Pioneer VSX 815-S or Panny SA-XR55?? Please Help

[Miguel]

Hey everyone. I made a thread a couple weeks back about my sony system which is horrible. I want to replace it completely now and I think I've narrowed it down to 2 receivers and still working on the speakers choice. I need advice and first hand experience from you guys on this one. Both the Pioneer VSX 815-S and the Panny SA-XR55 seem to be in the same price range for me. Audioholics suggested the Pioneer for the $1000 budget system while its seems that the Panny is also somewhat popular with members on this forum. Can anyone lend me some extra input that can help me choose what to go with? Also, I was thinking about going with the Athena Micra 6 speakers, but I would like some other suggestions. Thanks!

 

[learner]

I'm not sure I can really help you any. I recently went through the same type choices you are now facing. My choice was the Pioneer VSX or the Onkyo 503. I finally decided on the Pioneer due to a lot of research and a lot of asking questions on this and other forums. I also went with the Athena Micra 6 speaker system. The receiver I will get in on the 27th and I got the speakers in on Wedensday. Until I can hook it all up I cant give you much more information.

Good Luck.