Alternatives to Pioneer vsx-1015tx

[WorkerAnt]

I recently posted in the loadspeaker forum concerning a low-end audio system (i.e. under $1700 or so). http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13409
The recommendation from most was to buy the Acoustech series speakers which I did. In fact I got a 7.1 system and it should arrive on Monday. Because I ordered on Labor Day, I got an incredible deal.

Here's the problem. I cannot get the Pioneer vsx-1015tx anywhere. Everyone, save Best Buy, is sold out. I'd like to get this setup on Monday cause I know I'm going to go crazy with speakers littering my media/living room and no receiver! So, I can (1) buy the 1015 at Best Buy (with warrantee - note that Pioneer does not honor warrantees for online purchases) for $500 after taxes, (2) wait two weeks and get it for $400, or (3) buy a different reciever...

Thoughts? I want a receiver that is really easy to use, has an option for two zones (one speaker on second zone) and will at least my my audiophile friends think that they may have spent too much on their high end systems.

Too much to ask?

 

[Thunder18]

Incorrect regarding internet purchases

Here is a link to a list of Pioneer AUTHORIZED internet retailers. Best Buy is one as are several others. Vanns.com and JR.com come to mind as reputable online retailers. Anyway, here is the link again:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/two/0,,2076_4121_73813286,00.html

 

[T2T]

You should be able to locate a refurbished Onkyo 702 for about $400 + shipping. It would be a great performer with the Acoustech speakers.

 

[malvado78]

I believe BB price matches. Try tellin them you found it cheaper on an online retailer and see if they will give it to you for the same price.

 

[brian32672]

Get the Yamaha HTR-5790 at Vanns for 449.88 free shipping. Here is a link, you will want a receiver that has seperate eq for each channel. I'm not sure on the Onkyo 702.

Yamaha 5790
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/accessories/538799290

EDIT:: BTW, its a THX receiver and IMO it may be better than the 1015tx..
Also it has 9 speaker outs, you could still keep your 7.1 for your HT room, and use the 2 presence speakers on zone 2 for your patio. Here are the specs.....


The HTR-5790 delivers powerful 110 Watt x 7 channel sound. Discrete 7-channel amplification delivers high quality sound and YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) measures your room and automatically equalizes for the best sound.

Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6 and DTS 96/24

110 Watts x 7 (8 ohms, 20Hz - 20kHz)
HDTV Compatible Component Video Out (60MHz)
Digital Inputs (5 Optical/3 Coax) and 2 Optical Outputs
6-Channel Input
7 Video Inputs, 2 Outputs, 4 Audio Inputs, 2 Outputs, Front Digital Inputs
Quad-Field Cinema DSP, Virtual Cinema DSP
27 Surround Programs (47 Variations) with Silent Cinema
Learning LCD Remote Control
High Current Amplification
Direct Stereo Mode
Direct ToP-ART
Audio Delay for Adjusting Lip-Sync
New 32-Bit Yamaha LSI for Cinema DSP
THX Select Processing
Night Listening Mode
YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer)
192kHz/24-Bit Digital-to-Analog Converters
Accurate Touch Volume Control
Component Video Up Conversion of S-Video/Composite Signals
9-Channel Speaker Output (Presence Speaker or Zone 2 Selection)
Pre-Outs for All Channels Including Subwoofer
Multi Sourced Zone 2 and Zone 3 Audio Outputs
Assignable + 12V Trigger Output
Main/Zone 2/Zone 3 Independent Power Control Command
IR Port
Extended IR Code Compatibility
40-Station AM/FM Preset Tuning
Speaker A/B and A+B Selection with Zone B Function
34.2 lbs.
17 1/8" x 6 3/4" x 17 1/16"
Yamaha HTR5790 Warranty Details
2 Years Parts and Labor

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Go with that Yamaha. Nice recommendation Brian. It's got lots of guts, and some say even better bass output. Great price.

 

[WorkerAnt]

Receiver-challenged

I'm sure that is a great suggestion! Thanks. The problem is that I really don't know anything about the common differences between Pioneer, Onkyo, Yamaha, Harmon Kardon, etc, etc.. I guess I'm a bit receiver-challenged. Anyone know of a good source to compare the products of these companies? I.e. Somewhere that answers questions like: (1) What brand of recievers have the best user interface, (2) What brand has the least number of warrantee issues, etc, etc...

This type if information might help me make my final decision easier, but most of the reviews on audioholics (specifically the comparisons) are for high end receivers.

Thanks!

 

[ericb]

location

where are you located? there is a dealer here that has the 1015tx. I can get the price down there pretty good and u pay for for shipping from Ottawa canada with the savings. It is a good unit. Im sure all suggestions made are as well however if yuo really liked the pioneer it is a good receiver for the money and comes with 3 year warranty. I just did this same thing with someone else out of town for that exact receiver. email me if interested. ericb@10count.ca

 

[WorkerAnt]

Yamaha HTR-5860

I ended up buying the 5860 since it looks like its newer than the 7 series. Hopefully I made a good purchase. Best Buy matched my my online source.

Please tell me I made a good purchase. Thanks for the advice.

ericb, I'm in Austin, TX.

 

[WorkerAnt]

Pioneer versus Yamaha

I can always take it back

I'd rather get the Pioneer 1015 than the previous generation of Yamaha.. I think I'm going to order that instead. Best Buy has a good return policy.

 

[brian32672]

Sorry to say, but the 5790 IMO is a much better unit. Man look at the weight difference. Whoah that should say it all.

The HTR-5860 delivers powerful 110 Watt x 7 (770 Watts!) channel sound.

Weight: 27.8 lbs.

Dimensions: 17.13" W x 6.75" H x 16.56" D

And the 5790 is 40.00 cheaper..............
Wheres Buck when you need him...

Yamaha HTR5790
34.2 lbs.
17 1/8" x 6 3/4" x 17 1/16"

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Take that back . . . or better yet, pick up a 5790 on your charge and compare them side by side. You can unload that 5790 for a profit if it doesn't impress you. The 5860 cannot compare to the 5790 (or even Pio 1015). Just my .02 here. I totally agree with Brian.

 

[wilkenboy]

The Yamaha looks like a sweet deal, then I count component video inputs: 2. Deal killer for me. My needs:

DVD player - component
Gaming console - component
OTA HD tuner - component

I count 3.

Looks like the Pioneer 1015 with 3 component inputs, wins.

~Josh

 

[wilkenboy]

... unless there is a Yamaha in the same price range that has 3 component ins that I don't know about?

~Josh

 

[Votrax]

I can always take it back

I'd rather get the Pioneer 1015 than the previous generation of Yamaha.. I think I'm going to order that instead. Best Buy has a good return policy.

If you decide to take it back go to A&B TV in Austin as they have pretty good deals on Elite receivers if you really want a Pioneer.

 

[Blundaar]

I can always take it back

I'd rather get the Pioneer 1015 than the previous generation of Yamaha.. I think I'm going to order that instead. Best Buy has a good return policy.

Plus, you can buy a 4-year extended warranty for CHEAP if you so desire. My movie-to-music ratio percentage is, like, 90/10 so, for me, the 1015tx was a perfect fit.

 

[WorkerAnt]

Got the 1015

I took the Yamaha back and got the Pioneer. I didn't know that Best Buy would deal with you. I got it or $50 off (i.e. $425).