Which Pioneer Receiver to Choose?

[killmeister]

I am setting up a totally new system from scratch. I have settled upon Orb Audio speakers which give you a 30 day in home trial. They have great reviews for their price range and they claim to work with any receiver rated for 6-8 ohms. I want the system mainly for music listening and watching movies on DVD or TV. My TV is a 50" Panasonic plasma HDTV (720p) bought last year. I will get a Blu-ray player later. For now I need to decide upon a receiver and my research has narrowed my choice down to either the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K (MSRP $500) or the Pioneer VSX-21TXH (MSRP $700). Since I can't understand all of the technical specifications supplied by Pioneer I have relied on reviews that I have seen such as by CNET and others. Obviously Pioneer seems to think that the VSX-21TXH model has $200 more of features in it. They also give it a 2 year warranty vs. 1 year for the "non-Elite" 1019 model. So I am asking those of you who have personal experiences with either of these two receivers to help me with the technical advantages of one model vs. the other. I am especially curious as to why the 21TXH weighs 29 lbs 5 oz. vs. the 1019 model which weighs 19 lbs 3 oz. Please be advised that price does not matter as a factor here since I have found that I can buy the 21TXH model for only about $10 more (delivered) than I can buy the 1019 for. Many thanks for your assistance.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Hi and Welcome to Audioholics,

Then I'll go with the Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH. This is an Elite model, isn't? ...Yes it is.

* To make matters worse (way of speach), have you consider the Onkyo TX-SR607?
Just an additional thought.

** And if Pioneer is deep in your mind, get the VSX-21TXH then. It's an Elite.

 

[jamie2112]

I would go with the 21TXH myself.

 

[rnatalli]

Between those two, I'd go with the Elite, but I'd go with a Denon 2310 over both.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Info from other candidates.

* Denon AVR-2310CI / AVR-890 A/V Receivers info:
@ http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1159463

* Onkyo TX-SR607 A/V Receiver info:
@ http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1136584

_________________________

** Onkyo TX-SR607 reviews;
1. @ http://hometheatermag.com/receivers/onkyo_tx-sr607_av_receiver/

2. @ http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/receivers/683-onkyo-tx-sr607.html

))) To help you with your other options.

~ But still, the Elite model (VSX-21TXH) would be my choice, between the two Pioneer models.

 

[killmeister]

Any specific reasons why?

I would go with the 21TXH myself.

Many thanks for your advice but I am a stickler for details and I would appreciate it if anyone can tell me WHY they would pick the 21txh over the 1019. I am especially perplexed by the weight difference between the two receivers and what it may or may not be doing regarding the performance of the two models? Any ideas?

 

[Lordoftherings]

^ Pioneer put more attention in their upper echelon lineup, the Elite line.
They usually use better parts, and normally should be your best bet, sound wise too.

Weight is not the determining factor in sound quality.
Attention to details, parts and implementation from the sum of all this, is.
Elite line is the upper line from Pioneer, you can rely on it more than it's regular line.
It's just the way Pioneer functions. The warranty might be better too (lasting longer).

* Just to be certain, check what owners have to say about this. Here:

1. Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH owners:
@ http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1179632

2. Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K owners:
@ http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1149686

 

[marky12]

Hey,

I think that for his speaker choice, I would go with the cheapest one with all the features you need. The speakers do not need that much juice to drive. If you plan on upgrading the speakers in the future than go with the better one. Then again, by the time you want to upgrade, your reciever maybe obsolete.

Orbs may have great reviews but ask around this forum, and I think they can recommend you with a better system. Basically what I'm saying is that with their given size, don't expect too much for music. Of course, you may have different priorities, like aesthetics or your girlfriend/wife, then you have no choice.

I have a Sony HT-IS100 in my bedroom and they are enjoyable. It definately looks way better that sticking a few bookshelves in there.