vsx03 or sc05

[Kbrobert]

Hi guys I am new to the forums. I had posted some questions on the avsforum which I also just joined but wanted some other opinions before I pull the trigger. I am looking at a pio vsx03 and a sc05. I would like to eventually get external amps like the emotiva xpa-5 when I upgrade my speakers. I am also unsure if the sc05 amps are good enough that the emotiva amps would not be an upgrade. If the emotiva amps are better then the sc05 amps then I think that my decision is made and I will save the cash and just get the 03.

I am a diy kind of guy and am planning on building the gr-research ob-7 kit and am in the process of building a sub(2 gr SW-12-08 w/600w servo amp).

I have spent to much time reading on these forums the last few days that its making my head spin

 

[Lordoftherings]

The Pioneer Elite Sc-05 is cheaper than the VSX-03TXH and is a much better receiver. The SC-05 weight just over 40 lbs and retails for $1,800.
It is only $699 now: http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?rcvr71ch&1246884682&class&3&4&
After you get that receiver, I doubt that you will need an external amp.
But it cannot hurt to add an Emotiva, at the price they are, they are a no-brainer.
But you will need to be pushing the volume of the SC-05 very loud to really need external amplification. By the way the SC-05 is 130 watts times seven, plenty of juice. Just get it (at this price, it is a super deal), and see for yourself in your own room with your own speakers. It is also THX Select2.
For $200 more you can get the SC-07 with 4 HDMI in and 2 HDMI out, plus THX Ultra2, plus 140 watts times seven. The SC-07 retails for $2,200, but you can get it for only $900 (also at Videogon), and no need for an additional amp.

This is an obvious choice, the SC-05 or the SC-07, either one is the big winner here.

Don't make your head spin anymore, give it a spin towards sound, power, value and pleasure.

Bob

 

[Kbrobert]

Well I just got my SC-05, all I can say is AMAZING!! This unit Breathed new life into my speakers. I have all day tomorrow to play with it more, I cant wait hehe.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Well I just got my SC-05, all I can say is AMAZING!! This unit Breathed new life into my speakers. I have all day tomorrow to play with it more, I cant wait hehe.

Now, I'm very pleased by your quick action. Less work for me, faster happyness for you.

Keep in touch to see how your speakers are getting along with their new mate. So far, so good.

Happy sound,

Bob

P.S. If I may, what speakers are you running right now, including your center, surrounds and sub(s), and how big is your room?
You might be just fine without any external amp.

 

[photoeye]

I too pulled the trigger on an SC-05 as well. Originally eyed the 03
but after reading these posts, the SC-05 seems best bang for the buck.

Getting it this week. I just hope the ice amps are not overly bright.
if so, emotiva to the rescue

it would be nice if they added a feature to all these new AVR's to
be able to turn off power, disable the amp section if you are using it as a pre.
less power consumption, less noise.

I'm going to drive magnepans, 4ohm loads. low to moderate levels I should
be okay.

I do have a question about the subwoofer crossover freq. you can
set to 80hz or 50hz. when you do the MACC auto cal, it defaults to 80hz.
You can then adjust to 50hz. would it not make sense to auto cal at 50hz?
I don't know if that is even possible.

if the speakers can go down to 40hz, would it not make sense to set
it at 50hz to produce a fuller sound from the fronts instead of 80hz?

 

[Lordoftherings]

I too pulled the trigger on an SC-05 as well. Originally eyed the 03
but after reading these posts, the SC-05 seems best bang for the buck.

Getting it this week. I just hope the ice amps are not overly bright.
if so, emotiva to the rescue

it would be nice if they added a feature to all these new AVR's to
be able to turn off power, disable the amp section if you are using it as a pre.
less power consumption, less noise.

I'm going to drive magnepans, 4ohm loads. low to moderate levels I should
be okay.

I do have a question about the subwoofer crossover freq. you can
set to 80hz or 50hz. when you do the MACC auto cal, it defaults to 80hz.
You can then adjust to 50hz. would it not make sense to auto cal at 50hz?
I don't know if that is even possible.

if the speakers can go down to 40hz, would it not make sense to set
it at 50hz to produce a fuller sound from the fronts instead of 80hz?

But don't forget that if you set it at 80hz, your receiver will be working less hard, which is good in your case because of your Maggies impedance.
If you have a decent sub, let him take over from 80hz and below.
And for 2-channel music listening, try 60hz to see how that sounds.

Me, in your case, that's what I'll do: 80hz x-over for multichannel stuff and about 60hz x-over for serious music 2-channel listening, or even full range.
You have to try for yourself, because your Maggies are the ones that will speak to you on what they like or not.
Also if the MCACC set the x-over at 80hz, that seems pretty good to me.
Why do you think they invented the sub for?

By the way, what sub are you using?

I hope it all makes sense to you now.

Bob