Round Two: Pioneer VSX-AX3 vs. Yamaha RX-V650

[kay]

Gentlemen,

After some careful consideration of my budget, I've decided to move up a bit - seeing as I'd like to get the right stuff the first time around instead of buying something that I'll have to upgrade sooner or later - I've narrowed down the offerings to the aforementioned A/V receivers. I'll have to wait a couple more months for the speakers I want but hopefully the full setup will be with me for many years to come, so that's a small price to pay.

Any comments on the two?

It would appear that the Pioneer MCACC included in this version also has EQ adjustments - something I believe the Yamaha doesn't. Apart from that, power ratings appear identical, they have 7.1 external decoder inputs, 7.1 pre-outs, price is nearly identical. The Pioneer doesn't do component video switching however.

In the only UK review I found of the AX3, they rate it really highly. The UK price is around 6-700 British pounds. I found it for closer to 500 at a reputable online store locally - appears to be great value for money and a class above the Yamaha.

The UK price of the Yamaha RX-V650 for comparison is in comparison only about 300 pounds.

Is the Pioneer an older, but higher class, model to be selling at this price?

 

[kay]

Just noticed! The Pioneer weighs in at a whopping 18kg - compared to the Yammy's paltry 12!

EDIT: Apparently, this Pioneer is the equivalent of the overseas' Elite VSX-53TX model? If it's really so, then this is the deal of the century?

 

[zipper]

If it is the equivilent to the 53TX then it is a class above the 650........literally. To make a fair comparison you should compare it to the Yamaha 2500. If these are your only 2 choices then, yes, the Pioneer gives you more features & power, hence the price difference.

I don't know the lb./dollar conversion but if the unit is around $800-$900 I'd say it's a good deal.

 

[kay]

I realized - I've just seen another review where it was compared to the Yamaha RX-V1500. It is about $1000 for the Pioneer, and between $900-1000 for the RX-V650 (stuff around here is overpriced beyond belief!).

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

If it is the Pioneer 53tx, then I would choose it over the Yamaha 1500 or possibly even the 2500 (very close call depending on price comparison). The Pioneer here retails for $1500. The Yamaha 1500 retails for $849 and $1099 respectively. The Yamaha 1500 is $300 more than the older model 650. I don't think the 650 and 1500 are comparable (my guess would be the 750). The Yamaha models HTR 5860 and 5890 compare to the 1500 and 2500 though.

www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4155_2046366_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ProductDetailComponent

www.yamaha.com/yec/products/receivers/RXV1500.htm

Aren't you glad there are so many models to choose from, and that they all differ from market to market within the same brand? Pioneer is doing that to us right now in our Best Buy stores with a new 9000 series receiver. Pioneer would not answer an online question regarding these newer receivers, and told the guy to call them directly. In any event, Pioneer and Yamaha are both great brands. I'm just surprised at the insane pricing differences from country to country.

 

[kay]

Here is a link that contains some specs for the AX3:

http://www.pioneer-eur.com/eur/product_detail.jsp?product_id=5068&taxonomy_id=62-98

It was released in 2004 - THX Select, 7.1. The remote and chassis look identical to the 53TX. Specs are also *very* similar - only difference I found was that the AX3 does not have any component video inputs.

I have contacted the shop - hopefully next week I can get it.

It is very strange that this difference in pricing exists, I've obviously underestimated this receiver as it is from the same place where I found the D814.

Usually local prices are about 10-20% above the UK prices, themselves higher than the US prices. This one is a major exception of note! I wonder if it's not just some old stock they're trying to get rid of quicker?

I think I've found what I was looking for

 

[mawst95]

THere's open box 53tx's here in my area authorized for $429.00

 

[kay]

That is great, except I'm on the other side of the globe from most of you guys

 

[kay]

The AX3 does not have Component Video switching, nor (at appears) lip-sync delay. How important are these features? I will probably only have a DVD player with component video outs, and maybe a projector in addition to the TV later.

 

[kay]

Ah. As page 51 of the AX3 manual clearly states, delay of up to 5 PAL or 6 NTSC frames (that's about 160ms) is possible as long as it is not in Direct Stereo or External Pre-processor mode - I guess that means it's only possible when you're listening via a digital connectin? Either way, should be fine for DVD movies.