Opinion: Pioneer SC-1227-K vs. Denon AVR-E400 vs. Sony STRDN1040

[jayh]

Sorry for adding one more xxy vs. xxz post, but hoping to solicit some advice.
Currently running a older Harmon Kardon AVR-147 with Paradigm Milleniaones and Paradigm Sub and feel like it's time for an upgrade to the reciever.

I have read enough reviews and feel like I have a good handle on the overall features of Pioneer SC-1227-K vs. Denon AVR-E400 vs. Sony STRDN1040. And while I realize that the SC-1227 is technically in a different bracket I've seen pricing in the same range as the Sony and Denon and the overall feature set is roughly similar.
My number 1 priority is sound quality for music listening which will mostly be via DLNA from an NAS.
No experience with Class D amps so some concern with the pioneer from that aspect, but it does seem to be the right choice with respects to future multi-zone applications and otherwise seems like a great buy.
The Sony has the edge in the GUI which makes the wife happy and has the most HDMI inputs (although I don't currently need more then the 6 the Denon is offering.)
For roughly the same price as the Sony the Denon doesn't bring the same level of additional features (wireless etc.), but they do have an excellent reputation for sound quality.

Hoping for some opinions on which will provide the best sound, or if it's just a matter of which one can be had for the best price.


Cheers,

J

 

[n0rth]

I have a pioneer vsx 823 k and an elite 65c - both of them provide very quiet amplification. I personally would go with the Pioneer or Denon. Sony sucks imo.

 

[jayh]

Out of curiosity, what makes you say that Sony sucks? Haven't seen anything but rave reviews for that reciever and while I feel their products are often overpriced I have never had an issue with quality.

 

[n0rth]

Well the dont "suck" per say - but I know that sony gets a lot of their receivers sent back to them due higher failure rate than both denon and pioneer. In terms of performance they are all probably about the same. Maybe less QC and relying on the Sony name to sell products??