the downloade 56TX owners manual.

One thing I am perplexed about is how to get the default settings for surround sound. In other words , how can you make the 9300 keep the settings of a DVD movie that was originally created in Dolby Digital 5.1 or in DTS. I normally go to the DVD's audio settings and choose my sound options. Somehow, when I do that, the 9300 shows a different surround sound setting on the receiver display.

Besides that, I am very happy. I love the feel of the remote, not flimsy at all compared to the others.

Hey, let's talk some more!

[Thunder18]

Thanks for keeping this thread going, Thunder18.

I recently acquired a VS-9300TX from Craigslist for dirt cheap. With the exception of HDMI, I am truly enjoying it so much that I am studying its full features using the downloade 56TX owners manual.

One thing I am perplexed about is how to get the default settings for surround sound. In other words , how can you make the 9300 keep the settings of a DVD movie that was originally created in Dolby Digital 5.1 or in DTS. I normally go to the DVD's audio settings and choose my sound options. Somehow, when I do that, the 9300 shows a different surround sound setting on the receiver display.

Besides that, I am very happy. I love the feel of the remote, not flimsy at all compared to the others.

Hey, let's talk some more!

Once you've selected the setting you want in the dvd's menu, select 'movie' mode at the bottom of the remote and use the left/right arrows to select the Dolby Digital or the pro-logic sound mode and press enter. Whenever you play a dvd from then on, it should change to DD as soon as that part of the dvd starts playing. I believe mine also auto switched to DTS when I select DTS tracks so that should take care of it. If you are using any of the other sound fields on the receiver then I don't believe it will default back to DD or DTS. Let me know if that works. Oh, if you're using a 7.1 speaker set, then it will show Dolby Digital EX or DTS ES when playing the core tracks of thos particular sound codecs.

I too love that remote. I had the remote that came with the later remotes. I have big hands and the remote has lots of big buttons on it! Plus, the 2 line LCD display is just cool. I use the rename function to actually put the model name of my equipment in it which is kind of superfluous since I have a Logitech harmony, but it's cool anyway.

[morgandogge]

Thanks, that worked!

You're right, if you select one of the receiver's sound fields, it does not revert back to the what you just selected on the dvd movie's audio setting. You would have to manually revert back using the remote control or the receiver buttons.

I have a 5.1 setup. I am fine with it because the room volume is not great - 12 ft (W) x 18 (L) x 8 (H).

I am pretty amazed at you on how are able to keep this thread going for so long. Thanks again.

P.S. I am currently setting up my components to the 9300's remote control. So far, I have just been successful with the Toshiba SD-2200 dvd player controls.

Here is my setup:
Panasonic TH-50PH10UK (Display Only Plasma)
Pioneer VSX-9300TX
Motorola Comcast DVR cable box
Front speakers - Energy Veritas 2.2
Center - Energy Veritas 2.0C
Surrounds - Home Theater Direct 6-inch in-ceilings
Subwoofer - Energy Micro Star 12.1
Toshiba SD-2200 DVD player
Harmony One remote

[Thunder18]

Glad to hear it worked out. I wish we could get an updated list of remote codes. I wonder if the remote codes in the manuals from the later receivers would work??? I may have to try that at some point.