Sony TA-AX380 vs Pioneer VSX-502

[Schupo]

I recently got a free Pioneer VSX-502. I don't know a lot about this receiver, other than that it's a 5 channel surround receiver vs my 2 channel Sony. I'm trying to figure out which receiver is better used for my main setup in my bedroom, and which should be put in the kitchen. For the time being, I'm using both systems exclusively for music, so I won't be taking advantage of the fact that one is surround and one is purely stereo. Does anyone have any experience with the two of them? It's difficult to A/B them, considering that I only have one pair of "good" speakers and one pair of "bad" speakers. Does anyone who has any experience with either of these units have any advice?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi,

The Pioneer VSX-502 definitively goes in your bedroom main system,
while the Sony is for the kitchen duties.

Cheers.
Bob

 

[Schupo]

Might I ask why you think that the Pioneer is better?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Might I ask why you think that the Pioneer is better?

Of course you may ask.

I also own an older Pioneer (VSX-9300s), and I just love his warm sound from his MosFet output transistors, it's a sound that you can live with for a very long time, non-fatiguing, pleasant, great bass power, lovely overall tone and balance, and just pure and simple easy to live with.
B&K amps also used Mosfet transistors on most of their amps and receivers.

Sony, let's just say that I'd rather not go there at all. I banned all Sony products from my existence.
I not only that I don't like their receivers, but I also hate the way they do business.
And it would go against my principles to encourage them, or by purchasing their products, or even using them. I'm just too sensitive for even that.

Cheers & have a great day,
Bob

 

[MOSFET67]

Sony TA-AX380

I have several systems in my home and car, each one designed specifically for the task at hand. For instance my home theater is driven by a large, and very powerful, 7 channel Yamaha with video inputs, digital inputs, and all sorts of processing power needed for optimizing the theater experience.

My bedroom has nothing more than "boombox" SQ as I NEVER listen to music in my bedroom.

But perhaps my FAVORITE system in my home is my "computer system". The hub of which is a fantastic Sony integrated amp, the TA-AX380. This stereo amp is four ohm stable and even at 8 ohms produces 125 watts RMS at.08% distortion. Frankly, more powerful than the individual channels of my Yamaha which are 110 watts X 6. Though I have tried MANY computer speakers over the years I have NEVER heard a pair that sounded adequate. So despite space considerations, the Sony drives a pair of bookshelf speakers mounted on the wall (BY NECESSITY!) just above my two 24" LCD monitors. They are a gorgeous pair of JVC Axial drive (two woofers mounted back to back) base-reflex speakers. I love speakers that actually use REAL WOOD veneer and these JVCs look as good as they sound. Also, they can handle EVERYTHING my Sony amp can dish out. The low-end is handled by a spectacular KLH 10" ported subwoofer with a built in 200 watt amp. I also use a Sherwood EQ with a nifty spectrum annalizer. I know the Sony has a built in 5 band EQ but as it is driving only the bookshelfs, I can lower the 80Hz slider.

True, the Sherwood is the weak link here and I hope to upgrade to a better quality EQ eventually. But given that I play primarily MP3's over this system and I have to integrate the sub with the JVC's, a "master" EQ is needed at first before sent to the sub and the Sony.

Anyway, this system is AMAZING. Although my home theater employees a Miller and Kriesel MX-105 (two 12" drivers) and can shake the house, I swear my KLH sub produces tighter and seemingly just as loud bass. When I want to REALLY listen to music at FULL VOLUME, it is now this system I turn to and not my home theater or car (the car, of course, has OBSCENE bass) but lacks midbass clarity as is almost ALWAYS the problem when trying to build an audiophile quality car system. For good honest kick-drum THUMP felt in your chest, you almost always have to set a higher X-over for the subs BUT then you have the problem of "localizing" your bass, usually BEHIND you, not in front where it belongs.

Anyway, I LOVE my Sony amp. It posses ALL the necessary power and then some. I MAY upgrade my bookshelf speakers but it's nice to know that my SOny will be able to drive them at any load with MASSIVE POWER.

I would wholeheartedly recommend that Sony integrated amp.

MOSFET67