Finally a budget decision, thoughts?

[flytact]

Finally a budget decision, VSX-918, thoughts?

OK, after way to much reading and way to many diversions, I believe I'm going to pull the trigger. I realize that this is a basic system, but still a big purchase nowadays.
I'm about 90% sure that I'll go for the Pioneer 918 for the reasons below:
-Sub $250 price, very important
-Only running up convert DVD and cable box, no gaming in future and no HD-DVD in near future.
-iPod usb connection, won't have to buy a dock
-2nd zone speakers, not independent, but with prior system a DVD was run through the TV while music on porch
-nothing fancy speakers, 8 yr old JBL surround package

That all being said I've still go that 10% hankering for the Marantz 4002. The only real differences I can see are # of HDMI inputs and the iPod connection.

Go with the 918 and just get it over with?

Cheers

 

[PENG]

If you can really get the Marantz for 10% more I suggest you bite the bullet. It is 7.1 and has better specifications.

 

[flytact]

The Marantz isn't 10% more, just have a 10% hankering to get it instead of the 918. Sorry for the confusion.
Don't need 7.1 as the future only has 5.1 for the next 8-10 years.

 

[mperfct]

If you were considering spending extra money on the Marantz, I'd strongly consider spending the money on upgrading either your sub or your front three speakers. You'll see a lot more ROI on that expenditure than the incremental upgrade that would be gained by going to the Marantz.

 

[TimPFla]

Question??

OK, after way to much reading and way to many diversions, I believe I'm going to pull the trigger. I realize that this is a basic system, but still a big purchase nowadays.
I'm about 90% sure that I'll go for the Pioneer 918 for the reasons below:
-Sub $250 price, very important
-Only running up convert DVD and cable box, no gaming in future and no HD-DVD in near future.
-iPod usb connection, won't have to buy a dock
-2nd zone speakers, not independent, but with prior system a DVD was run through the TV while music on porch
-nothing fancy speakers, 8 yr old JBL surround package

That all being said I've still go that 10% hankering for the Marantz 4002. The only real differences I can see are # of HDMI inputs and the iPod connection.

Go with the 918 and just get it over with?

Cheers

It's all up to you. I had a Onkyo 304 receiver and just recently upgraded to the Pioneer VSX918...For me I am thrilled at my purchase. I bought mine by Price match at Best buy for 238...They matched wal mart online price. This receiver gave me the loudness upgrade that I wanted because I like to listen loud. Plus it looks sexy with the blue lights on and piano black finish. I have The Speaker Company LCR2 fronts, Sony SAw2500 sub, and Onkyo Surrounds. This receiver outputs clean sound and it is plenty loud. The Effects for me are top notch. But with that said I wanted a loudness upgrade and my sub outs on the onkyo were broken. If I want the HD sound later, This Pio will do it "IF" your blu Ray player decodes the sound.. Like a Ps3 "Still one of the better Blu Ray players on the market"...Got to Hometheatremag.com and see reviews... If you are happy with decent surround sound and be content with having a decent sounding system, Then get This receiver. If you are getting something just to have it now and upgrade to high end down the road, Then Wait and save your money. From what I see if you can wait, one of the better deals is Accessories4less.com Onkyo 606 refurb for 299..But they are hard to get and you have to be at the right place at the right time...

 

[PENG]

The Marantz isn't 10% more, just have a 10% hankering to get it instead of the 918. Sorry for the confusion.
Don't need 7.1 as the future only has 5.1 for the next 8-10 years.

Sorry I read too fast! In that case you really should get the Marantz because that sort of 10% has room to grow.

 

[flytact]

For those out there that have the 918, have you hooked up a flash drive or a hard drive via the usb and played music?

 

[sholling]

A little off the subject eCost has the refurbished Onkyo TX-SR606 on sale for $252 plus shipping. I think that's a better option than the Pioneer. Now eCost has a so-so reputation but it might be worth the potential aggravation. In my opinion it's a better long term investment.

 

[bandphan]

For those out there that have the 918, have you hooked up a flash drive or a hard drive via the usb and played music?

Gui is the main draw back with these units. Their Elite line that has ethernet connect and its has on screen GUI and its still a little buggy. Id look to other solutions to digital stored media.

 

[flytact]

Thanks for the replies. As for the 606, I believe it's already OOS. Also, I'm really not keen on having to buy an ipod dock and something to read music off a hard drive. I think if I was to upgrade, I would wait a month or so and stay in the Pio family.
Bandphan, is the GUI just an issue, or does it simply not work at all without something to "drive" the music to the receiver?

cheers

 

[flytact]

UPDATE: OK, looks like I could buy a cheap ipod dock with a line out and some extra cable to meet my needs. Just no fancy OSD.
This is killing me as the usb connectivity of the 918 was what got me to finally make my decision.

Can you sense the frustration?

 

[mperfct]

UPDATE: OK, looks like I could buy a cheap ipod dock with a line out and some extra cable to meet my needs. Just no fancy OSD.
This is killing me as the usb connectivity of the 918 was what got me to finally make my decision.

Can you sense the frustration?

Welcome to our world.

 

[jcilforever]

UPDATE: OK, looks like I could buy a cheap ipod dock with a line out and some extra cable to meet my needs. Just no fancy OSD.
This is killing me as the usb connectivity of the 918 was what got me to finally make my decision.

Can you sense the frustration?

It is not a big deal the menu works like windows select and click, that simple, but looks like DOS.

 

[flytact]

It is not a big deal the menu works like windows select and click, that simple, but looks like DOS.

The menu you describe above is for a hard drive or for the ipod?

Thanks

I'm back to thinking I'll get the 918.

 

[flytact]

OK, the 918 jumped in price so I was leaning towards the 4002 and went to get it and the Onkyo 606 was available for $299 at a4l so I pulled the trigger.

Now the proud owner of more than I wanted, but hey, you only live once

Thanks to all who replied.