Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH

[sportsradiony]

So I'm out at 6th Av ready to negotiate a great price for their VSX-1019 receiver ($480 total), when I get the new Elite VSX-21TXH pushed on me for what seems to be a great price ($550 total). Since this is a brand new receiver from Pioneer, no one has really reviewed it, other than the Pioneer press release on the product, nothing is really out there yet.

I'm not a true audiophile, but I am considering getting this VSX-21TXH over the 1019 for what would amount to $70 extra bucks- but my questions is: Is is really worth it?

Among the benefits of the VSX-21TXH include "better video" when I pass through the receivers HDMI ports with my Blu-Ray and Cable systems, in addition to a Discrete (A.D. Energy) amplifier, opposed to the Hybrid of the 1019. The unit also supports "48-bit deep color"- although to be honest I don't even know if there is anything that uses that color anyway (perhaps Blu-Rays").. Plus, I'm not so sure my eye would be able to tell the difference anyway...

Still, I figure it might be better to spend a few extra for some "features" or "benefits" that may or may not be usefull for me at this time... I figure to have whatever I purchase for a while!!!

Thoughs and comments VERY welcome!

 

[roots4x]

I'd spend a little more and get the upgrade. The VSX 21 is nearly twice as heavy as the previous model which would indicate that it has a real amplifier (the A.D. Energy) which will most likely yield much better audio quality. For only $70 more it sounds like a good deal.

 

[Thunder18]

roots4x has some great points. The 1019 is a lightweight, plus the Elite should also net you an extra year of warranty. Plus...the Elite's just look sexy.
Anyway, they are usually more sturdy too.

 

[Superfly]

+1 on the Pioneer Elite. for the difference in price. I think it is worth it over the 1019.

 

[Seth=L]

Another vote goes to the Elite, that extra weight has to be coming from somewhere.

 

[shenaniganz]

I had the same thing happen when I was talking to 6th ave. I went with the 01txh. The 21wasnt out yet. But I am really happy with it and yes it does look sexy! Elite all the way...

 

[sportsradiony]

Among some other differences, the VSX-21TXH uses a Discrete (A.D. Energy) Amplifier Design, compared to a Hybrid (Advanced Direct Energy) design for the VSX-1019. I'm assuming the VSX-21TXH would therfor have a more "true" sounding audio.... Going back to the store today to see what I can negotiate!

 

[sportsradiony]

Well, just got back from 6th Av and picked up the Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH; I thought the $550 offer was with tax but it was not- I ended up getting them down to $525 plus tax for a total of $570. It's retailing for $699+tax right now, so not a bad price, although I'm sure it won't be long before it starts dropping. Cant wait to hook er up!

 

[msballsitch]

Does anyone know if the Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH has volume control for avoiding the volume spikes from commercials? Everything else on this unit looks great.

 

[Adam]

Does anyone know if the Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH has volume control for avoiding the volume spikes from commercials? Everything else on this unit looks great.

Welcome to the forum!

I believe that it will. The VSX-21 and VSX-23 (which I own) have an Auto Level Control (ALC) setting. I've never used it, but based upon the following description (from this link), it will do what you want.

* Pioneer's ALC - Recognizing that volume levels can fluctuate across digital audio tracks (i.e. MP3 and iPod), input sources and even television channels and commercials to cause disruptive entertainment, ALC is utilized to equalize these inconsistent volume levels. By restoring the gap in recorded and playback volume without diminishing audio quality, ALC ensures consistent listening from all entertainment.

 

[giovan13]

Issue with TV/SAT and Digital Satellite Receiver source input

Hi,

I own the Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH and love this receiver.

The techs guys from where I purchased the amp came over to set it up for me and gave me a quick overview. So they basically hooked up my blu-ray, cd player, media player and my digital satellite receiver.

One strange issue is that when I turn on my amp and my digital satellite reciever everything looks fine for a few seconds and suddenly the amp switches itself to "TV/SAT" and the on-screen goes away of course. Since my digital satellite reciever was pre-programmed into my amp... I cant get back to it using my remote, therefore I need to manually turn the dial on the amp the get back to my digital satellite receiver.

Does anybody have a clue how I can fix this? or how to re-program my sources correctly perhaps? If I call the techs guys for a house-call, they will most likely charge me.

Thanks!
Gio

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum, Gio!

I own the very similar VSX-23, and I'd like to help you with this. I have some questions for you, first.

1. How is the digital satellite receiver connected to the VSX-21? Is it using HDMI?
2. What input source is used for the digital satellite receiver? Is it something like "HDMI 1"?

 

[cwall99]

Here's where I'd suggest looking for answers:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/ci.VSX-21TXH.Kuro?tab=D

 

[HenryD]

Pioneer Elite Problem

I have the same receiver and I love this unit! I'm coming from using a vintage McIntosch which I still love but my wife hates. I have the Klipsch 5.1 setup & it is awsome and quiet! The MCACC EQ setup is very effective and I am extremely satisfied! And yes the outputs are discreet- you can see them through the top.
Now about the tv switching issue..
This unit automatically switches to tv when a signal is detected. You need to go into the menu and configure your inputs. Read the manual- there is useful info in there. You can map your inputs to the input selections. You can rename inputs to match your equipment as well. You can also turn off inputs so that you don't have unused options to scroll through. The remote is very input deterministic. It's functionality depends on the last mode you selected. If you select CD then the controls are CD oriented. You will need to reselect Receiver (on the bottom of the remote next to TV CTRL) to get receiver functions like menu etc. This is a great unit once you get used to it.