Receiver Comparison @ $1000

[goodsnd]

Just came back from my local Best Buy where I demo'd a new Pioneer SC-25 against Denon and Onkyo receivers right about the $800-$1000 price range. I've not owned a new receiver for along time and am in the market to update for video processing and surround sound (most recent versions). As background, I intend on hooking up a separate power amp for my mains and utilize this unit for center, surrounds and its general switching function. I'd be interested in hooking up our XM directly and any streaming functionality (i.e. connection to the internet or personal PC).

While I've not been a big Pioneer fan, its on sale at BBY for $1k until the 24th, so I'm leaning that direction. I have not seen a review of this product yet on-line, but reviews on a prior version were mixed. As I've been out of the game for a bit, any thoughts/advice would be appreciated!

 

[Knucklehead90]

You might want to mention the model numbers of the Onkyo and Denon you are considering - from where I am I can't read your mind.

 

[goodsnd]

From Denon: AVR3310CI, AVR2310CI.
From Onkyo: TX-NR1007, TX-NR807.

 

[goodsnd]

Also a follow-up question on the unit itself. It comes with an Ethernet port that the manual states can be hooked up to Rhapsody. Anyone know if this type of feature would allow me to utilize "Zune?"

 

[zeuiax]

If you want refurbished units from authorized dealer go to dakmart for denons and ac4l.com/shoponkyo.com for Onkyo. But in general I hate Onkyos customer service.

 

[njedpx3]

Consider Marantz SR6004

From Denon: AVR3310CI, AVR2310CI.
From Onkyo: TX-NR1007, TX-NR807.

Good choice, I would also consider Marantz SR6004 MSRP $1,249 but you can probably get one for $1,000. For example from Thunder Audio $939.95 http://infiniteelectronix.com/marantzsr600471-channeldolbytruehdreceiverwithbluetooth.aspx
Hiwever, I don't nknow about htem and with a name like 'Thunder Audio'


http://us.marantz.com/Products/2980.asp
SR6004 < < NEW > > Dolby TrueHD & PLIIz / dts-HD MA AV Receiver
$1249.99

RX101 Bluetooth/IR Receiver included
Front USB audio input for iPod/iPhone digital connection or USB Memory
Dolby TrueHD/Pro Logic IIz, dts-HD Master Audio Decoder
Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume and MultEQ Auto Calibration
Sophisticated aluminum/reinforced resin front panel with Front door design for Clean Panel
HDMI (v1.3) Repeating: Four Inputs, Two Outputs
Graphical User Interface (GUI) for Setup
GUI through HDMI out
10% increased power, now 110 watts (into 8 ohms) x 7 ch Amps
Analog, Digital Independent PWBs design to minimize mutual interference
Component Video output for 2nd Zone
Marantz Custom High Quality Block Capacitor
Full 10-bit Video Processing
M-DAX(Marantz Dynamic Audio eXpander)
2nd Zone Analog audio output (Individual source) w/discrete command
3rd Zone Digital audio output (for Digital input source)
SIRIUS & XM Ready with discrete IR commands
Bi-Amp Drive Capability for Front L/R
RS-232C, DC Trigger out, Flasher In and Marantz D-BUS (RC-5) In/Out
LCD Learning Backlight system remote
Available Option Rack Mount Kit RMK6504SR



Good Luck and Good Sound!

Forest Man

 

[dewitt492]

Is this a Magnolia store at Best Buy? Is price advertised or did you negotiate?

I am looking for a receiver asap

 

[goodsnd]

Was advertised in store, no negotiation. I was told its a limited deal until 12/24.

edit: store = BBY with magnolia.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

In terms of performance, I truly believe that the ONKYOs will hang with the best. In terms of measured specs, the ONKYOs have measured extremely well - better than most brands in general.

But, in terms of reliability I might be a little hesitant with ONKYO.

 

[Knucklehead90]

In terms of performance, I truly believe that the ONKYOs will hang with the best. In terms of measured specs, the ONKYOs have measured extremely well - better than most brands in general.

But, in terms of reliability I might be a little hesitant with ONKYO.

The Onkyo AVRs - and even the AVPs - seem to put out more heat than other makes. I had an SC885 preamp processor for a few months and was surprised at the amount of heat for a preamp. A fan can be installed over an AVR to help cool it and is a great way to help extend it's life.
Seems to me like cheap insurance.

 

[dewitt492]

A little bit different twist

Same deal at Best Buy, but I am deciding between the Pioneer sc-25 and the Yamaha 2065. Both are on sale for $999.98 Today is the day. Any help is appreciated

 

[3db]

Same deal at Best Buy, but I am deciding between the Pioneer sc-25 and the Yamaha 2065. Both are on sale for $999.98 Today is the day. Any help is appreciated

It comes down to what features are most important to you at this point since you are offloading the mains to your power amp.

 

[goodsnd]

Personally, I'm most concerned with: audio processing, video processing, the flexibility of connections, amplification for the surround channels and "future proofing." (in that order).

Two reviews I've read from this site:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-electronics-vsx-23txh
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-sc-07

After reading it would seem the new line-up answers at least some of Gene's prior concerns with the SC-07 model, but without seeing a comparable bench test, I hated to rely on outdated info or a lower price point version's capability. Of course, given Gene's conclusion that the VSX-23 was a worthy contender at $1k, it seems a fairly safe conclusion that the step up (SC-25) at $1k is a very good deal.

I wasn't even looking at the SC-25 prior to seeing this deal at BBY, but the discount was too good to just pass by.

I took one home to demo now and it seems to do everything I'd like it to. However, as I don't have my home theater up and running, I can't test all of its capabilities (which means I'm really missing out on a lot).