Denon AVR 2807 or Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS??

[ALSOBOB]

Hey all
If you could please provide your input, I'd really appreciate it.
Last week I bought a Denon AVR 2807, haven't hooked it up yet, recarpeting my theater room. I have heard great things about the Denon and even tried it out at the local Best Buy/Magnolia store, very impressed.. When I bought the Denon I was torn between that unit and the Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS. From what I heard at the Best Buy/Magnolia room, they're pretty equal just that the Pioneer has an additional HDMI input, THX Select II processing and comes with the Ipod video cables. It's also about $150 more than the Denon. Also, on a purely aesthetic level, it looks better. I like the high gloss black finish and way the front panel looks. But I bought the Denon because I've used other Denon's in the past and have had great success with it.

Basically I think I want the Pioneer because it seems to offer more and looks better. However, I don't want to risk it. I guess I just want some assurance that the Pioneer is a high quality receiver. Everywhere I read, Yamaha and Denon are the 2 most referenced receiver brands, don't hear much often from Pioneer. The Denon is from what I've heard and read a great unit. Does anyone know if the Pioneer would be just as good, if not better? I know that in the past, they weren't that reliable but I've heard good things about them since then. Since it costs about $1,200 I don't want to regret buying it 2 or 3 years from now.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[billy p]

At this point in the game I wouldn't spend that money for either avr. Hdmi has to many issues and untill I'm certain of support from cable company and hdmi 1.3 works flawless NO THANKS.(IMO)

Oh and welcome to the forum!

 

[sholling]

If you don't mind shopping online you can get a Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi for around $950. You may not get a factory warranty so it's a crap shoot. But I have never had a problem with a Pioneer product, and haven't needed any good brand of receiver serviced since I had the volume pot cleaned on my mid 1970s Sansui 9090DB in about 1983.

 

[Xsound]

I have the VSX-54tx, & I love it. The 2807 is a great piece, unfortunately I think Denon may have shot themselves in the foot with the 2807 being so close to the 3806.

I believe you would enjoy either one. If there are small things that you like aobut the Pioneer, then by all means go for it. I would definitely by another elite. Plenty of power, great features, and as cheesy as it sounds, they do look awesome. (Unfortunately, my wife requires as many electronics as possible be completely hidden from sight.)

Still, if you have been pleased with Denon in the past, why switch?

 

[ALSOBOB]

Hi and thank you for the quick reply and the welcome!

Truth be told, the only reasons I'm thinking of getting the Pioneer are the THX certification (is it even THAT important?) and the way the receiver looks... I like the amber hue in comparison to the frosted blue of the denon receiver. I know, it does sound cheesy but I know my wife would want it to look good in addition to sounding good too.

So if I can be reasonably assured that the Pioneer will be as dependable and perform as well as the Denon 2807, which you guys have given me, I'd probably get the Pioneer.

Heh, additionally, I'm also mulling over the option of returning the 2807 and getting something less powerful like the new Yamaha 600 receiver. I know it's a completely different ballgame but the practical side of me tells me to get that and just sit tight for a year or so until the new digital formats are available on these higher end receivers. Decisions, decisions...

 

[Xsound]

I do not think the format stuff will be settled (maybe not even close to settled) in the next year. Think of the receiver you are buying now as the heart of your bedroom system in 3 years. By then, the formats will be a little more settled. Of course some new technology will start screwing things up then. but hey, you get a great receiver for your awesome theater system now and the future bedroom system, with the ability to scratch the upgrade itch for your main sytem down the road.

if you do decide to go the less expensive route, look at the Pioneer VSX-1016. It has THX certification (which really isn't all that important), & some basic HDMI functionality.

 

[Soulfreak28]

The Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS is THX Select 2 certified. It will deliver optimal quality audio and video in a small and medium sized home theater. THX Select 2 covers a 2,000 square foot space. It will also process 5.1 surround to a staggering 7.1 channel setup. Two Back Speakers are required for this setup and just in case your wondering, you won't require a THX Certified DVD Player. On any note, Congrats on your new purchase!

 

[Bluesmoke]

I have the VSX-54tx, & I love it. The 2807 is a great piece, unfortunately I think Denon may have shot themselves in the foot with the 2807 being so close to the 3806.

If anything, Denon made the mistake of making the 2807 look like the 3806. No question, the 3806 sounds better, with more clarity, depth and sheer sound presence. I heard them both side by side.

 

[ALSOBOB]

Ok I think I made up my mind. I'm gonna get the Pioneer Elite VSX 82. In the end the aesthetic aspect is playing a major roll in my mind...I just called the local Best Buy and they're willing to exchange it out for me. The 0% financing for $36 months makes this all a lot easier.. that's really the only reason why I'm buying this stuff retail. That and I wanna make sure the warranty is available should I need it.

My wife is still tinkering with the carpeting and all that jazz but once she's done with that, I'll wire everything and let you guys know how happy (or unhappy) I am with it. Thanks so much for all your advice.

FYI if anyone is looking for Boston Acoustic speakers, head over to your Best Buy/Magnolia store. For some reason, Magnolia is no longer carrying Boston Acoustics so they're liquidating their inventory. You can pick up some really nice speakers for cheaper than they'd be available online and they come with the full warranties!

 

[bnewt]

I too faced that same decision a few years ago. I thought the Pioneer elite looked better and sounded better. I wound up purchasing the Pioneer 45tx and have really enjoyed it. Great sound along with great looks. I paired mine with Paradigm speakers. I am running 7.1 setup.

 

[billy p]

Ahhh Pioneer make very good components!! There must be a reason why Denon is so highly regarded?? Or do some guys have a leg up on the others!!!

 

[edonsmith]

If you don't mind shopping online you can get a Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi for around $950. You may not get a factory warranty so it's a crap shoot. But I have never had a problem with a Pioneer product, and haven't needed any good brand of receiver serviced since I had the volume pot cleaned on my mid 1970s Sansui 9090DB in about 1983.

I did get an authorized deal to sell me one for under $1000. I had to mail order it but it is a great unit

Don

 

[mikeOU77]

PE vsx84txsi

I did get an authorized deal to sell me one for under $1000. I had to mail order it but it is a great unit

Don

Don,

Where did you buy the vsx84txsi for under 1,000 from?

Send me the link if you were happy with your experience there.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Warpdrv]

I got a great deal on the Pioneer 81, and after trying to figure it out....
New to Pioneer, and its simply amazing... the tweekablility is awe-inspiring...
I just bypassed the amp section for a Rotel 1095, and let the walls come crumbling down !!!!! Wooot