Onkyo 605 or Pioneer Vsx-1016

[Slayermoonlight]

Hello guys. A came by a local Pioneer store searching for those Elite receivers (particularly the Pioneer Elite vsx-82TXS), but to no avail. However, I found out the Pioneer VSX-1016 which is sold on almost the same price range of an Onkyo 605. Does anyone here owned a 1016?

Considering they are almost identical in price, which should I get?

 

[fmw]

Oddly, I have owned both of them. I bought the Pioneer and had to return it after learning that the subwoofer output didn't work. It was a defective unit. I replaced it with the Onkyo.

The major difference between them is that the Onkyo has video upscaling capabilities and the Pioneer does not. That doesn't matter really if you have a player that upscales well. Also, the Pioneer doesn't process audio through HDMI so you need to have an additional digital connection for audio. That makes the Onkyo a more modern and high tech design. Otherwise, I preferred the Pioneer. It has THX certification and lots of additional features that Onkyo reserves for its higher end units. Also the Pioneer doesn't produce those little ticks and pops I hear occasionally from the Onkyo.

I think most people will recommend the Onkyo because of its higher level of technology. I would go with the Pioneer, however, personally, since I have DVD players that handle upscaling really well. An added digital audio connection per input device isn't a big deal for me either. I continue to use the Onkyo and have no intention of changing. If someone offered me a swap for the Pioneer with a working sub output, however, I would do the swap.

 

[Seth=L]

Pioneer pros:

Preoutputs for amplifier additions.

Apparently doesn't make clicking noises.

THX Select certification.

MCACC auto setup (not likely to be superior the the Onkyo's Audyssey Auto EQ)

Cons:

No HDMI audio processing or video scaling/upconverting

Onkyo Pros:

HDMI 1.3 (audio processing, deep color, 7.1 discrete audio processing)

Onkyo has a reputation for ease of use.

cons:

No preouts for amplification expansion.

 

[Slayermoonlight]

Oh man! This is driving me nuts! Now there's 3 AV to choose from: Onkyo 605, Pioneer vsx-1016, and Marantz SR5001. Yesterday, the store where Marantz sr5001 is sold offered a discount that will make it the same price as the Onkyo 605 in another store. On the other hand, Pioneer 1016's tag remained the same which is approximately 8% cheaper than the other two.

Though I am impressed with Onkyo 605's latest features, I've noticed from my friend's (Onkyo) receivers that it has HIGH heat dissipation, which worries me regarding the lifespan of its (semiconductor) components. And to as fmw said, their are these clicking popping ticking sounds. As for Marantz SR5001 & Pioneer VSx-1016, they're arent negative feedbacks/rumors' so far aside from the factory defect which fmw shared earlier.

Most of my past time are spent in listening to MP3/FLAC (grunge like Nickelback, techno/house, progressive rock, rap metal, hiphop, rnb) from my PC or CD player. I'm also a PC gamer at weekends. Yet, Im looking forward to purchase a nice plasma TV and a good DVD player (and perhaps a Blu-ray player).

Yes, it's all up to me to find out. But which of the those 3 will be the best buy?

Btw, here is my initial plan for my first system . I'm excited to hear for more suggestions/opinions.

Main (floorstanding): Monitor Audio BR5
Sub: choosing between Velodyne CHT-12R or REL Q150MK
A/V: onkyo 605, pioneer vsx-1016, or marantz sr5001
CD player: NAD C521 BEE

Once again, thanks a lot nice guys!

 

[fmw]

The reason they are comparably priced is that they are comparable featured and spec'd. In other words they are comparable. Pick whichever lights your fire.

 

[Seth=L]

I think the Marantz can process audio off of HDMI, and it may also upconvert all inputs to HDMI.