Denon 2105 vs. Pioneer VSX9100

[bman3]

Have looked pretty extensively at these for a HT receiver (50% theater/50% music) and would be very interested in some opinions between the Denon 2105 and Pioneer VSX9100? I also considered the Denon 2805 but am trying to stay within $400.

I can not find a ton of data on the Pioneer but did see some posts here that were helpful - everyone seems to think good bang for the buck.

Thoughts appreciated!

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Have looked pretty extensively at these for a HT receiver (50% theater/50% music) and would be very interested in some opinions between the Denon 2105 and Pioneer VSX9100? I also considered the Denon 2805 but am trying to stay within $400.

I can not find a ton of data on the Pioneer but did see some posts here that were helpful - everyone seems to think good bang for the buck.

Thoughts appreciated!

No comparison. Just check the weights of the two units. Pioneer all the way. In fact, 9100 over the 2805, too.

 

[bman3]

Thanks Buckeyefan - appreciate the definitive response - this stuff gets overwhelming!!

 

[bman3]

I see alot of posts on Pioneer - not sure what is being recommended between the 9100 and the 1015? Any thoughts?

 

[Blundaar]

The 1015 is slightly more powerful, has THX Select 2 processing, and has more video component outputs, I believe. All I know is that I like mine a lot.

 

[Takeereasy]

I don't think that the 1015 is more powerful at all. They skew the power rating to make it seem that way though (120w @ .2thd is a misleading figure). The 1015 does have 1 more component input though as well as THX select II while the 9100 does not. Here is where it gets confusing though. Depending on what you read the 9100 either weighs the same as the 1015 or 6lbs more. It either has advanced mcacc and dual Motorola chips or the same mcacc and the same dual precision Motorola chip as the 1015. Depending on who you ask the 9100 is either a knock off of the Pioneer elite 54 or a rebadged elite 52 just like the 1015. Two things I know for reasonable certaintity: The 9100 has a 2 yr. warranty VS. the 1015's 1 yr. and you can get a 9100 for $430 shipped from an authorized dealer by clicking here.

If I were looking for a receiver and lived in the States, I'd drop by my local Best Buy and do a lift test on the two. I would also have already ordered the 9100. In the worst case scenario you wind up with a powerful receiver that has enough options to shame most $1000 units for under $450 shipped with a full warranty.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

The 1015 is slightly more powerful, has THX Select 2 processing, and has more video component outputs, I believe. All I know is that I like mine a lot.

Both have one component output, but the 1015 has three component inputs, while the 9100 only has two. The 1015 has a 5 band graphic eq - not sure if the 9100 does or not. They are slightly different in size also.

1015TX
6-7/8"H x 16-5/8"W x 18-3/8"L
120x7 120x7 .2 thd (equivalent to 110x7 .09 thd)

9100TX
7-1/2"H x 16-5/8"W x 18-3/8"L
110x7 .09 thd

52TX Elite (They are all extremely similar)
6-13/16"H x 16 9/16"W x 18-5/16"L
110x7 .09 thd
2 component inputs
5 band graphic eq

Only the 1015TX is THX Select 2 certified. This doesn't mean it's more powerful (as Take states above). Both Select and Select 2 are meant for rooms up to 2000 sq.ft.

THX Select 2 Certification

Like the original THX Select specification, THX Select 2 encompasses a wide range of technologies that, together, deliver essential benefits to the discriminating home entertainment enthusiast. To be THX Select 2 certified, a home theater receiver must incorporate the following technologies and benefits:

Faithful sound reproduction

Re-equalization™ removes the edgy "brightness" of cinema sound, accurately adapting movie sound for home playback
Timbre Matching™ ensures a tonal match between front and surround speakers for smooth sound movement

Surround-sound spaciousness

Adaptive Decorrelation™ manages Mono Surround signals for a true stereo feel
Bass Management™ sends bass to subwoofers, delivering cinema-quality bass and allowing for smaller, easier-to-place speakers
Bass Peak Level Manager™ protects subwoofers from overload, ensuring trouble-free delivery of bass-heavy soundtracks

Optimum listening throughout the room

Loudspeaker Position Time Synchronization™ lets you set up your system for optimal "sweet-spot" listening anywhere in large or space-constrained rooms

Quick and easy setup

Guaranteed swift and seamless setup across all THX brands and components

Three content-specific performance modes
To further refine each specific type of entertainment experience, THX Select 2 provides three distinct modes to optimize performance based on source and content:

THX Select 2 Cinema Mode plays 5.1-channel movie soundtracks using all 8 (7.1) speakers, for a more immersive movie experience. THX Cinema Mode's ASA (Advanced Speaker Array) processing blends the side surround speakers and back-surround speakers, providing the optimal mix of ambient and directional surround sounds.

THX Music Mode optimizes the system's performance for the reproduction of multichannel music encoded in Dolby Digital and DTS 96/24 formats. In this mode, ASA processing is applied to the surround channels of 5.1-channel media, providing a wider, yet stable, rear soundstage.

New to the THX Select 2 certification, THX Games Mode optimizes reproduction of stereo and multichannel game audio. ASA processing is applied to the surround channels of all 5.1- and 2.0-channel sources (including analog, PCM, DTS and Dolby Digital encoding). The result is a fully enveloping 360-degree, 3-dimensional playback environment in which all sonic cues are accurately placed, and audio moves seamlessly and smoothly in all points of the surround field. THX Games Mode brings a whole new level of realism to your gaming experience.

 

[Blundaar]

Oops. I meant component video inputs- sorry. Thanks for the other clarifications, though. It can be as clear as mud, sometimes.

 

[rumble]

The 1015 is slightly more powerful, has THX Select 2 processing, and has more video component outputs, I believe. All I know is that I like mine a lot.

They both have the same amplifier so the power output is equal. If you want the second zone capability go with the 9100, otherwise I'd stick with the 1015.