Need Help Picking New A/V Receiver

[wreedZ71]

Help! I need help picking my new A/V receiver. I am looking to spend less than $1000 and would like it to be THX certified.

I am looking at the Pioneer Elite and Yamaha RX-V2600. What do ya'll think about those?

Please reply with you recommendations and be sure to repsond if you have any additional questions for me.

Thanks

 

[jbrillo]

I looked at both the RX-V2600 & the VSX-72TXV when I was shopping. They both have similar features & power ratings. I'm sure you would be happy with either. I liked them both but I preferred the sound of the Pioneer just a little more. I really like the Advanced MCACC. This helped me alot since I'm not quite that skilled. I have my satellite receiver connected to it via the HDMI & it works great. It looks just as good as when I plug it straight into the TV. One bummer though, if you're watching something that's connected to the receiver via HDMI, then you can't listen to a different source. This may or may not be important for you, but you are looking for info. I like to watch football games & listen to radio announcers sometimes. Some TV analysts are that annoying. I'm running all JBL speakers with an SVS PB12-ISD & I'm very pleased. This receiver sounds light-years better than any other receiver I've ever had. Movies & even TV are really a joy to watch now. The separation of sound is awesome. Of course I could be so overwhelmingly pleased because I've upgraded big time from the two cheap Sony receivers I had before. I hope this info helps you. Give both a good listen & let your ears be your guide.

 

[AVRat]

Jbrillo,
If you’re only running 5.1 you could use your unused rear channels for the 2nd zone and source.

 

[wreedZ71]

Thank jbrillo.

I have a Pioneer Elite before and really like it.

Anyone else have a opinion?

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha RXV-2600

The new yamaha RX-V2600 is the audioholics receiver of the year. It is also the only receiver that includes upscalling of 480p video to 720p or 1080i for your HDTV.

 

[jbrillo]

AVRat,

There is an output for a Zone 2 device. If you're using a 5.1-setup than you can, I believe, use the rear surround for use in another area like by the pool or something. At least I'm pretty sure. I'd have to check the manual again.

 

[wreedZ71]

The new yamaha RX-V2600 is the audioholics receiver of the year. It is also the only receiver that includes upscalling of 480p video to 720p or 1080i for your HDTV.

Where can i read the review?

 

[DaveOCP]

I recommend the Pioneer. MCACC blows YPAO out of the water, and frankly, I've always found Yammies to be great with HT, but lousy with music. (Just MO). I dont have enough experience with Yamaha electronics to comment on build quality, but it would be hard to top the build quality of receivers like the 59TXi.

 

[InTheIndustry]

Have you considered Onkyo?

I have always been impressed with Onkyo from a value and quality stand point. Two models to look at are the TX-SR703 and the TX-SR803 (adds HDMI switching and more WPC). I just put the 703 in my bedroom and replaced an old 787 with the 803 in a front room theater and really like them both. They're each powering 8" Proficient LCR in ceiling speakers and seem to do really well. They both can be had online for under $1000 easily. Just my two cents.

 

[T2T]

I've always found Yammies to be great with HT, but lousy with music. (Just MO).

I've found the opposite to be true. I loved the Yamaha for music, but thought the Pioneer Elite didn't sound as good for music.

 

[wreedZ71]

I believe the Pioneer VSX-72TXV does HDMI upconversion just like the Yamaha RX-V2600, correct?

 

[wreedZ71]

bump bump bump

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver Video Features

Upconversion: Takes a video input in composite, s-video, or component video format and outputs it over component video or HDMI. This format conversion reduces the number of connections from receiver to display but does not improve picture quality. Even my low end Yamaha HTR-5860 has this feature.

Upscaling: Takes a lower res video signal (480i or 480p) and upscalles to 720p or 1080i for output over component video or HDMI. The Yamaha RX-V2600 and some new DVD players have this feature.

 

[wreedZ71]

Upconversion: Takes a video input in composite, s-video, or component video format and outputs it over component video or HDMI. This format conversion reduces the number of connections from receiver to display but does not improve picture quality. Even my low end Yamaha HTR-5860 has this feature.

Upscaling: Takes a lower res video signal (480i or 480p) and upscalles to 720p or 1080i for output over component video or HDMI. The Yamaha RX-V2600 and some new DVD players have this feature.

So the Pioneer does not Upscale?

 

[skipsterut]

Pioneer 72TXV - Great receiver but no video upscaling

I believe the Pioneer VSX-72TXV does HDMI upconversion just like the Yamaha RX-V2600, correct?

I have the Pioneer VSX-72TXV and while it does "Upconversion" it does NOT doe "Upscaling" I have all my video sources routed through the receiver with a single HDMI output to my 42" Panny HD plasma. The basic resolution does not change -- analog cable still looks like analog cable, digital cable like digital cable, and HD like HD. Upscaling (which the Pioneer doen't do) involves converion of a lower resolution signal (analog, 480I, 480p) to 720p or 1080i

Here's a great definition from another thread in a post by jcPanny.

Upconversion: The ability to take input composite video, svideo, or component video signals and output all of them over a single component video or HDMI cable allowing a single connection to the TV. Note, you may need a composite or s-video connection to run the On Screen Display of your Receiver.

Upscalling: The ability to take a lower resolution input signal (480i or 480p) and upscale it to the native resolution of your HDTV (720p or 1080i). The Yamaha RX-V2600 is the only receiver I am aware of that currently has this feature. You will also find lots of new DVD players with the upscaling feature.

Here's a link to the thread if you're interested --

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17613

Although I would like to have video "upscaling" as well as "upconversion" -- I'm VERY happy with the Pioneer 72 overall -- as other posters have commented the automatic speaker setup (MCACC -- what a horrible acronynm -- sounds like someone is choking on a chicken bone ). But even though is has a terrible name it does a great job -- and you can store 6 different speaker profiles in memory -- so you can have one for rock music, classical music, HT Action, HT Drama, etc (if you want). Switching among speaker settings is a simple button push from the remote.

Also I'm VERY happy with the ovrall features and sound performance of the Pioneer 72. But I must say I don't have any epxerience with the other receivers. I'm sure they are also very good.