Pioneer New 2009 A/V Receivers Introduced - CES 2009 including VSX-1019AH

[Yung]

The Pioneer VSX-1019AH and other regular Pioneer line A/V receivers are being introduced at CES 2009. The VSX-1019AH features 4 HDMI inputs and also features enhance CD playback via PQLSh when connected to a Pioneer Blu-ray Disc player. The best news might be the price, only $500 MSRP and available in April! The 919AH steps back up to being a 7.1 receiver this year as 2008's VSX-918 was only 5.1.


http://i.gizmodo.com/5125654/pioneer...e-connectivity

At CES 2009, Pioneer’s home entertainment group is introducing four new A/V receivers.

A/V Receivers

Pioneer’s top A/V receivers are iPhone-certified providing a complete solution for digital audio playback.

The Pioneer-brand A/V receivers continue to bring digital media content into the living room with a complete IPod (including iPhone, iPod Nano and ITouch) solution for high-quality sound reproduction in the home. To ensure quality audio reproduction, the new models are outfitted with the company’s industry-leading digital sound processing technologies that improve compressed and lower-quality music files to near CD performance.

Pioneer’s Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) technology provides quality surround sound playback of compressed audio files

Continuing to set a standard in state-of-the-art audio quality, the A/V receivers from Pioneer feature the following enhanced processing functionality:

• Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) greatly enhances sound quality of iPhone, iPod and satellite radio devices by restoring critical data often removed from a compressed audio file. The result is a fuller, more dynamic listening experience when heard on a home speaker system. The VSX-919 and VSX-1019AH feature ASR-multi that restores multi-channel audio such as Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1 for DVDs and satellite television programming.
• Auto Level Control (ALC) equalizes volume levels found in digital audio tracks (i.e. MP3 and iPod ), input sources, and even television channels and commercials by restoring the gap in recorded and playback volume without diminishing quality to ensure the most natural sound performance from all content. The VSX-919 and VSX-1019AH feature multi-channel ALC to provide a consistent volume level between TV channels and commercials delivering multi-channel digital audio now standard in television content.

All models offer multi-zone operation for premium, customized audio entertainment throughout the home

Continuing to offer full home automation solutions, Pioneer incorporated a number of installation-friendly features for 2nd zone audio/video and even an independent on-screen display with Sirius and iPod album artwork (VSX-1019AH). Featuring sleek, black cosmetics trickled down from the Elite line, Pioneer’s new A/V receivers bring high end to home theaters from the inside out.

When connected to a Pioneer Blu-ray Disc player, the A/V receivers enhance CD playback via PQLS, previously only available in Elite line

Pioneer’s engineers developed unique settings in its A/V receivers to harmonize audio performance. Pioneer created jitter-free playback and dynamic sound quality for music CDs. When connected to a new Blu-ray Disc player via HDMI, Pioneer’s A/V receivers (VSX-919AH & VSX-1019AH) utilize a proprietary Precision Quartz Locking System (PQLS) that synchronizes data between the Blu-ray Disc player and the receiver, providing listeners with the ultimate precision in CD playback.

Built for high-definition surround sound

The four new models bring high resolution audio to fulfill HD video entertainment. The VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH models feature Pioneer’s proprietary Hybrid Amplifier Technology II (P.H.A.T.) to ensure high quality, high power, multi-channel sound performance at greater efficiency levels. By maintaining minimal heat, the new receivers utilize a pure signal path with minimal internal and external disturbances. Additionally, Pioneer’s top three models also deliver Dolby® TrueHD and DTS®-HD high resolution audio formats found on high definition Blu-Ray discs. Users can take advantage of Pioneer’s room tuning capabilities for a truly customized experience for all audio listening. All four units offer full sound processing for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, DTS, and DTS 96/24. The top three add Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES, and DTS NEO:6. The top two models add Windows Media Audio 9 Professional™ for supreme audio playback of movies, home movies, portable music and more.

From entry-level to its top-of-the-line model Pioneer’s four new A/V receivers now provide HDMI 1.3 repeaters that allow home theater fans to take advantage of the format capabilities including Deep Color, x.v. Color and Lip Sync.

Product Specs

Pioneer VSX-519V A/V Receiver
• 110 Watts x 5 @ 1 kHz
• HDMI Repeater (2 In / 1 out)
• Deep Color
• x.v. color
• Lip Sync
• Phase Control
• 2 channel Auto Level Control
• 2 channel Advanced Sound Retriever
• Front Mini Portable Input
• Component Video Inputs (2 in / 1 out)
• Audio Inputs (4 in / 1 out - includes Tuner)
• Audio/Video Inputs (3 in / 1 out)
• Digital Inputs (3 - 1 coax / 2opt)
• Blu-ray Disc Ready with 5.1 channel inputs including subwoofer pre-out
• Multi-Zone Audio Pre-Out
• New System Remote Control
• Date/Pricing: April 2009 / $200

Pioneer VSX-819H A/V Receiver
Step up features:
• 110 Watts x 5 @ 1 kHz
• HDMI Repeater (3 In / 1 out)
• Deep Color
• x.v. color
• Lip Sync
• Dolby True-HD / DTS-HD Master Audio
• Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) with room EQ is a room tuning function that optimizes sound playback based on the size, shape and surface of a room. It equalizes each speaker with relation to its position in the room, to match the front speakers or to split room audio in two parts
• iPod Digital USB / USB Memory Audio / On-screen display – iPod digital (USB) front panel port that allows users to access and control their iPod via the packaged iPod cable. iPod Digital provides “plug and play” immediate enjoyment of iPod content; there is no need for a separate dock or iPod connecter cable from the manufacturer. Users can view a dedicated OSD with full song information
• Sirius Satellite Radio with on-screen display
• New Preset Remote Control
• Date/Pricing: April 2009 / $300

VSX-919AH A/V Receiver
Step up features:
• 120 Watts x 7
• P.H.A.T. II @ 1 kHz
• Full Color GUI / OSD
• 2 Channel Presicion Quartz Lock System (PQLS) – Syncs audio and video information (content) coming from a connected Pioneer Blu-ray Disc player to ensure HD content is decoded and played back accurately on a HDTV
• Multi-channel Auto Level Control
• Multi- channel Sound Retriever
• Neural THX / WMA-9 Pro
-more-
• Advanced MCACC is Pioneer’s room calibration feature that delivers ensures studio quality sound for an array of room configurations. Evidence of Pioneer’s relentless pursuit of multi-channel stereophonic precision, Advanced MCACC immediately optimizes acoustics in a room, making subtle adjustments to connected speakers and neutralizes the sound field of the primary listening area with meticulous fine-tuning.
• KURO Link – When a Pioneer A/V receiver is connected to a Pioneer KURO, users can control both devices utilizing just the television remote control. Volume, power, play and channels are just some of the options that can be controlled with the single remote.
• Analog to Analog Video Conversion – Up / Down
• Analog to HDMI Up-conversion
• PureCinema Video Processing – Improved technology ensures smooth, high quality playback of standard definition content when shown on a connected HDTV
• 3D Noise Reduction
• 3D Y/C Separation
• Audio Inputs (4 in / 1out - includes Tuner)
• Digital Inputs (3 - 1 coax / 2 opt)
• Multi-Zone A/V Pre-out: Allows 2 room audio enjoyment. For example, 5.1 surround sound in a living room while a CD is being output in another room. 2 zone environments can also enjoy Sirius & iPod sources.
• New Preset Remote Control
• Date/Pricing: April 2009 / $400

VSX-1019AH A/V Receiver
Step up features:
• HDMI Repeater (4 In / 1 out)
• Faroudja 1080p Video Scaler – converts analog video content to better match the resolution of a connected display for a high quality home theater viewing experience
• Digital Inputs (4 - 2 coax / 2opt)
• iPod 2nd Zone with OSD – access and control iPod content via multi-zone with full color jacket art graphics
• New Preset Glow Remote Control
• Date/Pricing: April 2009 / $500

[Yung]

Here's another link with pretty much the same info:
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/01/07...-av-receivers/

[RequiemX]

This may apply some downward pricing pressure...

[Jim McC]

The 819 sounds great for $300. What do they mean by "HDMI repeaters?"

[hifihawkeye]

We'll have to wait for more details to confirm this, but the amplifier in the new 1019 (120W X 7) appears to be a downgrade from the one currently offered in the 1018 (130W X 7). The 1018 shares the same internal hardware as the THX-certified Elite VSX-01TXH. It looks like the 919 and 1019 will share the same internals, and both be a step down from the 1018/01. Pioneer may be doing this to better differentiate the Elite receivers. Nevertheless, at the announced $500 list price and with the additional features, the 1019 does look very attractive. I am glad to see their auto-level control (ALC) extended to digital and multi-channel sources. Hopefully, their new ALC implementation will be competitive with Dolby Volume and Audyssey Dynamic Volume.

[supermoore1025]

Originally Posted by Jim McC

The 819 sounds great for $300. What do they mean by "HDMI repeaters?"

HDMI repeater mean the hdmi input can pass audio and video

[Yung]

Here's the official release on Pioneer's website:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...he+Living+Room

Pioneer AV Receivers Deliver Cutting Edge Digital Entertainment to the Living Room
Three New Models are First to Feature Apple iPhone™ Certification
Las Vegas, CES Booth #9827 1/8/2009

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today unveils a new line of stellar A/V receivers that are the first to provide a complete digital entertainment solution for the home theater. The Pioneer VSX-519V, VSX-819H, VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH are some of the industry’s first to feature iPhone and iPod® certification for enhanced compatibility to the millions of Apple® mobile digital devices already sold. In addition to simple ‘plug and play’ connectivity, Pioneer enhances the overall user experience with full color graphic user interfaces including album jacket art as well as multi-zone enjoyment of personal content from any iPod and iPhone when using select receiver models. Pioneer’s new line of A/V receivers elevate the listening experience of compressed audio and lower-quality music files with proprietary sound quality enhancements designed to ensure a dynamic surround listening experience.

High definition fans will appreciate dynamic picture and sound reproduction capabilities that are a result of multiple engineering features in the new line, including HDMI™ repeaters that provide full video format capabilities such as Deep Color, x.v Color that deliver a wider gamut of hues and shades as well as Lip Sync function for synchronized audio and video playback.

“The prevalence of digital devices as primary entertainment sources for consumers is undeniable, but what has been missing is the capability of a high end home theater product that can drastically improve the quality of downloaded content directly from one’s cellular or other portable digital device,” said David Bales, marketing manager of audio products for the home entertainment division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “With our four new Pioneer models, consumers have a comprehensive entertainment control center that brings their existing digital entertainment into the living room, and they can be confident it will continue to meet their emerging high resolution demands well into the future.”

Premium Home Theater Digital Entertainment Connectivity
As the central hub for all home entertainment components, Pioneer’s top three new models are designed as the most dynamic solution to connect and improve playback performance for the 174 million iPod and 13 million iPhone devices purchased to date.* With a multi-format front panel USB port that can handle an array of MP3 music files, consumers can seamlessly navigate and choose personalized playlists using just the receiver’s remote control and a dedicated OSD.

The VSX-919 and VSX-1019AH transcend music selection capabilities and add a touch of style to the traditional mobile device experience with full-color artwork from a selected song or album that can be displayed on a connected HDTV.

Compressed Audio Restored for Surround Sound Performance
Pioneer continues to integrate its industry-leading Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) and Auto Level Control (ALC) audio improvement technologies across all four new models to elevate the sound quality experience of compressed media beyond one’s earphones. In the VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH models, engineers utilize updated versions of these features to deliver fuller, more natural surround sound across various content.

Pioneer’s ASR – Greatly enhances sound reproduction of iPhone, iPod and other portable media players as well as satellite radio devices by restoring the critical audio data that is often removed from a compressed audio file. When played back on a home theater system, audiences gain robust music that is near CD quality. The VSX-919AH and VSx-1019AH also feature ASR-multi, which restores compressed multi-channel legacy audio formats including Dolby® Digital and DTS® 5.1, often found on DVD movies and satellite or cable television programming.
Pioneer’s ALC – Recognizing that volume levels can fluctuate across digital audio tracks (i.e. MP3 and iPod), input sources and even television channels and commercials to cause disruptive entertainment, ALC is utilized to equalize these inconsistent volume levels. By restoring the gap in recorded and playback volume without diminishing audio quality, ALC ensures consistent listening from all entertainment. The VSX-919AH and VSx-1019AH also feature ALC3e-multi, which delivers multi-channel digital audio quality even in low volume listening.
Outfitted for the High Resolution Entertainment System
To fulfill the high resolution demands of audiophiles, Pioneer’s top three models support Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD high resolution audio formats from Blu-ray Disc® feature films. The VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH models also incorporate proprietary Hybrid Amplifier Technology II (P.H.A.T.) to ensure powerful, high quality, multi-channel sound performance at greater efficiency levels.

Audio Integration for Entire Home
Dedicated to providing a premium, customized audio entertainment experience throughout the home, Pioneer’s new A/V receivers offers home integration features including:

Multi-Zone Audio – Pioneer’s new models serve as the entertainment showpiece of up to two audio zone in the house. Users can even enjoy 2nd zone full-color OSD for Sirius as well as iPod album artwork (VSX-1019AH).
Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) - Pioneer’s engineers developed unique settings in its A/V receivers to harmonize audio performance with jitter-free playback and dynamic sound quality for music CDs. When connected to a new Blu-ray Disc player via HDMI, the VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH utilize a proprietary PQLS technology that synchronizes data between the player and receiver.
Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) - Pioneer’s exclusive high resolution sound tuning feature MCACC gives users finely tuned sound performance for their movies and music. MCACC room calibration takes inventory of a room’s speakers then digitally optimizes each one to balance out any room-induced acoustic inaccuracies. With the top three models listeners gain extremely accurate, robust sound that reaches the ear at precisely the right time, sound level and equalization. The VSX-919AH and VSX-1019AH receivers allow users to make additional subtle adjustments as well as save room tuning settings.
For more information and images on the Pioneer Elite models, visit the Pioneer CES page.

* “Apple Reports Fourth Quarter Results,” October 21, 2008, http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/10/21results.html

PIONEER, the PIONEER logo and the ELITE logo are registered trademarks of the Pioneer Corporation.
HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Apple and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
iPhone is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
DTS and DTS Digital Surround are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
DOLBY and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
BLU-RAY DISC is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.

[kemiza]

Originally Posted by hifihawkeye

We'll have to wait for more details to confirm this, but the amplifier in the new 1019 (120W X 7) appears to be a downgrade from the one currently offered in the 1018 (130W X 7). The 1018 shares the same internal hardware as the THX-certified Elite VSX-01TXH. It looks like the 919 and 1019 will share the same internals, and both be a step down from the 1018/01. Pioneer may be doing this to better differentiate the Elite receivers. Nevertheless, at the announced $500 list price and with the additional features, the 1019 does look very attractive. I am glad to see their auto-level control (ALC) extended to digital and multi-channel sources. Hopefully, their new ALC implementation will be competitive with Dolby Volume and Audyssey Dynamic Volume.

It is inferior to the 1018. Makes you wonder how cheap the amp is in the 819 & 519.

[Yung]

Originally Posted by hifihawkeye

We'll have to wait for more details to confirm this, but the amplifier in the new 1019 (120W X 7) appears to be a downgrade from the one currently offered in the 1018 (130W X 7). The 1018 shares the same internal hardware as the THX-certified Elite VSX-01TXH. It looks like the 919 and 1019 will share the same internals, and both be a step down from the 1018/01. Pioneer may be doing this to better differentiate the Elite receivers. Nevertheless, at the announced $500 list price and with the additional features, the 1019 does look very attractive. I am glad to see their auto-level control (ALC) extended to digital and multi-channel sources. Hopefully, their new ALC implementation will be competitive with Dolby Volume and Audyssey Dynamic Volume.

Might be, but we'll have to wait until more specs come out to be sure.

Originally Posted by kemiza

It is inferior to the 1018. Makes you wonder how cheap the amp is in the 819 & 519.

I wouldn't make definitive statements like that until we know more facts. Its hard to tell from just the spec 120W/Ch @ 1 kHz. You don't know if you're comparing apples to apples or apples to oranges at this point. They don't specify the load or the THD.

Just as a reference, the attached document pulls together all the output specs from the various manuals for all the top regular line Pioneer models the past several years.

[GunDom]

Wow! After reading cnet's CES report, I was really shocked of the price point on these babies!

Questions:

1) How is the MCACC compared to Audyssey?
2) I'm stumped! Should I wait for the 1019AH at $500 in April or go ahead and get the Denon AVR-789?
3) I used to love Pioneers. How are they now audio-wise?

[Thunder18]

Originally Posted by GunDom

Wow! After reading cnet's CES report, I was really shocked of the price point on these babies!

Questions:

1) How is the MCACC compared to Audyssey?
2) I'm stumped! Should I wait for the 1019AH at $500 in April or go ahead and get the Denon AVR-789?
3) I used to love Pioneers. How are they now audio-wise?

The advanced MCACC as long as it's the same one I think it is also includes phase adjustments and such and supposedly works very well. From what I recall though, no version of MCACC has been able to do multiple seating positions like some of the Audyssey version do.

[hifihawkeye]

Originally Posted by Thunder18

The advanced MCACC as long as it's the same one I think it is also includes phase adjustments and such and supposedly works very well. From what I recall though, no version of MCACC has been able to do multiple seating positions like some of the Audyssey version do.

Advanced MCACC (as provided in the 919, 1018, 1019, and Elites) can now be run at 1 or 3 seating positions. I have not seen many posts from owners who do not like MCACC. The majority of posters in the Pioneer threads seem to be happy with the system, including myself. In addition, MCACC allows for more user adjustments to its results than does Audyssey.

[Macfan424]

Originally Posted by hifihawkeye

Advanced MCACC (as provided in the 919, 1018, 1019, and Elites) can now be run at 1 or 3 seating positions. I have not seen many posts from owners who do not like MCACC. The majority of posters in the Pioneer threads seem to be happy with the system, including myself. In addition, MCACC allows for more user adjustments to its results than does Audyssey.

+1

Like all things in audio, many people have strong opinions about one being better than the other, but MCACC is a very worthy competitor to Audyssey, not an inferior system.

[GunDom]

With the price tag being rumored at $500 for the 1019, I hope that it's stays at around $500. Now if it comes out at $599, it's very competitive with the Denon 1909/789. Especially having THX and at a 120w. I wonder if it's gonna be THX Certified though. Going back to MCACC, does it include a feature equivalent to Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume? Also, if I have a 120w receiver like this, does that mean that my 100w Take 5 are too small for each power?

[wrxman]

Originally Posted by GunDom

With the price tag being rumored at $500 for the 1019, I hope that it's stays at around $500. Now if it comes out at $599, it's very competitive with the Denon 1909/789. Especially having THX and at a 120w. I wonder if it's gonna be THX Certified though. Going back to MCACC, does it include a feature equivalent to Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume? Also, if I have a 120w receiver like this, does that mean that my 100w Take 5 are too small for each power?

Gents - I have an earlier Pioneer Receiver (1016) and I am very pleased with it.

• The MCACC is impressive. I have not used the other Audessy (sp?) but the MCACC makes a huge difference in balancing the room acoustics.
• Amplifier power is very strong and clear.
• The configuration GUI looks lame, but Pioneer has been upgrading the GUI in current products and the 1019 will probably look like their Blueray player GUI's.
• The Sound Retriever DSP is also nice for rebuilding MP3's to near CD quality

In regards to price, you will probably find it cheaper online than $500 after the initial release.

[Macfan424]

Originally Posted by GunDom

With the price tag being rumored at $500 for the 1019, I hope that it's stays at around $500. Now if it comes out at $599, it's very competitive with the Denon 1909/789. Especially having THX and at a 120w. I wonder if it's gonna be THX Certified though. Going back to MCACC, does it include a feature equivalent to Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume? Also, if I have a 120w receiver like this, does that mean that my 100w Take 5 are too small for each power?

Given that the press release refers to it as a VSX-1019AH it's not likely to be a THX Certified model. Apparently, beginning with the 2008 models, Pioneer has decided to reserve THX Certification for Elites, as the 1018 is not THX Certified either. Pioneer has been using a TX suffix to designate their THX models.

MCACC doesn't have the equivalent of Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, but THX does for Dynamic EQ (I think that's the one. I never can keep track of which is which. )

[hifihawkeye]

Originally Posted by Macfan424

Given that the press release refers to it as a VSX-1019AH it's not likely to be a THX Certified model. Apparently, beginning with the 2008 models, Pioneer has decided to reserve THX Certification for Elites, as the 1018 is not THX Certified either. Pioneer has been using a TX suffix to designate their THX models.

MCACC doesn't have the equivalent of Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume, but THX does for Dynamic EQ (I think that's the one. I never can keep track of which is which. )

From the press release, it looks like Pioneer has a more advanced version of Auto Level Control (ALC) in the new models. ALC is described above as equalizing volume across different sources/content, like Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Dolby Volume. Whereas, something called ALC3e-mult (doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue) appears to be their analog to Audyssey Dynamic EQ and THX Loudness Plus. It will be interesting to see how effective the ALC modes turn out to be.

I agree with Macfan424, the 1019 is not likely to have the THX surround modes. Whether its amp is up to THX standards is another question, and one that can’t be answered until the units are out in the wild.

[Yung]

Here is a short video from CNET for the VSX-1019AH and the VSX-818

VSX-1019AH:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOjHv7Nk5r4

VSX-819
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bNWucmAXTQ

[GunDom]

Did he just say $499 come April? So much for the $500 and up. And this is the top of the line for this family? There must be a catch somewhere! Buy the Denon AVR-789 with 90w, 3 HDMI, and with a well known Audyssey feature at $599? Or go with the 1019AH with 120w, 4 HDMI, MCACC w/ ALS and ASR, at $499? A lot of people are telling me Denon is the way to go, but a lot of them don't know these new receivers from Pioneer either. My bro in-law told me earlier that Denon is better than Pioneer. The only thing that's leaning me towards the Denon is it's name and the Audyssey feature. While this 1019AH is the number of features and a hopeful comparable of their MCACC with Audyssey, but mainly the price point. Buy now at $599 or wait until April and wait for reviews?

Anyway, what will happen if I have a 120w per channel receiver running on 100w Energy Take 5 Satellites? I asked this earlier, but no response? I mean, will it damage my speakers even if I try to keep it no more than halfway on the volume? Will the receiver clip?

[Yung]

Originally Posted by GunDom

Did he just say $499 come April? So much for the $500 and up. And this is the top of the line for this family? There must be a catch somewhere! Buy the Denon AVR-789 with 90w, 3 HDMI, and with a well known Audyssey feature at $599? Or go with the 1019AH with 120w, 4 HDMI, MCACC w/ ALS and ASR, at $499? A lot of people are telling me Denon is the way to go, but a lot of them don't know these new receivers from Pioneer either. My bro in-law told me earlier that Denon is better than Pioneer. The only thing that's leaning me towards the Denon is it's name and the Audyssey feature. While this 1019AH is the number of features and a hopeful comparable of their MCACC with Audyssey, but mainly the price point. Buy now at $599 or wait until April and wait for reviews?

Anyway, what will happen if I have a 120w per channel receiver running on 100w Energy Take 5 Satellites? I asked this earlier, but no response? I mean, will it damage my speakers even if I try to keep it no more than halfway on the volume? Will the receiver clip?

Your speakers will be fine with either receiver, I wouldn't worry about overpowering your speakers. As for which receiver, I would say go out and try to listen to them both. While the 1019AH may not be out yet, you can listen to try and give a listen to the current year models to see if you like the Pioneer sound. That being said, listening in a store won't be the same as listening in your own home with your specific speakers.

[NotMoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by GunDom

Did he just say $499 come April? So much for the $500 and up. And this is the top of the line for this family? There must be a catch somewhere!

Agreed. What about the (my) (Canadian?) 9130? Thought it was the King of the non-Elites...then again, it has been 15 days since purchase.

[pnkflyd51]

From the video, looks like the OSD is finally HD. I'm surprised that they're still not jumping into the HD FM tuner market.

[darkedgex]

Also from the video it seems they're still skimping on the S-Video connections (they appear to be missing entirely, same as last years lineup). Still, great value at the price, but disappointing lack of connectivity for older equipment.

[mbtobe]

OK, so I have an older version of this receiver (4 yrs) which I have been very happy with. I was planning to upgrade to the 1018, but now I wonder if I should wait for the 1019? Does not seem to be much that the 1018 is missing that I might want. Primary reason for the upgrade for me is to have multiple HDMI connections. I would like to purchase my first Blu Ray player to go along with my current DVD recorder. Current model has none.

[GunDom]

I think I found my receiver. Instead of getting the Denon AVR 1909/789, I'm gonna go with the Pioneer VSX-1019AH. I just can't pass up the price point of $499 (I'm sure it'll be cheaper elsewhere), even though it's a downgrade in wattage. Anyhow, people are saying that the 1018 is nowhere close to 130w/ch, so I guess this downgrade is to make it a lot closer to "reality". I wouldn't mind even if the output is 100-110 as a final figure. If there are a lot of happy 1018 owners, for the price and features it has, I'm going for it.

[Macfan424]

Originally Posted by GunDom

I think I found my receiver. Instead of getting the Denon AVR 1909/789, I'm gonna go with the Pioneer VSX-1019AH. I just can't pass up the price point of $499 (I'm sure it'll be cheaper elsewhere), even though it's a downgrade in wattage. Anyhow, people are saying that the 1018 is nowhere close to 130w/ch, so I guess this downgrade is to make it a lot closer to "reality". I wouldn't mind even if the output is 100-110 as a final figure. If there are a lot of happy 1018 owners, for the price and features it has, I'm going for it.

Many here make too much of small wattage differences. The difference between 100 and 130 watts translates into about 1.1 dB, which is barely audible.

Check out this Decibel Watt Online Calculator, inserting the rated power of receivers you want to compare in the lower box. (Be sure to use the same rating procedure; some receivers' ratings are at 1 kHz, others use the the much more demanding 20-20 kHz spec.) Add the result to the efficiency rating of your speakers to get an idea of how loud the combination would be. With fairly efficient speakers (90dB @ 1w), 100 watts produces ~ 110dB, 130 watts ~ 111dB. Not a big deal, especially when you consider 110dB is roughly as loud as a chainsaw or a jackhammer.

Also, remember that a 1dB difference is the smallest change in sound level that is noticeable; 3dB is detectable, but requires twice the amp power; and 10dB is perceived as twice as loud by most people, but it takes 10 times as much amp power to achieve. There are many charts to help translate dB levels into familiar everyday sounds. They aren't in perfect agreement, but this one give the general idea. Together, these will help give a more realistic perspective on different amplifier wattages.

[vcrpro3]

Were there any hints about the 2009 Elite lineup?

[S_rangeBrew]

I just wish MCACC did subwoofer correction like Audessy does.

I love my 1014TX, but the lack of HDMI and lossless audio decoding is going to make me upgrade in the future. I'd like to upgrade to something that can calibrate ALL my speakers, including the subwoofer, which MCACC doesn't do.

If I have to buy an Onkyo for that, I will.

[hifihawkeye]

Originally Posted by S_rangeBrew

I just wish MCACC did subwoofer correction like Audessy does.

I love my 1014TX, but the lack of HDMI and lossless audio decoding is going to make me upgrade in the future. I'd like to upgrade to something that can calibrate ALL my speakers, including the subwoofer, which MCACC doesn't do.

If I have to buy an Onkyo for that, I will.

Advanced MCACC in the 1018 and 1019 applies frequency and time-domain corrections across the full frequency spectrum, which includes whatever is reproducing the low frequencies (e.g. a subwoofer). It will also detect and set distance/phase for a stand-alone subwoofer. In other words, the system will calibrate your subwoofer, although with a different approach than that taken by Audyssey. What matters is the end result and whether that can be tweaked by the user if need be. Advanced MCACC seems to hold its own in both regards. Note that this is a more advanced version of MCACC than what you have in the 1014.

[mksliao]

Originally Posted by GunDom

Did he just say $499 come April? So much for the $500 and up. And this is the top of the line for this family? There must be a catch somewhere! Buy the Denon AVR-789 with 90w, 3 HDMI, and with a well known Audyssey feature at $599? Or go with the 1019AH with 120w, 4 HDMI, MCACC w/ ALS and ASR, at $499? A lot of people are telling me Denon is the way to go, but a lot of them don't know these new receivers from Pioneer either. My bro in-law told me earlier that Denon is better than Pioneer. The only thing that's leaning me towards the Denon is it's name and the Audyssey feature. While this 1019AH is the number of features and a hopeful comparable of their MCACC with Audyssey, but mainly the price point. Buy now at $599 or wait until April and wait for reviews?

Anyway, what will happen if I have a 120w per channel receiver running on 100w Energy Take 5 Satellites? I asked this earlier, but no response? I mean, will it damage my speakers even if I try to keep it no more than halfway on the volume? Will the receiver clip?

Denon has high current feature pioneer doesn't i have the 1016, love it but time to upgrade so i am going to try Denon 889 the reviews are good on that. Overall Pioneer products whether this or any other most are very good, running Pioneer Mp3 players in my car and i'd not go another brand, very happy with my color screen version.