VSX-94TXH Question & Seeking Advice

C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast
Hi all,

First post, so please be gentle.

I've been lurking for a while to try to learn more about surround sound equipment. I came across a good deal (to me) on some lightly used equipment, and am looking for a receiver to match my new speaker setup.

Here's what I got (it was 6.1, all Polk Audio):

Front: 2 x RTi8
Center: CSi3
Side: 2 x RTi4
Rear: CS1
Sub: PSW202

I already had the following Polk Audio from the 90s:

Front: 2 x R1
Center: CS101
Sub: PSW50

Here's what I am thinking. Using all the new speakers except the CS1, using the old R1s as sides, and having a 7.1 setup. I have auditioned receivers and liked the VSX-94TXH the best.

Oh, I have a PS3 for Blue Ray movies (we watch a lot from NetFlix), an upconverting DVD/VHS player, and HD DirecTV, all hooked up HDMI. The TV is a 52" XBR4.

The room is about 14' x 24', popcorn sloped ceiling, and carpeted.

Am I on the right track with the Pioneer receiver, or have I hopelessly gone astray?

Thanks!

John
 
P

PENG

Audioholic Slumlord
For $1,200 the VSX-94TXH is an excellent choice.
 
itschris

itschris

Moderator
I've had my 94 for not quite 3 months and can tell you that I haven't once regretted that choice. The internal amp section is very strong and clean. It's a very very capable "brain center." It decodes everything and has some very nice features. The network connection allows you to access the Home Media Gallery for Interent Radio and accessing your pc's music files. It has more than enough connection for all but the very most complex systems and has enough feature to keep you playing with it for some time.

I highly recommend it.
 
C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast
I noticed the 91TXH and 92TXH prices have really dropped. I might wait a couple of weeks until the area stores receive the 05TXH and see if it brings down the price on the 94TXH.

Thanks for the input!

itschris: As an aside, I was planning on purchasing the Def Tech BP7002 or BP7004 for my fronts in the future. I noticed you are using these as well.
 
C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast
Well, I bought the VSX94TXH this afternoon. Now for the wait...
 
itschris

itschris

Moderator
I noticed the 91TXH and 92TXH prices have really dropped. I might wait a couple of weeks until the area stores receive the 05TXH and see if it brings down the price on the 94TXH.

Thanks for the input!

itschris: As an aside, I was planning on purchasing the Def Tech BP7002 or BP7004 for my fronts in the future. I noticed you are using these as well.
Congrats on the purchase. I think you'll be really happy with your choice. I'm still doing little tweaks here and there and I'm still just really happy about my purchase.

Regarding the Def Techs... I've always been a fan of these speakers and owned a pair back with the original bp3000 (I think) first came out.

For the money, they provide an awful lot of value and performance. I went with the 7002's because I wasn't really able to add an additional sub so I wanted a more robust bottom end. I have the LFE split between the two and they can literally shake the walls. They image very nice and their soundstage for music is fantastic. I've always like the way theirs a deep soundfield, almost like the different parts of music are being placed different distances. You notice most on very well recorded live performances. It's almost kinda spooky at times the way your attention can drawn specifically to a space in front of you when an instrument or vocal kicks in. They seem like very big speakers at first, but actually blend in very well. Like most speakers, position is key, but they're pretty forgiving. You'll probably want a critical listening position and an everyday position. That's what I do.

Anyway, I think their very fine performing speakers. I listened to quite a few speakers and still found myself gravitating back to them. In my opinion, you'd really have to spend a lot more to get a really significantly better speaker. I'm not saying they're the best, but they are definately one of a handful of excellent speakers in the price range. If you can, get to a Magnolia Best Buy store. The one by my house actually has them setup in one of their rooms and provided a pretty fair audition.

Here's a couple pics so you can get an idea of their size in a normal room.
View attachment 6173

View attachment 6174
 
Last edited:
itschris

itschris

Moderator
Well, I bought the VSX94TXH this afternoon. Now for the wait...

Have you got it yet? Let us know how it goes and also what speakers you decide to go with.

Also, don't forget pics if you got them.
 
C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast
No, it's going to be a couple of weeks. But the price was right, so I'm not complaining just yet.

I need a couple more posts to post an image.
 
C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast


It will go in the bottom right of the cabinet. I'm looking for a quiet 120VAC fan (or 2) to mount in the back of the cabinet to try to keep it cool. I can't use the PS3 on the left side without leaving the door open.

I know, I know, it shouldn't be enclosed, but I'm married. Enough said.
 
itschris

itschris

Moderator
Nice setup. The TV looks sweet mounted up there.

There's a banner that comes up sometimes on the top of our site that has nice fans. I'm thinking about getting a set myself. Even though my cabinet is well ventilated for a/v, I'm going to building an HTPC and getting a bd player soon, so i think it'll be smart to help some of the heat dissipate out of there.




It will go in the bottom right of the cabinet. I'm looking for a quiet 120VAC fan (or 2) to mount in the back of the cabinet to try to keep it cool. I can't use the PS3 on the left side without leaving the door open.

I know, I know, it shouldn't be enclosed, but I'm married. Enough said.
 
C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast
I just now noticed your center speaker. That's a great looking setup.

John

Congrats on the purchase. I think you'll be really happy with your choice. I'm still doing little tweaks here and there and I'm still just really happy about my purchase.

Regarding the Def Techs... I've always been a fan of these speakers and owned a pair back with the original bp3000 (I think) first came out.

For the money, they provide an awful lot of value and performance. I went with the 7002's because I wasn't really able to add an additional sub so I wanted a more robust bottom end. I have the LFE split between the two and they can literally shake the walls. They image very nice and their soundstage for music is fantastic. I've always like the way theirs a deep soundfield, almost like the different parts of music are being placed different distances. You notice most on very well recorded live performances. It's almost kinda spooky at times the way your attention can drawn specifically to a space in front of you when an instrument or vocal kicks in. They seem like very big speakers at first, but actually blend in very well. Like most speakers, position is key, but they're pretty forgiving. You'll probably want a critical listening position and an everyday position. That's what I do.

Anyway, I think their very fine performing speakers. I listened to quite a few speakers and still found myself gravitating back to them. In my opinion, you'd really have to spend a lot more to get a really significantly better speaker. I'm not saying they're the best, but they are definately one of a handful of excellent speakers in the price range. If you can, get to a Magnolia Best Buy store. The one by my house actually has them setup in one of their rooms and provided a pretty fair audition.

Here's a couple pics so you can get an idea of their size in a normal room.
View attachment 6173

View attachment 6174
 
itschris

itschris

Moderator
Thanks. I had a real hard time finding a cabinet to accomodate the large center. I had a real dilemma about the tv. I knew I wanted at least 60", but the LCD's and Plasmas in that or near that size were hitting $4500-$6000+. I just couldn't stomach that... especially when the technology is still changing so rapidly and each new gen of tv is drastically better than the last. For now, I decided to just go with bigger size, though I sorda lament losing out on the cool factor a bit.

If I would've got an LCD, it certainly would have made my cabinet options a lot more easier. There's a ton of really slick looking modern or contemoporary cabinets out there for flat panels. Most of our house leans to more traditional and antiques until you walk through the archway into that area of the house. When we remodeled, I want that area to me more modern and cozy.
 
itschris

itschris

Moderator
By the way, when you get a chance, think about adding a signature to your account. You have a lot of nice gear and I'm sure people would be interested in seeing what you have. It makes for good conversation. Also, sometimes people who are having issues may find that you have the same stuff and they can ask you a question or give you the big thumbs up.
 
C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast
I'm told it will ship by the end of the week. I'm very excited!

I've got a ton to do to get the room ready. Fortunately, this part of the house is not over the finished basement, but rather over a crawl space. I'll probably run all the speaker wires under the room rather than over (we have a ranch).

I also need to pull Ethernet cable up to the point where the receiver will sit. I'm thinking of at least one extra port for the PS3 and another connection on the other end of the room where I normally sit (and sometimes use the laptop).

In reality, none of this will be done ahead of time, and I'll have a bunch of cables and wires strung across the floor to get a preview of how it sounds.
 
itschris

itschris

Moderator
Of course, something like this would be much easier:

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US/Layout&pagename=Linksys/Common/VisitorWrapper&cid=1134692497433

itschris: Is your connection wired or wireless? If wireless, any issues with speed? Thanks!

I have had a cable and highspeed drop put in on the new wall behind the tv and have my wireless router there as well. That way, the Elite is hardwired and I have extra ports for the new blu-ray and the HTPC I'm gonna build.
 
C

ColoradoJohn

Enthusiast
The receiver is here!

I unpacked it, ran cables across the floor, and hooked up the PS3 and DirecTV boxes via HDMI. I didn't do the MCACC setup yet (too anxious), but went right to playing music in the PS3. How can anybody stand that noisy PS3 fan?
 
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