Pioneer VSX-72THX Receiver

[skipsterut]

I'm a newbie and seriously considering a Pioneer Elite VSX-72THX receiver for a new HDTV entertainment setup. I was first attracted to it because of its HDMI switching and upconverions and wide array of I/O options (including phono input). But its apparent power flexibility for speaker setup options has really interested me and I woudl like to get some input from the forum.

I have a large and strange room geometry and I really like the idea of having all the automatic and manual options for speaker setup -- including a graphic equalizer for each speaker and the ability to store/recall up to 6 different configuations -- e.g., HT and music.

I have serached this forum for news about the 72 and found a couple of good references, but I'm wondering if anyone has "hands on" experience with it yet. If not "hands on" what do you think of it's specs and performanace "from what you have heard."

I'm also leaning heavily towards the BIC Acoustec speaker set, which is rated very highly (for the price) for HT, but not as strong for music. I'm thinking the flexible speaker setup options of the 72 will let me have different configurations that work well for either HT and music depending which one I select.

Any thoughts or opinions would be most welcomed.

 

[Xsound]

I do not have first hand experience with the vsx-72, but I have the model it replaces, the vsx-54. I absolutely love this thing. I compared it against the Denon avr-3805 and the Yamaha rx-v2500, and chose the Pioneer.

If I were upgrading, I would seriously look at the 72/74 (I want firewire/ilink!). There are several changes from the 5x to the 7x, the most significant being a switch from mosfet amplification to more traditional pushpull. As a result the 72 weighs less than the 54. Generally this would indicate a smaller amp section, though in this case it could represent a more efficient/ less heat producing amp which would require smaller heat sinks. haven't seen a real review of either to find out how large the supply is.

The MCACC is excellent. I love the ease. in the past, reviews have indicated that Pioneers version of auto-eq is one of the most accurate around, perhaps because they were one of the first to offer this feature. I believe they have upgraded this even more on the 72/74. The video switching will definitely be a big convenience feature. If the 72/74 are true upgrades/improvements over the 54/56, then without hesitation I would recommend them!

The best thing to do is to listen to receiver with speakers as close to or preferrably identical to the ones you will be using at home. You can decide if you like the sound, as well as get a feel for the user interface and remote. Be sure to listen in the "direct mode," which defeats tone controls and MCACC, when making your decision. The reason for this is to get the true sound of the receiver. You can adjust the sound of the receiver however you choose with the eq features, you want to make sure that you like the basic sound of the receiver.

Hope this helps!
X

 

[skipsterut]

ThankX for the thoughtful reply. I'm even more convinced that the 72 is the way to go.

But I just ran into a snag. I was thinking of buying online from etronics.com for $889 + $36 S&H = $925 delivered -- not all bad for this unit listed at $1400. BUT until I got another post from jaxvon (HT jax) I didn't know about Pioneer's stringent policy regarding purchase from an authorized dealer to get warranty service.

Although I have NEVER had anything go wrong with any electronic gear I have bought, this does make me pause. But etronics.com offers a Philips Priority Service Plan for $50 (2 years) so that would put the delivered cost at $975 vs $1,280 from a local dealer (inlcuding tax). So this is > $300 savings whic is pretty tempting, but I thought I would get some input from the group on this kind of deal and especially any expereince with the Philips Priority Service Plan. Coming from a name brand company like Philips I figure is should be OK, but would appreciate any feedback.

 

[Great Dane]

Your thread has helped me to decide between the Yamaha 2600 and the 72. I liked the upsacling to HDMI and the auto setup. I am getting the Pioneer 1130HD and liked the compatability with the 72. I saw the threads on the 2600, I currently have Yamaha, which I like, and wondered if I was making the right decision.

I have found the 72 at Ultamate Electronics on sale for $1097. They are an authorized dealer. I have done business with them for several years, and they have treated me well. The 72 is currently out of stock, but if you put in an order, they will garentee the price. Don't know if you have one near you but they are on line so you could find out.

http://www.ultimateelectronics.com

Hope this helps.