Yamaha RXV863 vs. Pioneer VSX-91TXH Need to make a decision

[mtbound10]

I am new to the audio world. It is something I used to be involved in but have lost track with all the new changes and technology. Based on reviews and specifications I have narrowed my search down to either the Yamaha or Pioneer receivers that I mentioned above Y RXV863 or P VSX-91TXH.... I need a hand making a qualified, educated decision... Which unit is the better pick???

I just purchased a Panasonic 50" HD 1080p plasma as well as a panasonic blue ray dvd player and need something to run everything through....!!!

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[TheFactor]

Pioneer gets my vote just because I'm really happy with mine buy Yamaha makes great receivers to. I know I wasnt much help but thought I'd give ya bump to the top so someone else can chime in for ya .

 

[Seth=L]

I to think the Pioneer would be a tad better.

Although, I wouldn't ever consider the RX-V863.

 

[jackwelch]

I to think the Pioneer would be a tad better.

Although, I wouldn't ever consider the RX-V863.

Seth, why so? Any bad experiences?

 

[mudrummer99]

I'll throw out there that the 863 scales incoming video sources up to 1080p HDMI if desired, although Yamaha video scaling is sometimes questionable. Hope this helps.

Mike

 

[bandphan]

The amps in the pioneer are gonna win out over that yammy. But not knowing the speakers and room size, it may not matter. Video wise id let the panny panel handle the scaling (again the only source listed is the bluray). If the auto eq or manual eq matters to you, i think you'll find pioneer's to be more tweekable.

 

[cbags05]

I'll throw out there that the 863 scales incoming video sources up to 1080p HDMI if desired, although Yamaha video scaling is sometimes questionable. Hope this helps.

Mike

I just picked up my 863 with very high hopes. I must say I am extremely disappointed in the video processing. Picture quality is not even close to the quality I used to have running HDMI direct to my TV, not to mention the upscaling is prety much non-existant.

I'm not sure what I want to do now......

 

[jmgonza6]

I am in your same boat! I love the look of the glossy front of the Pioneer, I know looks shouldnt be the decider, but have heard good things about the Yamaha, except for the previous poster. I am looking at the exact Pioneer, 91txh. What speakers are you going to use? I am using Energy Connesouir Refrence. I will keep checking in on you to see what comes of this dilema, and if I happen to spring for the Pioneer, I will let you know where I stand on it. What does your system contain; main speakers & sub(s)? Cheers

Joe

 

[bandphan]

I am in your same boat! I love the look of the glossy front of the Pioneer, I know looks shouldnt be the decider, but have heard good things about the Yamaha, except for the previous poster. I am looking at the exact Pioneer, 91txh. What speakers are you going to use? I am using Energy Connesouir Refrence. I will keep checking in on you to see what comes of this dilema, and if I happen to spring for the Pioneer, I will let you know where I stand on it. What does your system contain; main speakers & sub(s)? Cheers

Joe

The 92 can be had for 599 all day long and is a solid unit for that price. IMO and others, it wins over the 863 and probably the 1800. If your display is a good one, you wanna let it handle the video scaling, not your 1000 receiver

 

[captiankirk28]

I had a 863 for a little while i borrowed from my friend before i bought my Pioneer VSX-94 ELITE and i love mine now just as much as when i got it, The amp in it is solid as a rock and sounds great, i know it is not the same one that you are looking at but it is made similar. Just thought i would let ya know, good luck in your purchase.

 

[Seth=L]

Seth, why so? Any bad experiences?

No, I just think the RX-V663 gives more bang for buck. I don't need a scaler, or extra digital inputs. The RX-V863 and RX-V663 have similar output specs (close enough not to matter any amount).

 

[ColoradoJohn]

Do you have the opportunity to listen to both? BB carries both receivers.

I did, and ordered the VSX-94TXH... very similar to the 91. The choice seemed obvious after the demo.

I'd suggest you bring your own favorite CD(s) and listen to music.

 

[s52e368]

The 92 can be had for 599 all day long and is a solid unit for that price. IMO and others, it wins over the 863 and probably the 1800. If your display is a good one, you wanna let it handle the video scaling, not your 1000 receiver

the VSX-92TXH ?

 

[bandphan]

the VSX-92TXH ?

The 91. Miss type. The 92 van be had for around 750

 

[s52e368]

The 91. Miss type. The 92 van be had for around 750

damn i got excited

 

[scottm_dj]

Pioneer Elite 92TXH

The 92TXH model has been discontinued (not the 94TXH) and can be had for that $599 price. I should know as I just got one from my local Best Buy. Talk to the Magnolia Mgr at yours for a deal--they are trying to get rid of them and they probably have at least one floor model. The Magnolia area has "normal" customers that wont destroy the demo--mine was in perfect shape, complete with the technicolor remote. For that price (including the 2 yr warranty) the unit is a steal. However, coming from Denon but trying to get the new HD audio formats, the musicality is not quite there so still on the fence about keeping it, deal and all. Also, I really miss the Denon Link for SACD/DVD-AUDIO--that is a huge factor for sticking with D for someone who owns about 20 of each format.

BTW: I also previously picked up the Yamy 863 for $750 from another local store, and keep in mind any HD radio unit has a $50 rebate through Sept. I didn't even open that box though before it went back.

Good luck!