OK, now I'm actually about to buy a receiver... can't decide...

[Hi Ho]

I've said it several times in the past months. "I'm finally getting close to purchasing a receiver....". It never happened. Well, now that I am actually making and saving money. I am closer than ever to finally upgrading my Panasonic receiver. I actually have money in the bank.

Anyway, all this time I've had my sights set on either the Yamaha 2500 or 2600. Now, there's the Pioneer 1016TXV which seems to have been released only to further complicate my decision. I've never seen the 1016 or the 2500, only the 2600, which I have listened to quite extensively. The 2600 sounds absolutely superb. I know the 2500 is basically the 2600 without HDMI, which I don't need.

My question is, how does the 1016 compare to the 2500/2600? I know it's MSRP is half that of the Yamahas but the specs are very similar, making it a very attractive option. How does Pioneer's MCACC compare to Yamaha's YAPO? How do the preamp, DAC's, and amps in the Pioneer compare to the Yamaha?

It may be too early to pose this question as I doubt too many of you have had a chance to use the 1016 but I thought it was worth a shot. Any opinions will be greatly appreciated.

EDIT: After more research, it appears that I have jumped the gun with this post. I guess the 1016 isn't even available yet. I'd still like to hear opinions though. Should I just go for the 2500?

 

[goodman]

Personaly I would save my money and wait until a receiver with HDMI 1.3 is available.

 

[Hi Ho]

I've been waiting for a year and a half. I don't need HDMI and won't for a while. By the time I need HDMI, I will probably be able to afford a new receiver as well.

 

[mike c]

just FYI ...

in comparison with the 2500:
the 2600...
has a new burr-brown DAC
has a nice GUI OSD
looks better

unsure if:
does the 2600 have more power?
does the 2500 also have pure direct?

 

[Hi Ho]

The 2500 also has the GUI and Burr-Brown DAC's. It has pure direct mode as well. The power ratings for the 2500 and 2600 are identical. HERE is a comparison.

 

[Tomorrow]

HiHo,

I upgraded from a Panny SA-HE200, which was a nice unit, to the Yammy 2500 and am quite happy with the change! The Yammy will delight you with it's array of features and power. I could use the HDMI of the 2600, but decided to go ahead and buy the 2500 now...and when and IF the HDMI standard ever gets settled, I'll go to it. Right now, it's just not important to me. There isn't even much out there in the way of HD, anyway. And the feature along with the Burr-Brown DACs didn't add up (for me) to an extra 300 bucks it would have cost

I bought the Yamaha because I could get a NEW one, with warranty for less ($529) than a Denon 3805 B-stock. I liked the Yammy's ease of use better than the Denon, and am sorta prejudiced against Pioneer from the old days. (Remember, I'm old as dirt, and back when I was growing up, Pioneer was the cheaper stuff. I'm sure they are quite competent receiver makers now.) As an added plus, I've owned Yamaha receivers before, and have always liked what they produce. I had one for so many years, I couldn't kill it...I sold it to some lucky guy who was thrilled to have a vintage piece.

The YPAO is really easy to use, and I like the PEQ feature...but it does require some hand-tweaking afterward.

PM me if you want sales source info. With either brand, I'm sure you'll be a happy camper. Good luck with your savings and pending acquisition.

 

[Hi Ho]

Thank you for the reply RJbudz. My current receiver is an SA-HE100, a step lower than your old one. I'm not happy with the lack of bass management options and overall flexability.

 

[RoroCo]

I was in your boat a few weeks ago... I decided that since HDMI receivers were not ready for prime time yet, I went for pure sound quality.

I did not mind getting a b-stock item because I have had good luck with them in the past so I went to Ubid.com and got a Pioneer VSX-9300TX for 500 dollars shipped (it was a Best Buy exclusive Pioneer Elite unit - originalyy 1500 dollars).

This thing is giant and heavy...which is good. It sounds UNREAL! It has a great auto setup feature and pleanty of connection options.

I highly recommend it if you do not need HDMI and if you are comfortable with B-stock. The ones that were on Ubid were new and in the factory sealed packaging still. There still should be some there.

 

[jwhatti]

I've been waiting for a year and a half. I don't need HDMI and won't for a while. By the time I need HDMI, I will probably be able to afford a new receiver as well.

If you are not interested in HDMI, then you may want to give the Outlaw 1070 a look. If you have any plans on getting a HD DVD or Blu Ray player then you may want to be interested in waiting for the newest version of HDMI. I believe that without this, you will not be able to utilize the new HD formats of Dolby and DTS...I think

 

[Hi Ho]

If you are not interested in HDMI, then you may want to give the Outlaw 1070 a look. If you have any plans on getting a HD DVD or Blu Ray player then you may want to be interested in waiting for the newest version of HDMI. I believe that without this, you will not be able to utilize the new HD formats of Dolby and DTS...I think

It is not absolutely necessary to run HDMI through the receiver. I can connect it directly to the TV.

I think I've settled on the 2500. I should be able to purchase it within the next month.