Pioneer Kuro KRP-500A

[Mouse51180]

This is the last and final Kuro to be released, but there seems to be no mention of it on any reviews or webpages that are US based. All the reviews and retailers seem to be Aisan or European based...why is this not in the US? Is this not suitable for US use?

 

[bandphan]

Different tuners and power for one, since it is not a NA model.

 

[Mouse51180]

Different tuners and power for one, since it is not a NA model.

Different tuner as in wont pick up north american HD signals?

Different power as in European plug or are we talking about something else?

Thanks for the help...my knowledge of this stuff is pretty low on the totem pole.

 

[bandphan]

Yes differnt power and tv signal ie tuner. If you want an elite or a kuro and your in NA 5020 6020 will become sacrice first the the elite models up thru AUG 09 till ~ gone. The model you referenced is a euro asian unit not for NA.

 

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

Actually you are both kinda correct. The KRP500M 50" Kuro and KRP600M 60" Kuro were both developed for the European and Asian regions. However, Pioneer NA decided to build them for the USA commercial market. Sales were very low and Pioneer opened up sales to a/v dealers.

Because their is no QAM or ATSC tuner, no stand, no speakers and only Pioneer 1 year warranty the price point is much lower and now they became the custom installers dream. Serious A/V dealers like the panel very much and Pioneer quickly decided to keep their Pomona CA manufacturing facility open an extra month, till end of April '09 to build KRP-500M and 600Ms.

KRP stands for Kuro Reference Panel and they are very much like the USA Signature Series PRO-101FD and PRO-141FD monitors. Plus they have built-in stereo amplifiers, which the Signature Series do not have.

The disadvantages are:

1. No ISFccc day/night modes.
2. 1 year factory warranty vs. the 2 year Elite coverage.
3. No sub-woofer output

The value is outstanding and the only thing that tops the pq is the low price.

Enjoy!

-Robert

 

[AV Expression]

I was gutted when I heard Pioneer wanted to shut shop for good. There are rumors though that Pioneer Australia would keep manufacturing them for a little while longer.

Muzzi

 

[DTV TiVo Dealer]

I was gutted when I heard Pioneer wanted to shut shop for good. There are rumors though that Pioneer Australia would keep manufacturing them for a little while longer.

Muzzi

This is a sad time for a/v enthusiasts. To be clear, Pioneer is just exiting the Kuro business, and will continue to be in the Blu-ray, audio receiver, speaker and car radio and navigation business.

Further, you are correct, Pioneer has kept a few Kuro production plants open till the end of April, Pomona, CA, USA is one of them.

-Robert