Please help Yamaha RX-V661 or Pioneer VSX 1017TXV-K

[Luciano]

Hello, I'm new here and putting together my first set up. I don't have anything fancy and I'll probably just use me system with a 720p DLP projector and an upconverting DVD player.

I have the Klipsch Reference RF-10 speakers wich are their entry set at 75W fronts, 75W center, 50W rear and a 200W sub.
I'm between Yamaha RX-V661 or Pioneer VSX 1017TXV-K and will definetly go with one of the 2 and nothing else.
Is the Pioneer better with the fancier specs like THX Select2 certification and 110W per channel as opposed to 90W that the Yamaha puts out?
I'm leaning towards Pioneer as I've read that it has great movie sorround modes but the Yamaha seems to be so well regarded for receivers in this price range.Please throw in your 2 cents. Thanks

 

[Seth=L]

The reason the Yamaha is more popular is because the Pioneer VSX-1017 doesn't have audio or video processing over HDMI, which is incredibly foolish, IMO, to not have this feature included after running the last line the exact same way (HDMI switching, but no audio video processing).

The Yamaha can process high resolution 5.1 LPCM from a HD DVD or Blu-ray player. The power ratings between the two receivers is pretty neglegible as the wattage differences are only going to make or break about 2 dB and the Klipsch are pretty efficient and even loaded as far as Klipsch go.

Both of these receivers have preouts to facilitate a seperate power amplifier if more power is needed, both receivers offer auto calibration features, and both receivers have multizone capability. The THX certification doesn't mean a whole lot.

 

[Bluesmoke]

The THX certification doesn't mean a whole lot.

In fact, in most cases, the THX modes will roll off treble at reasonable levels. IMO, the only time THX modes are handy are in reference levels.

 

[Seth=L]

In fact, in most cases, the THX modes will roll off treble at reasonable levels. IMO, the only time THX modes are handy are in reference levels.

I consider it miniscule feature, I have never used it.

 

[Luciano]

The reason the Yamaha is more popular is because the Pioneer VSX-1017 doesn't have audio or video processing over HDMI, which is incredibly foolish, IMO, to not have this feature included after running the last line the exact same way (HDMI switching, but no audio video processing).

The Yamaha can process high resolution 5.1 LPCM from a HD DVD or Blu-ray player. The power ratings between the two receivers is pretty neglegible as the wattage differences are only going to make or break about 2 dB and the Klipsch are pretty efficient and even loaded as far as Klipsch go.

Both of these receivers have preouts to facilitate a seperate power amplifier if more power is needed, both receivers offer auto calibration features, and both receivers have multizone capability. The THX certification doesn't mean a whole lot.

Seth, I've limited knowledge in this area so I wanted to ask: doesn't the DVD player process all the video and audio over HDMI and send it to the TV/Projector? That's it and I'll stop your waisting time with my lack of info.
Thanks for your input everyone and Merry Christmas!

 

[Seth=L]

Seth, I've limited knowledge in this area so I wanted to ask: doesn't the DVD player process all the video and audio over HDMI and send it to the TV/Projector? That's it and I'll stop your waisting time with my lack of info.
Thanks for your input everyone and Merry Christmas!

The DVD player can, but that is just it. It sends the audio to the display only. Now if you are thinking of kicking the audio back out of the display using toslink or coaxial that will work, but those connections will not do high resolution multichannel surround from HD DVD or Blu-ray and also will not handle DVD-Audio or SACD. The receiver that has on board decoding for HDMI can do all of these things.

 

[gus6464]

Hello, I'm new here and putting together my first set up. I don't have anything fancy and I'll probably just use me system with a 720p DLP projector and an upconverting DVD player.

I have the Klipsch Reference RF-10 speakers wich are their entry set at 75W fronts, 75W center, 50W rear and a 200W sub.
I'm between Yamaha RX-V661 or Pioneer VSX 1017TXV-K and will definetly go with one of the 2 and nothing else.
Is the Pioneer better with the fancier specs like THX Select2 certification and 110W per channel as opposed to 90W that the Yamaha puts out?
I'm leaning towards Pioneer as I've read that it has great movie sorround modes but the Yamaha seems to be so well regarded for receivers in this price range.Please throw in your 2 cents. Thanks

I was in the same boat as you about a month ago but my receiver decision was between the RX-V661 and the Onkyo 605 as I wanted a receiver that could output the high def sound from my BD and HD DVD player. Honestly if you might be even thinking of getting a high def player I would ditch the Pioneer altogether and just go for the yammy or onkyo.

Reason I went for the yammy is because my old receiver was a yamaha and it was great. Also I have read at avs that the onkyo has some popping problems and build quality doesn't seem to be up the snuff.

 

[Seth=L]

The popping I understand, but it only does it when switching between things, not during playback from what I have heard. Also the sound quality should be the same. The Yamaha, while a great receiver, lacks some features that the Onkyo has. The Onkyo upconverts all video inputs to HDMI, for one simple connection to your display. It also has HDMI 1.3, and the Yamaha has HDMI 1.2. The Yamaha has preouts, to add amplification, which is a great feature if you upgrade your speakers.

 

[rnatalli]

I don't have much experience with the Pioneer myself, but the 661 is a great receiver for the money.