Denon AVR3310CI or Pioneer VSX-1020-K

[Zoki]

I have recently started upgrading my Denon home theater in a box setup. I currently have:

Receiver: (Looking for advice via this thread) currently the one that came
with the HT in a box - Denon AVR589 - 75 watts/channel
Center: Polk Audio CS1
Fronts: Polk Audio RM8's
Surround: MCS 90 that came with the setup (will upgrade)
Subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW505

To sum it up, I want to upgrade my receiver and I'm contemplating between the Denon AVR3310CI which I can get for $650 refurb here:

ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Denon/AVR3310CI/53205659.aspx?navid=155438257

Or the newly announced Pioneer VSX-1020-K for $550 here:
amazon.com/dp/B0039XQQX0?tag=thepartim-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0039XQQX0&adid=0SR3G685D0V6EZWFN9FQ&

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Zoki]

Since nobody is answering, what would you buy?

 

[tonedeaf]

(you need minimum 5 posts to provide a link)
To help you decide, log on to the AV forum and link to batpigs posts.
He's the resident guru on Denon receivers.
I myself like the Denons.FWIW

 

[AVRat]

The Denon

 

[sholling]

I don't care for the non-Elite Pioneers. I've owned two and will never buy another. I find their power rating to be beyond optimistic. I'd buy the Denon or an Onkyo TS-SR607 or 707.

 

[m_vanmeter]

comparing a $1,000 Denon with a $600 Pioneer is not really fair.

You should be comparing the Denon 3310i with the Pioneer Elite VSX-23THX

 

[PENG]

The Denon seems like a great deal but the 90 days warranty is a little short. If you cannot buy an extended warranty, then I suggest you use it as much as you can within the 90 days. If it survives 90 days under heavy use then chances are good that it would last for years.

 

[Zoki]

comparing a $1,000 Denon with a $600 Pioneer is not really fair.

You should be comparing the Denon 3310i with the Pioneer Elite VSX-23THX

Well, I would but it's really about the price point. I'm on a budget, so it's either the refurb Denon with 2 year extended warranty or the new pioneer.

Sound like I'm going with the Denon

 

[Zoki]

The Denon seems like a great deal but the 90 days warranty is a little short. If you cannot buy an extended warranty, then I suggest you use it as much as you can within the 90 days. If it survives 90 days under heavy use then chances are good that it would last for years.

I've decided to go with the Denon, went to a local Best Buy and had a chance to take a look and hear it.

I will end up buying the extended 2 year warranty.

Thanks you all for the help.