Pioneer VSX-9130TXH vs. VSX-01TXH vs VSX-1018AH

[EugenT]

Hi all,

I am ready to buy a new receiver (after my HK bit the dust) and ended up with the following choices:

1). Pioneer VSX-9130TXH
2). Pioneer Elite VSX-01TXH (or 03TXH)
3). Pioneer VSX-1018AH

After reading tons of reviews and comparisons (including the ones on this forum), it seems that 9130 and 01 are identical, 03 offers slightly more features, and 1018 just has less features listed.

I don't need 12V triggers that 01TXH offers, and Faroudja upconversion is not really important (as my BluRay and HD-DVD players have the better upconverting chips in them).

So why is Pioneer playing these games? Three/four different models, different prices, different power rating (done in different conditions) on virtually the same receiver.

Why would anyone pay $200-300 more for the same receiver, only with the orange glow instead of blue/white, TXH sticker and 12V triggers??

Please enlighten me!

 

[bandphan]

Look on their website and compare. There are different levels of room corrections, amps, triggers, pre outs, looks, ect. If you can afford the 01 get it. IMO

 

[Adam]

When I was looking about a year ago (when my VSX-1015 was temporarily not working), I decided on the VSX-01 over the VSX-1018 for two main reasons (that I can remember):

1. I want either a 12V trigger or a switched outlet on the back of the receiver so that I can have my amp power up and down with the receiver, and the 1018 had neither.
2. My 1015 has the THX sound modes, and I happen to like them. So, I wanted them again, and the 1018 doesn't have them.

I prefer the white lettering, but I wanted those features and would have lived with the orange lettering. Luckily, my 1015 started working again and I didn't have to deal with it.

 

[EugenT]

Look on their website and compare. There are different levels of room corrections, amps, triggers, pre outs, looks, ect. If you can afford the 01 get it. IMO

Pre-outs are the same and that's important. Looks are the same - as I said, the only difference is THX label and display color.

Are 12V triggers and extra THX modes (which most people never use) worth a extra couple hundred bucks?

 

[Lordoftherings]

I'm not familiar with the Elite VSX-9130TXH, is this a Future Shop exclusive?

If you got a good deal for the Elite VSX-01TXH, get it. Say $500 cdn or so.

THX is an extra feature, another movie and music mode, and a certain certification of guaranty that the unit is meeting some set of rules according to it's measurements of various parameters. It's a kind of an assurance that it would meet some criterias. It's like a Bonus, better to have than not.

The 12 V triggers are only useful for people that need them, so for them it's an important feature.

What are the Canadian prices now of these three receivers?

LOTR

 

[EugenT]

What are the Canadian prices now of these three receivers?

LOTR

LOTR, thanks for the input!

It looks like 9130 is the model specifically made for Canada (weird, I know). It's also the only receiver that I can find locally. I know they were on sale for 599 on Christmas, now they are selling for like 799 in the stores, but I am sure some stores will come down in price to the sale price.

 

[Lordoftherings]

LOTR, thanks for the input!

It looks like 9130 is the model specifically made for Canada (weird, I know). It's also the only receiver that I can find locally. I know they were on sale for 599 on Christmas, now they are selling for like 799 in the stores, but I am sure some stores will come down in price to the sale price.

That's what I'll do, wait for the prices to come down.
Meanwhile I'll look at other brands and sales.
Right now in Canada the prices are not that great, it shoud be better in the Fall, or by the end of the Summer. Just keep looking around, there's no rush.

So, the 9130TXH would be like the 01TXH. Yep, it is.
Like the Yamahas and the Denons at Future Shop.

Seems to me, that at $599 cdn, the VSX-9130TXH would be indeed a pretty good deal. The VSX-9130TXH retails for $999.99 cdn, which is the same one as the VSX-01TXH that retails for $750 USA.

Click here --> http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/POCEN/Products/Home+Entertainment/A+V+Receivers/Pioneer+A+V+Receivers/ci.VSX-9130TXH.Kuro

LOTR