Pioneer VSX-94TXH 7.1 A/V Receiver with HDMI 1.3a

[admin]

The last Pioneer receiver review I personally did was in 2005 on an entry-level product (the VSX-815) which struck me as a good balance between available features and power. It will seem pretty obvious when I say that this flagship Elite AV receiver product trumps my last experience by quite a bit. It also, however brings a certain amount of expectation. Being a top of the line model, the VSX-94TXH has a lot of competition and is going to need to distance itself in some areas before being crowned the leader in any particular department.


Discuss "Pioneer VSX-94TXH 7.1 A/V Receiver with HDMI 1.3a" here. Read the article.

[Seth=L]

Finally, been waiting for this review. I can appreciate that Techno lovers would like a 5th HDMI input, but what does HDMI have to do with music?

Originally Posted by review

Editorial Note on Audioholics Power Measurements
Keep in mind most review publications don’t do continuous power measurements and they usually publish power measurements into clipping at 1% THD + N. Our measurements are very conservative and it is clear that the 110wpc power rating of this receiver is greatly understated as Marantz is delivering MUCH more than specified.

*140 watts, one or two errors in a review that long isn't unexpected.

[gene]

*140 watts, one or two errors in a review that long isn't unexpected.

That was a carry over from the Marantz review. I fixed it. thx.

[tn001d]

I noticed you had "Realta" listed for video chip on 4308 in the comparison chart.

[tn001d]

I actually wouldnt compare this receiver to some of the others on the chart. Street prices on this reciever can be seen for $1200, and thats from authorized dealer. I know there were some powerbuys out there that had for even less.

Taking the lower cost, i would like to know how it would compare to the Denon 3808. I imagine the 3808 would have similar amplifier ratings as the 4308. Not sure though.

[ned]

Originally Posted by tn001d

I noticed you had "Realta" listed for video chip on 4308 in the comparison chart.

I was just going to ask.

[QuidProSchmoe]

Originally Posted by Seth=L

*140 watts, one or two errors in a review that long isn't unexpected.

I noticed a couple of minor errors:

1. In the comparison table at the beginning of the review, it indicates that the Marantz 8002 doesn't have THX certification. It does; THX Select 2;

2. On the second to last page where output is discussed, a comparison is made to the Marantz 7002, and Marantz 7002 is said to be "similarly priced." Was that supposed to be the Marantz 8002? The 8002 is closer in price ($1,999) to the Pioneer than is the 7002 ($1,399).

This possible last error makes me wonder if the specs quoted are for the Marantz 7002 or the 8002? Also, is there a review of either the 8002 or the 7002 forthcoming?

Overall an excellent review. I appreciate that you spend the amount of time that you do on actual musical performance. That's what it's all about (well, that and the hokey pokey)

Thanks,

[EJ1]

Great review! I, too, had the exact same problem setting up my Cable DVR. It took me about 20 minutes just to figure out to switch it to "Digital." I also agree on the comments made about the remote and setup menu.

[fmw]

Good review. I also thought setup was a little fussy but I completed it in less than 45 minutes. Since I use a universal remote, I haven't used the supplied remote since I finished setup. I have yet to open the hinged panel on the front of the unit. The remote might well be fussy to use overall. It wasn't a problem to use for set up while following the manual.

[Hi Ho]

So you hated the remote and gave it 4/5 stars? I have setup a couple of those receivers and I'd give the remote a -5/5. The receiver is nice but I definetely prefer the usability and features of the Yamaha 3800. I find it very strange that companies like Pioneer still use an antiquated GUI like that.