Pioneer generally makes nice units, but their power ratings are overrated. Not a big deal if you have reasonably efficient speakers; also keeping in mind it takes twice the amp power to gain 3db. That said, I think the Denon 1610 is probably a better pick. It's GUI and manual stinks, but Denon generally has a good amp section, Audyssey, and is known for reliability. I think the 1610 can be had for only a few bucks more than the 919.
Since the Denon was raised as one possible alternative, it could be the better choice for you as it has a feature called 'Dynamic Volume' which helps improve the "fullness" of sound when playing music or movies at less than reference/high volumes. Across the board, owners seem to really appreciate it and it's a feature that has real practical significance.
On the other hand, Pioneer 2009 models such as the 919 have probably the most functionally competent Ipod integration, that's if you have an Ipod and you ever want to be able to play it through the receiver.
Also, both the Denon and PIoneer have a feature which levels out the sound going from loud commercials to quieter programming. My general impression, albeit a somewhat vague one, has been that the Denon's is better but I can't say for sure.
The Denon and Pioneer brands have roughly equivalent solid reputations for reliability, so you can't really favor one or the other from that standpoint.
There are certainly other considerations which might sway you in one direction or another, even another brand altogether with their respective receivers at a similar price point. Based upon your stated usage needs, which are pretty basic (i.e., "I will mainly be watching TV, Bluray, Gaming"), I'm sure many different receivers would work well for your situation. The vsx-919 would certainly qualify as one of several fine choices.
Personally, I would tend to favor the Pioneer because it has some additional sound tweaking potential with it's MCACC EQ software, which can be overridden manually to a great extent than, for example, Denon's Audyssey EQ software. But if you have no interest in playing around with this type of built-in EQ software beyond the automated option that both brands have, then my preference should have no bearing upon your decision.
The 919 is a great unit and probably the best new value on market atm. For reference, this price is what the Yamaha 465 currently lists for on sale, and frankly, it's not even in the same league as the 919. I don't have any experience with the higher end Audysee (Multi-EQ?) that I think all the Denon's use, but Advanced MCACC is a significant improvement over the lower end Audysee (2EQ?) you find on most every other receiver in this price range.
I was considering both the VSX919 and the Denon 1610. The AVR1610 has a 98% identical sibling known as the AVR590. Denon does this with all their receivers. They come out with a consumer friendly version, as well as the same receiver with a few custom installer features. So the 590/1610 are virtually the same. The 1910/790, etc. The CI version is always priced a bit higher and released earlier than the consumer versions. That being said, I bought the 590 over the 919VSX. I found a great deal (still going on) at US Appliance, who are an authorized dealer. I also read that Pioneer's manual is just as non-user friendly as the Denon, so that was not an issue either.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gusbuf /forum/post/16684589
........That being said, I bought the 590 over the 919VSX. I found a great deal (still going on) at US Appliance, who are an authorized dealer. I also read that Pioneer's manual is just as non-user friendly as the Denon, so that was not an issue either.
I stumbled upon your thread in the highdef forum asking about these two receivers. Hopefully, the posters over there didn't influence you too much in going with the Denon as I thought the "advice" provided by two of them was questionable at best, ridiculous at worst.
Again, as I stated in my previous post, the Denon is another fine receiver choice, depending upon your needs. But it's a toss-up type choice, certainly not an obvious one in favor of Denon as those two posters seem to think.
But now that you have the 590, be sure to check out batpig's Denon guide. He's a member here who has built up alot of knowledge about Denon receivers. In addition ot his contributions on this forum, he now has his own website with Denon information. It can effectively replace the Denon instructional manual as your primary source of guidance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gusbuf /forum/post/16684589
I was considering both the VSX919 and the Denon 1610. The AVR1610 has a 98% identical sibling known as the AVR590. Denon does this with all their receivers. They come out with a consumer friendly version, as well as the same receiver with a few custom installer features. So the 590/1610 are virtually the same. The 1910/790, etc. The CI version is always priced a bit higher and released earlier than the consumer versions. That being said, I bought the 590 over the 919VSX. I found a great deal (still going on) at US Appliance, who are an authorized dealer. I also read that Pioneer's manual is just as non-user friendly as the Denon, so that was not an issue either.
Gus, I'm new to this site and interested in the vsx 919. I'm curious about your suggestion. Isn't Denon's avr590 a 5.1 ch receiver? What else makes it competitive to the vsx 919 (in your opinion, for your needs)?
Sorry. The AVR590 is only 5.1. FOr me, that is all I need. It is going in my basement in a little area wired only for 5.1. If you need 7.1, then you would need to look elsewhere
So say you calibrate your equipment with the integrated calibration system, after that, do you still need to set the Xover Manually for the speakers???, or will this automatic calibration will take care of that?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladic /forum/post/16698903
oK, 1 last question about this pioneer
So say you calibrate your equipment with the integrated calibration system, after that, do you still need to set the Xover Manually for the speakers???, or will this automatic calibration will take care of that?
I just got this receiver and like it except that I'm kind of perplexed about trying to hook up my PC via HDMI through the receiver. I have an HDMI > DVI cable going from my PC to the VSX-919AH. I also have 3.5mm plug to R/L RCA cable going to my receiver. Only problem is that I'm not seeing anything about being able to use analog audio with HDMI video. Is this even possible? This is a deal breaker for me and I'm going to return the receiver if it can't do this.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sanzen07 /forum/post/16722686
I just got this receiver and like it except that I'm kind of perplexed about trying to hook up my PC via HDMI through the receiver. I have an HDMI > DVI cable going from my PC to the VSX-919AH. I also have 3.5mm plug to R/L RCA cable going to my receiver. Only problem is that I'm not seeing anything about being able to use analog audio with HDMI video. Is this even possible? This is a deal breaker for me and I'm going to return the receiver if it can't do this.
You need to press the Signal Select button on the remote (Signal Sel?) until the audio changes from HDMI to the analog inputs. The receiver has multiple analog inputs per source, and defaults to HDMI if present. Since there is no audio on your HDMI cable, you can't hear anything.
If I recall, the settings are AUTO, HDMI, Digital (Optical), and then Analog, which is what you want.
Once you make this change it should work for you...
Even like others i am really torn between Pioneer VSX-919AH-K and the Denon AVR 1910 model, i indeed do like the IPOD connectivity feature, GUI i really don't care as it is only used during setup and you don't look at it after that.
But how is the sound quality and video quality of both the receivers particularly lets says you up convert Wii via the HDMI. I had the Onkyo 605 model and heard good reviews on the Denon receivers in general
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