Sony STR-DA5200ES vs Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH

[myriad1973]

I've been doing some homework while looking into upgrading my A/V receiver, and I'm having trouble deciding which would be the better one to go with. Right now I'm leaning toward the Pioneer. Any input would be appreciated. Does anybody have any experience with these models?

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1585200ESB/Sony-ES-STR-DA5200ES.html?search=strda5200es&tp=179

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/VSX-91TXH

 

[bandphan]

What's your budget? The 91 has been disco for a full year now, are you looking new?

 

[myriad1973]

About $500 is my limit. The Sony is from 2006 and the Pioneer is from 2007. They both go for about $400 on Amazon, which is awesome since they went for about $1000 2 year or 3 years ago. I'm not looking to go brand new because I don't have an HDTV yet ($$$ is also a factor), but both of these models would allow me some upgradability over what I have right now. My current receiver is from 2000.

 

[bandphan]

About $500 is my limit. The Sony is from 2006 and the Pioneer is from 2007. They both go for about $400 on Amazon, which is awesome since they went for about $1000 2 year or 3 years ago. I'm not looking to go brand new because I don't have an HDTV yet ($$$ is also a factor), but both of these models would allow me some upgradability over what I have right now. My current receiver is from 2000.

I would take the pioneer over the sony pretty much any day You might want to look at the Denon 1910 also, its just a hair over 500.

 

[Highbar]

Of those 2 I'd go Pioneer without looking back. I had an old Sony Non ES but it just didn't perform. The ES's were supposed to be better but I haven't heard one. Pioneer has been stable for years.

Or like bandphan said up your budget a $100 or so and look middle of the pack now which will probably have the same features as those two anyway and will be new.

 

[myriad1973]

I would take the pioneer over the sony pretty much any day You might want to look at the Denon 1910 also, its just a hair over 500.

The reason I'm going with a model that's a couple of years old is because of the manufacturers basically ditching s-video, and also because I'll get more for my money too, kinda like buying a newer used car. That Denon would probably do, but there's not enough inputs for my needs, and no s-video inputs.

When I was reading reviews of both models on CNET, they say the Sony does have better video upconversion than the Pioneer. One question I have is, can I still output multiple sources (i.e. using multiple cables to my TV) to avoid this problem (for when I go to HDTV)?

 

[myriad1973]

Does anybody have any input? Can I avoid the jagged video upconversion (neither the Sony nor the Pioneer are very good at this) by connecting the analog and digital sources separately (i.e. component, s-video, hdmi)? Also, how necessary would it be to have HDMI 1.3 over 1.2? Is deep color support for Blu-Ray that big of a deal?

 

[jamie2112]

Pioneer 110% over the Sony any day..............

 

[myriad1973]

Yes, I hear ya, but that doesn't answer my questions. lol

 

[jamie2112]

Yes, I hear ya, but that doesn't answer my questions. lol

Sorry buddy I wish I had an answer for ya but video ain't my bag baby.(best Austin Powers voice) I don't believe anything Sony says about anything other than the PS3 and even then uummmm not so much.....Pioneer however has put out some great stuff in the last few years so I am much more inclined to go with them ........JMO of couse

 

[PENG]

When I was reading reviews of both models on CNET, they say the Sony does have better video upconversion than the Pioneer. One question I have is, can I still output multiple sources (i.e. using multiple cables to my TV) to avoid this problem (for when I go to HDTV)?

Yes you can still do it. For your speakers, either reciever will be good enough. Since you seem to care (I don't) about upconversion/upscaling capabilities, if you want to be ready when you upgrade to a LCD/Plasma HDTV then you may want to consider the Onkyo 876 for its superior video upconversion/upscaling capabilities.

 

[bandphan]

Does anybody have any input? Can I avoid the jagged video upconversion (neither the Sony nor the Pioneer are very good at this) by connecting the analog and digital sources separately (i.e. component, s-video, hdmi)? Also, how necessary would it be to have HDMI 1.3 over 1.2? Is deep color support for Blu-Ray that big of a deal?

What display are you going to be using? I do not see a HDTV in your sig

 

[Seth=L]

I would get something that at least has HDMI w/audio support, if you want to future proof yourself a little bit. Take a look at some of last years offerings such as the Yamaha RX-V863/663 and Onkyo's TX-SR805/705. The TX-SR805 has more power than the Pioneer, more connectivity, and all the HDMI stuff you could want for around $500 street prices.

 

[myriad1973]

Right now I have a tube, but I'll be going to a plasma or LCD next year.

I know it seems silly that I'll only choose between these two receivers, but the reason is the more recent offerings from these two companies do not have any s-video inputs. Also, I'm not worried about HDMI audio too much because I already use coax or optical for my digital connections, and for multi-channel (SACD) I'm using analog.

 

[bandphan]

As for video processing I'd recommend not worrying about it to much know as the display you get should do a good job.

 

[myriad1973]

As for video processing I'd recommend not worrying about it to much know as the display you get should do a good job.

So you're saying HDTV's are capable of upconverting?


Btw Seth, that Onkyo 805 looks like a possibility. I like the inputs. Although I've never owned an Onkyo before. The power is little more than I was wanting, but not by much. I just don't want to blow the speakers.

 

[bandphan]

So you're saying HDTV's are capable of upconverting?


Btw Seth, that Onkyo 805 looks like a possibility. I like the inputs. Although I've never owned an Onkyo before. The power is little more than I was wanting, but not by much. I just don't want to blow the speakers.

Whatever the signal a display is feed, it has to be scaled/de-interlaced to match the displays native resolution. If your concerned about video qualties, purchase a good reference display or a standalone scaler(which id shoot for the display). The quality of you output is also directly releated to the quality of the input.

 

[myriad1973]

Thanks again for the recommendation Seth. After reading the features and reviews on the Onkyo, it looks like a tasty receiver. Although the cheapest I can find it is used on Amazon for $750.