Having trouble deciding between budget Pioneer receivers

[anamorphic96]

Wow, and with Dynamic EQ and Volume as well. Impressive. If it could only handle audio via hdmi, these would sell like hot cakes.

They do handle audio via HDMI and the HD fomrats. Look closer.

 

[DJ in TX]

Good info Anamorphic and Isiberian. I appreciate it. I don't pretend that I understand it all, but it is still helpful. I think I may have a mental block when it comes to learning the technical side of speakers and amps, etc. Given this mental block, I think i will definitely have to rely on you (and others) as my tech translators for this decision.

So here is where I stand now... I have decided on the Atoms (the mini monitors are out of my budget unfortunately), and so now I just need to find the right receiver. While I will definitely use these for all audio sources (tuner, TV, movies, DVD, XBox, and Wii, etc.), high quality stereo music reproduction is my main goal. I may go Bluray in a year, and I could see adding a sub and/or center channel for a true HT in 2-3 years, but for a good long while the front 2 channels will be all I need or want, and the wife is on board with this plan.

While I would love to be able to afford a "great" AVR, I just don't have the spousal approval or money to make that happen. So that leaves me with trying to find a "good" receiver (not great, but not merely average either) that is well rounded for both music and HT, and has upgradability for the future. 5.1 channels is plenty for my needs. If I had to pick a reciever that was either better at music, or home theater, then I would go in favor of music (maybe a 60%-40% split in favor of music).

My original budget for a AVR is $200. I would consider going up to $225 or maybe $250 if it would get me something a lot better. But if it is just marginally better, or has an extra feature or two, then it may not be worth the extra money. I definitely don't want to settle for less and then underpower these speakers, because it defeats the whole purpose. Mainly, I just don't want to end up regretting my purchase in six months.

Considering my budget and needs, should I eliminate the Pioneers (vsx-519 & 819) form contention? And just taking into account what I need, what is the best I can do for $200-$250? Onkyo? Denon? Pioneer? As I said, I don't expect to find a $1,000 AVR for $200, I just want to spend my money wisely, and find a receiver that pairs really well sonically with my Atoms.

I'm all ears~

 

[anamorphic96]

You really should up the budget to 350 for the receiver. But if can't then the Pioneer 819 is probably your best bet. Or the Onkyo 507 for 279 from Electronics Expo using the coupon receiver sale.

Make sure when you make your purchase you go with an authorized dealer or your warranty will not be valid. Check the manufactures websites for a list of authorized dealers. Buying online will probably save you the most money.

Good Luck !!!

 

[DJ in TX]

So considering your suggestion to up the budget to $350...

Would the Denon AVR1610 count? Yes the sale price is like $275, but regular price is $378. With this as the regular price, then are it's internals on par with other receivers at the $350 pricepoint? Or are you saying to find an AVR that is $350 after discount?

 

[njedpx3]

You might want to check the Audioholics review

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-VSX-1019AH-K

It connectrates mostly on the higher end of the four, VSX-1019AH, but it also discusses the two you are interested in.

Forest Man

 

[DJ in TX]

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-VSX-1019AH-K

It connectrates mostly on the higher end of the four, VSX-1019AH, but it also discusses the two you are interested in.

Forest Man

Yeah, that was one of the first articles about the new Pioneers I read. It did make them sound good, but honestly, it sounds like a press release from Pioneer. It touts all the new features, but doesn't talk about its real-world performance traits (good and bad). So here are my lingering questions...

1. So, besides missing HD audio codecs, and the fact that the vsx-519 has only 2 HDMI input ports, are there any glaring issues with this receiver? And did we decide that even though benchmarks show that the higher end vsx-1019 only has 28 watts when all channels are driven (which is rare) that this is good for a low end receiver, and the vsx-519 is likely about the same?

2. So far in this thread I have had recommendations to consider the Denon AVR590/1610, and the Onkyo TX-SR507. Both of these are a bit more expensive and seem to have good reviews, of course so does the Pioneer. So I am wondering, besides the variances in feature sets between these 3 receivers, would you put them all at about the same quality level as far as teir audio processing capabilities, and efficiency of power amplification? Or are there any clear winners or losers in the bunch?

 

[anamorphic96]

Yeah, that was one of the first articles about the new Pioneers I read. It did make them sound good, but honestly, it sounds like a press release from Pioneer. It touts all the new features, but doesn't talk about its real-world performance traits (good and bad). So here are my lingering questions...

1. So, besides missing HD audio codecs, and the fact that the vsx-519 has only 2 HDMI input ports, are there any glaring issues with this receiver? And did we decide that even though benchmarks show that the higher end vsx-1019 only has 28 watts when all channels are driven (which is rare) that this is good for a low end receiver, and the vsx-519 is likely about the same?

2. So far in this thread I have had recommendations to consider the Denon AVR590/1610, and the Onkyo TX-SR507. Both of these are a bit more expensive and seem to have good reviews, of course so does the Pioneer. So I am wondering, besides the variances in feature sets between these 3 receivers, would you put them all at about the same quality level as far as teir audio processing capabilities, and efficiency of power amplification? Or are there any clear winners or losers in the bunch?

The Audioholics link is a press release and not a reveiw. The main reason I would go with the Denon is the better room correction and amp section as well as the HD formats. As well as a better overall build quality.

No there is nothing inherently wrong with the 519. Besides the limited feature set and the fact it feels cheap. Especially when you see it in person.

If you can't swing the cash then go with the Pioneer its a decent receiver for under 200. You have at least purchased a great set of speakers and thatss what makes the biggest difference along with the room.

 

[DJ in TX]

Anamorphic,

Good point about build quality. I have yet to see the pioneer in person, so it is good to know your impressions. I need to go take a look this weekend to see for myself. When you assess a receiver's build quality, what do you personally look for? Weight, or materials used? How tight everything seems? Also, would you expect all of the VSX line to be same build quality, or does it improve with higher model/price?

It's funny because I thought picking my speakers was going to be the hardest part of this process, but it hasn't turned out that way at all. Each receiver has things that I prefer over the other, which just makes this harder. Even the TestFreaks website has them rated almost evenly at 7.3 and 7.4 out of 10, giving the pioneer the slight advantage.

FYI...I just took a break to do some googling while writing this reply, to see if I could find any head-to-head comparisons of the Pioneer and Denon, and found a great article from our favorite website (audioholics.com) that breaks down the differences between the entry level 2009 receivers. Here is the article if any of you would like to take a look.

http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/entry-level-receivers-comparison-guide

I know what you're thinking...I am overthinking this decision...and I totally agree. Honestly, from reading this article it sounds like the Pioneer or the Denon, or probably any of the others would be fine for me. Something I find interesting, from the article it sounds like the Pioneer may be more for the Audiophile types than the other models (their assertion, not mine). This review does talk mainly about the vsx-819 instead of the 519, but mentions both as they have similar features.

I may be mentally exhausted or perhaps just a bit schizophrenic at this point, but right now I am leaning toward the Pioneer 819 if I can find a good price. Since it has all of the good things of the 519, plus all the new HD audio codecs (I think), an extra HDMI input port and almost full binding posts on the rear, it might be the best balance of features for me. I may change my mind, but this is what I'm thinking right now.

Anyone have any good suggestions to find this Pioneer for a good price?

 

[DJ in TX]

I did some checking at various sites, and $249 at Newegg (no tax and free shipping) is the lowest I have found the VSX-819. If any of you happen to know a better source for Pioneer discount, please let me know.

Also, as I stated above, I could still be swayed to go another route for my receiver if you have any good info that I may not be aware of.

Thanks!

 

[DJ in TX]

So I read some user reviews on Amazon and BestBuy that had me second guessing my decision on the VSX-819. But after thinking this through logically, I decided I had to take a giant grain of salt in reading these. Some users don't know enough about audio equipment to use it correctly, and then blame the receiver. Or they may know too much about audio and expect a $250 receiver to be as good as a $500 receiver. Obviously these reviews are not helpful.

What I really would like to read is an in-depth review from a non-biased tech reviewer (who doesn't work for Pioneer) who can put it through its paces and convey both the good and the bad. Do any of you know where I could find a review like this?

 

[anamorphic96]

The reviews at Amazon can be helpful if you look at them right. Besides they where pretty positive for this unit. Magazines can also be very biased so don't assume they are not. Plus there are none for this unit.

I would stop thinking about this so much and just pull trigger. If you don't like it send it back.

 

[DJ in TX]

Yeah, I know you're right. It's just a PITA because if I order from NewEgg or some other online retailer to get the best price, then if I need to return it, it will be a major hassle.

I wonder if I could get Best Buy to match the NewEgg price, Hmmm...

 

[DJ in TX]

This may sound dumb, but does the receiver send more power and frequency range to my two front speakers (Paradigm Atoms) if they are the only two speakers connected? Or does it send the same amount of power either way?

How can I determine how much power will go to each speaker in different situations?

Also, if the paradigm website says on the product page for the Atoms that the "Suitable Amplifier Power Range" is 15-80 watts, then does this mean I should look for a receiver that is from 15-80 watts per channel? Or should I interpret this differently? I want to make sure I am giving them power on the high end of their recommended range (if I can afford to).

 

[lsiberian]

This may sound dumb, but does the receiver send more power and frequency range to my two front speakers (Paradigm Atoms) if they are the only two speakers connected? Or does it send the same amount of power either way?

How can I determine how much power will go to each speaker in different situations?

Also, if the paradigm website says on the product page for the Atoms that the "Suitable Amplifier Power Range" is 15-80 watts, then does this mean I should look for a receiver that is from 15-80 watts per channel? Or should I interpret this differently? I want to make sure I am giving them power on the high end of their recommended range (if I can afford to).

To be certain it would require a thorough analysis of the internal circuitry. Typically a 2 channel distribution will pull more power than a 7 channel one.

 

[anamorphic96]

This may sound dumb, but does the receiver send more power and frequency range to my two front speakers (Paradigm Atoms) if they are the only two speakers connected? Or does it send the same amount of power either way?

How can I determine how much power will go to each speaker in different situations?

Also, if the paradigm website says on the product page for the Atoms that the "Suitable Amplifier Power Range" is 15-80 watts, then does this mean I should look for a receiver that is from 15-80 watts per channel? Or should I interpret this differently? I want to make sure I am giving them power on the high end of their recommended range (if I can afford to).

You have nothing to worry about. The Atoms are plenty efficient for the Pioneer. Relax and just buy the receiver. You need to stop analyzing things. Your not sending someone to the moon. Your buying a stereo.

 

[DJ in TX]

You have nothing to worry about. The Atoms are plenty efficient for the Pioneer. Relax and just buy the receiver. You need to stop analyzing things. Your not sending someone to the moon. Your buying a stereo.

But did you ever consider I might be sending the Atoms to the moon? And if they expect to make it to the moon and prosper there for many generations and produce a family of little atom-ites, then they need good clean power, you know? I mean, when you break it down...it's really just a simple matter of balancing geometry and tachyon particles


Yeah, I know I overthink things...it's a gift and a curse. Based on my budget, I'm sure I will end up with the Pioneer as there do not seem to be any significantly better options at that price point. Of course I am not worried about the Atoms keeping up with the pioneer...rather I want to make sure the Pioneer can make the Atoms shine.

I need to call Best Buy later and ask, but do you have any thoughts on my chances of them price matching NewEgg?

 

[DJ in TX]

Well, I'm kindof surprised but Best Buy agreed to match the NewEgg price. This works well so that I don't have to deal with mailing it back if there is a problem, but I still get the low price ($249). Although I do have to pay tax unfortunately (about $20).

They also offered me the 4 year protection plan for $29.99. Normally I don't even consider this, but since Pioneer only gives a 1 yr warranty, I am thinking this might be worth it. Anyone have experience in buying the extended plan through Best Buy? Is it worth it?

 

[anamorphic96]

I'd skip it. For something expensive like an LCD TV,video camera or laptop I might. But typically I stay away from them.

Good luck and enjoy.