Sony vs Panasonic-receiver fidelity comparison: Help Needed

[DubiusDidymus]

Hello,
I'm trying to decide between the Pioneer VSX-917V and the Sony STR-DG800 as an upgrade to my existing Sony STR-DE945 based setup.

Amplifier Output: Both are rated at 110W per channel @ 8Ohms (7.1)
Connectors: Both seem to have the usual array of I/O, including 2 HDMI I/Ps (passthrough)
Decoders: Similar support
XM/Satellite: Don't care

However, the Pioneer has a THD of 0.9% at 110W 8Ohms, whereas the Sony has a THD of 0.7%.

Since I plan on using the receiver for listening to (classical) Audio CDs in addition to movies and HDTV, my question is does the THD factor make the Sony a better bet?

I'm sure there could be other, tangible and not so tangible factors (brand ? chipsets?), that come into play where audio fidelity is concerned - but I'm no audiophile

Thanks!

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver options

I would drop the Sony and consider Denon, Yamaha, and Onkyo models in your price range. If you can aford it, get a Yamaha RX-V661 or Onkyo 605 for <$400. Both include HDMI audio processing. Don't dwell too much over power ratings or THD specs, pick the model with the best price that has the power and features you need.

 

[Seth=L]

The Pioneer VSX-917 is way to expensive for what it is. It is basically a VSX-817 with HDMI switching (no audio/video processing). It has not preouts, which was a feature on previous models in that series.

The only Sony receiver I would even remotely ever consider is the STR-DG1000, which is a good value receiver IMO. It has HDMI audio processing and plenty of connectivity and features. The Sony STR-DG800 offers HDMI switching and just like the Pioneer VSX-917 it does not have any audio/video processing over HDMI.

That said, the Onkyo TX-SR605 and Yamaha RX-V661 offer a better bang for buck than just about any new receiver in this price range.

Like jcPanny said, ignore the power ratings for the most part. The difference between 100 watts and 75 watts is neglegible. The difference between the Pioneer VSX-917's 110 watts per channel and the Onkyo TX-SR605's 90 watts is a joke. I would bet good money that the Onkyo has more power. It has a larger power supply and a heftier output stage. The Pioneer weighs 20 pounds vs. the Onkyo at 25 pounds.

The Onkyo also has a but load of nice features like HDMI 1.3, Audyssey Auto EQ, and built in Zone 2 power.

Good luck.

 

[fmw]

1% distortion is inaudible. Less than 1 tenth of 1% is very, very inaudible. Ignore those specs. They are normal and equal.

 

[DubiusDidymus]

Summary: <$300 mid-range receiver comparison

For those interested in a mid-range receiver that costs <$300, I have summarized the findings (thanks to jcPanny, Seth and fmv) at :
dubiusdidymus.blogspot.com/2007/11/good-mid-range-receivers-for-less-than.html

 

[Seth=L]

For those interested in a mid-range receiver that costs <$300, I have summarized the findings (thanks to jcPanny, Seth and fmv) at :
dubiusdidymus.blogspot.com/2007/11/good-mid-range-receivers-for-less-than.html

The Onkyo TX-SR575 falls under the budget, and is better quality than the Sony and Pioneer IMO. So if you don't want the niceties that HDMI can offer for audio/video features, then the TX-SR575 should suit you.