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AVR help

post #1 of 57
1/18/11 at 5:11am
Thread Starter 
I wanted to see if anyone might be able to guide me in the right direction on picking a receiver. I have done some reading on each, and am trying to narrow down my choice. Currently I have a Sony STR-DG820, and am looking to upgrade to something with a little more power and features. Here is my current setup:

TV-Panny 50G25
PS3 slim
Xbox 360
Fios digital cable box
Speakers - Polk Monitor 60's, Monitor 40's, CS2 center, BIC VK-12 sub

I am not running anything that won't be utilizing anything other than HDMI or component inputs, so the upscaling that each receiver does is not really all that important to me, just an added bonus. Also I have read a lot about Audyssey DSX and I think it sounds good in concept, but I am not sure how it works in real life. I also like the fact of getting pre-outs from the Onkyo and Pioneer (I like to future proof as much as possible.) I also like the network feature, but is not a deal breaker.

I basically have it down to three choices:

Onkyo TX-NR780 / HT-RC270
Pioneer VSX-1120-K / Elite VSX-30
Denon AVR-791 / AVR-1911

Here is what I have gathered so far:

Onkyo

Pros: seems to have decent power, pre amp outputs, Audyssey DSX, Dolby PLIIz, ethernet, THX select 2 cert, Burr-Brown DAC's
Cons: not too many from what I have read, but one talked about is apparent network problems (may have been fixed by now), Farudja upscaling chip

Pioneer

Pros: specs show more power than the Onkyo, Dolby PLIIz, pre amp outputs, ethernet, easy integration with Ipod, THX select 2 cert., Bluetooth compatible, Marvell upscaling chip

Cons: no Audyssey DSX, no Audyssey calibration (have not heard good things about MCACC), Dolby PLIIz by pre-amp only??, not sure what DAC they use

Denon

Pros: apparent better amp section than competitors, Anchor Bay upscaling chip, Dolby PLIIz, Audyssey calibaration and tools

Cons: only 4 HDMI inputs, no ethernet, no pre amp outputs, no Audyssey DSX, no THX select 2 cert., not sure what DAC they use

If anyone has any other big differences, feel free to let me know.

I am pretty set on these models, but if it would be worth it to upgrade to an Onkyo NR808, Denon 891, or Pioneer VSX-33, I would definitely consider this. I know I have to go to the stores and listen, but I am really just looking for input from people who may have used these receivers to decide which ones seem to be doing a better job.

Thanks in advance to anyone who may be able to help.
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2 of 57
1/18/11 at 8:56am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smigro View Post

I wanted to see if anyone might be able to guide me in the right direction on picking a receiver. I have done some reading on each, and am trying to narrow down my choice. Currently I have a Sony STR-DG820, and am looking to upgrade to something with a little more power and features. Here is my current setup:

TV-Panny 50G25
PS3 slim
Xbox 360
Fios digital cable box
Speakers - Polk Monitor 60's, Monitor 40's, CS2 center, BIC VK-12 sub

I am not running anything that won't be utilizing anything other than HDMI or component inputs, so the upscaling that each receiver does is not really all that important to me, just an added bonus. Also I have read a lot about Audyssey DSX and I think it sounds good in concept, but I am not sure how it works in real life. I also like the fact of getting pre-outs from the Onkyo and Pioneer (I like to future proof as much as possible.) I also like the network feature, but is not a deal breaker.

I basically have it down to three choices:

Onkyo TX-NR780 / HT-RC270
Pioneer VSX-1120-K / Elite VSX-30
Denon AVR-791 / AVR-1911

Here is what I have gathered so far:

Onkyo

Pros: seems to have decent power, pre amp outputs, Audyssey DSX, Dolby PLIIz, ethernet, THX select 2 cert, Burr-Brown DAC's
Cons: not too many from what I have read, but one talked about is apparent network problems (may have been fixed by now), Farudja upscaling chip

Pioneer

Pros: specs show more power than the Onkyo, Dolby PLIIz, pre amp outputs, ethernet, easy integration with Ipod, THX select 2 cert., Bluetooth compatible, Marvell upscaling chip

Cons: no Audyssey DSX, no Audyssey calibration (have not heard good things about MCACC), Dolby PLIIz by pre-amp only??, not sure what DAC they use

Denon

Pros: apparent better amp section than competitors, Anchor Bay upscaling chip, Dolby PLIIz, Audyssey calibaration and tools

Cons: only 4 HDMI inputs, no ethernet, no pre amp outputs, no Audyssey DSX, no THX select 2 cert., not sure what DAC they use

If anyone has any other big differences, feel free to let me know.

I am pretty set on these models, but if it would be worth it to upgrade to an Onkyo NR808, Denon 891, or Pioneer VSX-33, I would definitely consider this. I know I have to go to the stores and listen, but I am really just looking for input from people who may have used these receivers to decide which ones seem to be doing a better job.

Thanks in advance to anyone who may be able to help.

Bump
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post #3 of 57
1/18/11 at 10:14am
You need to add the Yamaha 667 model and up from there to that list. The 667 has pre-outs and multi-channel analog in for growing with. The 867 has the same thing and is a network AVR. Then there are also the Aventage series. The A1000 is a very good solid choice that combines the best of the above mentioned features.
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post #4 of 57
1/18/11 at 10:48am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

You need to add the Yamaha 667 model and up from there to that list. The 667 has pre-outs and multi-channel analog in for growing with. The 867 has the same thing and is a network AVR. Then there are also the Aventage series. The A1000 is a very good solid choice that combines the best of the above mentioned features.

It is funny you say that as I was just browsing the internet looking at both the 667 and A1000. Is the "A" series like Yammy's higher series. I did not even see the 867, I will take a look at that one now. I guess I kind of overlooked Yamaha because I never had anything from them, and was not sure how they stack up against the others.
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post #5 of 57
1/18/11 at 10:58am
I have a Denon AVR-789 which is similar to the 791, but just a slightly older model. It serves my purposes perfectly and overall, I am happy with it.

There are a lot of differences between those 3 - to make it easier I would compare only the features that are necessary for you now and also consider what you may need in the future. Example - maybe one of them has 4 hdmi inputs and the other has 5. Do you need 5? Will you ever need 5? Or even with the pre-amp outputs; do you plan on adding an external amp? For the speakers you have listed you probably wouldn't benefit much from an external amp. But then again, maybe you plan getting different speakers in the future which would require additional power.

Just some things to consider, hope that helps.
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post #6 of 57
1/18/11 at 11:41am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jake227 View Post

I have a Denon AVR-789 which is similar to the 791, but just a slightly older model. It serves my purposes perfectly and overall, I am happy with it.

There are a lot of differences between those 3 - to make it easier I would compare only the features that are necessary for you now and also consider what you may need in the future. Example - maybe one of them has 4 hdmi inputs and the other has 5. Do you need 5? Will you ever need 5? Or even with the pre-amp outputs; do you plan on adding an external amp? For the speakers you have listed you probably wouldn't benefit much from an external amp. But then again, maybe you plan getting different speakers in the future which would require additional power.

Just some things to consider, hope that helps.

Thank you for the suggestions. I was looking at the older receivers, but like I stated earlier, I would like to future proof as much as possible. A lot of the features on these receivers probably would not get much use at the moment, but down the road when I start upgrading other components the may come in handy. Like you said, I do not need the pre-amps now but I would like to have them if I ever upgrade my speakers.

I think that the Onkyo 708 or 808 seem to have the biggest featureset out of the list for the price, but I was looking at the new Pioneers and they intrigued me. I like the Denons, but it seems you can more out of the other receivers for less money. I know their video chip is better than most, but considering all of my content is already HD I am not sure this is a big deal.
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post #7 of 57
1/18/11 at 12:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smigro View Post

It is funny you say that as I was just browsing the internet looking at both the 667 and A1000. Is the "A" series like Yammy's higher series. I did not even see the 867, I will take a look at that one now. I guess I kind of overlooked Yamaha because I never had anything from them, and was not sure how they stack up against the others.

The Aventage is a new model from Yamaha that came out this year. Yamaha's will stack up against any other brand out there. I was not impressed with their offerings from last year, but they seem to have gone back to their previous ways with the X07 series and now the Aventage.
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post #8 of 57
1/18/11 at 12:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jake227 View Post

I have a Denon AVR-789 which is similar to the 791, but just a slightly older model. It serves my purposes perfectly and overall, I am happy with it.

There are a lot of differences between those 3 - to make it easier I would compare only the features that are necessary for you now and also consider what you may need in the future. Example - maybe one of them has 4 hdmi inputs and the other has 5. Do you need 5? Will you ever need 5? Or even with the pre-amp outputs; do you plan on adding an external amp? For the speakers you have listed you probably wouldn't benefit much from an external amp. But then again, maybe you plan getting different speakers in the future which would require additional power.

Just some things to consider, hope that helps.

Jake,

Got a real quick question and maybe you or someone else could help out. I was just comparing the AVR-789 and the AVR-791. As far as I know the 789 is a 2008 and the 791 is a 2010, but they can both be had for about the same price on Amazon. The AVR-791 has more inputs and what not, but what justifies the 2 year old equilvelant to be the same price. Where the amps in the older AVR better? Did it upscale better? To mw it just not make sense that a 2 year old receiver is the same price as its current day equal. Thanks
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post #9 of 57
1/18/11 at 12:25pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

The Aventage is a new model from Yamaha that came out this year. Yamaha's will stack up against any other brand out there. I was not impressed with their offerings from last year, but they seem to have gone back to their previous ways with the X07 series and now the Aventage.

Thank you. Maybe if the A1000 will come down in the next month or so it will become feasible, but for about $900.00 + it is kind of out of my range. Now I do see this on Amazon and it is also intrigueing because it is a $1,400 receiver going for about $600.00.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V190...5382171&sr=1-4
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post #10 of 57
1/18/11 at 12:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smigro View Post

Thank you. Maybe if the A1000 will come down in the next month or so it will become feasible, but for about $900.00 + it is kind of out of my range. Now I do see this on Amazon and it is also intrigueing because it is a $1,400 receiver going for about $600.00.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V190...5382171&sr=1-4

I would choose that 1900 over any of the AVR's on your current list. But then again I am a huge Yamaha fan. The Yamaha 867 should be in your price range. Go to Yamaha's website and look it over.
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post #11 of 57
1/18/11 at 1:44pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post


I would choose that 1900 over any of the AVR's on your current list. But then again I am a huge Yamaha fan. The Yamaha 867 should be in your price range. Go to Yamaha's website and look it over.

Thanks phantom. I was just on another thread where you helping a guy in my situation and think it is great to have people like you on this forum.
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post #12 of 57
1/18/11 at 2:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

I would choose that 1900 over any of the AVR's on your current list. But then again I am a huge Yamaha fan. The Yamaha 867 should be in your price range. Go to Yamaha's website and look it over.

First off thanks for helping both of us out Phantom, between these two threads I'm getting a lot figured out fairly quickly.

So why would you choose the 1900 over the 867 or A1000?
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post #13 of 57
1/18/11 at 2:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smigro View Post

Thanks phantom. I was just on another thread where you helping a guy in my situation and think it is great to have people like you on this forum.

phantom is the MAN when it comes to this stuff... you are wise to listen to him...
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post #14 of 57
1/18/11 at 2:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jakob_s View Post

First off thanks for helping both of us out Phantom, between these two threads I'm getting a lot figured out fairly quickly.

So why would you choose the 1900 over the 867 or A1000?

It was one of the last models Yamaha made that was in a long line of very good AVR's before IMO they hit bottom with their lower tier x065 models. This line started with the very good RXV1600/2600 and continued through to the 1900/3900. That 1900 is an exceptional buy at this time. If it has all the connections you need/want it will do the job very well. The video processor isn't much but in a lot of cases they tend to add more problems than they cure. Is it better than the 867 or A1000? Not sure. Both of those have something the 1900 doesn't and thats networking. If you feel you won't use networking then the 1900 is the way to go. If you want 3D,networking then one of the others is what you want.
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post #15 of 57
1/18/11 at 2:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post

phantom is the MAN when it comes to this stuff... you are wise to listen to him...

Thank you very much Chris. If they were leaning toward a Pioneer unit I would be referring these two members to you and a couple of others here. If they are going for a Denon, batpig and jdsmoothie are the ones to listen too. If its Yamaha ho then its myself,MichaelJHuman and a couple of others I can't place at this time. We all have our favorites yours is Pioneer(excellent equipment), mine is Yamaha. We all are here to help as much as possible. Again thanks my friend from the beautiful state of New Jersey.
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post #16 of 57
1/18/11 at 4:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

Thank you very much Chris. If they were leaning toward a Pioneer unit I would be referring these two members to you and a couple of others here. If they are going for a Denon, batpig and jdsmoothie are the ones to listen too. If its Yamaha ho then its myself,MichaelJHuman and a couple of others I can't place at this time. We all have our favorites yours is Pioneer(excellent equipment), mine is Yamaha. We all are here to help as much as possible. Again thanks my friend from the beautiful state of New Jersey.

So if this is the case and Chris is the man to ask on Pioneer AVRs, then I need to ask your thoughts on Pioneer Elite models and what in your opinion sets them apart? I've looked at a lot of AVRs out there and haven't ruled anything out, I've also had good experience with Pioneer products in the past. What can you tell me about why I should go with Pioneer, Chris?
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post #17 of 57
1/19/11 at 6:13am
Thread Starter 
Phantom, could you help me understand what PRESENCE is on the Yammy units. Is like the equivelant to Audyssey DSX or Dobly PLIIz? I see the terminals that are labled Zone 2/Presence and am not sure what they are for.
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post #18 of 57
1/19/11 at 6:16am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smigro View Post

Phantom, could you help me understand what PRESENCE is on the Yammy units. Is like the equivelant to Audyssey DSX or Dobly PLIIz? I see the terminals that are labled Zone 2/Presence and am not sure what they are for.

Nevermind...I found it. Looks like it does what Dolby PLIIz does.

Presence speakers supplement the sound from the front speakers with extra ambient effects produced by CINEMA DSP. These effects include sounds that Filmmakers intend to locate a little farther back behind the screen in order to create more theater-like ambiance. Place these speakers at the front of the room about 0.5 - 1 m (1 -3 ft) outside the front speakers, facing slightly inwards, and about 1.8 m (6 ft) above the floor.


NOTE: The Presence speakers are also utilized if the receiver has the Dialog Lift feature that adjusts the height of the front and center channel sounds by assigning some of the front and center channel elements to the presence speakers. The larger the parameter, the higher the position of the front and center channel sound.
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post #19 of 57
1/19/11 at 6:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smigro View Post

Nevermind...I found it. Looks like it does what Dolby PLIIz does.

Presence speakers supplement the sound from the front speakers with extra ambient effects produced by CINEMA DSP. These effects include sounds that Filmmakers intend to locate a little farther back behind the screen in order to create more theater-like ambiance. Place these speakers at the front of the room about 0.5 - 1 m (1 -3 ft) outside the front speakers, facing slightly inwards, and about 1.8 m (6 ft) above the floor.


NOTE: The Presence speakers are also utilized if the receiver has the Dialog Lift feature that adjusts the height of the front and center channel sounds by assigning some of the front and center channel elements to the presence speakers. The larger the parameter, the higher the position of the front and center channel sound.

If they sound in the new Yamaha AVR's as they did with my Yamaha 2600 I didn't use them. To me it made the system sound like an old reverb unit. It was just not for me. However they have been using this for quite a while now and it seems that its working for some people. I haven't tried the Dolby PLIIz and DSX. Don't have a want at this time. Mine is setup as a 5.2 system and I like it that way.
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post #20 of 57
1/19/11 at 6:30am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

If they sound in the new Yamaha AVR's as they did with my Yamaha 2600 I didn't use them. To me it made the system sound like an old reverb unit. It was just not for me. However they have been using this for quite a while now and it seems that its working for some people. I haven't tried the Dolby PLIIz and DSX. Don't have a want at this time. Mine is setup as a 5.2 system and I like it that way.

Thanks. My buddy just bought an Onkyo HTIB that has Dolby PLIIz, and it sounded alright but not jaw dropping. I have read a lot about Audyssey DSX and that is one thing that is shying me away from the Yammy. My room is 20x10, with my speakers on the 20 ft wall which is why I think I may benefit from the wide configuration of DSX. Guess I may have to go somewhere and take a listen to see if it worth to get the Onkyo 808 for this feature. Decisions decisions
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post #21 of 57
1/19/11 at 6:50am
While you are listening to others, give them all a chance. Yamaha,Onkyo,Denon,Marantz, and Pioneer. That's the onlt way to decide whats best for you. If its possible the absolute best way is to give them a listen at home where you can use your speakers and room. Usually the only way to achieve this is from a reliable dealer that sells several brands and will let you do this at home. I'm fortunate that I have a couple of dealers that will let me do this, whether its with AVR's,speakers, or source units. I realize that a lot of consumers don't have this option. But by all means give the Yamaha a chance. I feel that when you get your hands on one you will notice the difference in the build quality between it and the Onkyo. The Denons,Marantz,and Pioneers will be closer to the Yamaha in that regard. Good luck and enjoy the hunt for your AVR. After all its part of the fun.
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post #22 of 57
1/19/11 at 6:58am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

While you are listening to others, give them all a chance. Yamaha,Onkyo,Denon,Marantz, and Pioneer. That's the onlt way to decide whats best for you. If its possible the absolute best way is to give them a listen at home where you can use your speakers and room. Usually the only way to achieve this is from a reliable dealer that sells several brands and will let you do this at home. I'm fortunate that I have a couple of dealers that will let me do this, whether its with AVR's,speakers, or source units. I realize that a lot of consumers don't have this option. But by all means give the Yamaha a chance. I feel that when you get your hands on one you will notice the difference in the build quality between it and the Onkyo. The Denons,Marantz,and Pioneers will be closer to the Yamaha in that regard. Good luck and enjoy the hunt for your AVR. After all its part of the fun.

Thanks for the insight, maybe this weekend I can get some time to run around and do some listening. I am waiting until tax time to purchase, so I have another month or so to do more research.
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post #23 of 57
1/19/11 at 7:01am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

While you are listening to others, give them all a chance. Yamaha,Onkyo,Denon,Marantz, and Pioneer. That's the onlt way to decide whats best for you. If its possible the absolute best way is to give them a listen at home where you can use your speakers and room. Usually the only way to achieve this is from a reliable dealer that sells several brands and will let you do this at home. I'm fortunate that I have a couple of dealers that will let me do this, whether its with AVR's,speakers, or source units. I realize that a lot of consumers don't have this option. But by all means give the Yamaha a chance. I feel that when you get your hands on one you will notice the difference in the build quality between it and the Onkyo. The Denons,Marantz,and Pioneers will be closer to the Yamaha in that regard. Good luck and enjoy the hunt for your AVR. After all its part of the fun.

The biggest reason I am looking at the Onkyo is becasue of Audyssey, specifically the DSX. I know Denon has Audyssey, but you have to pay much more to get some of the things that come in the Onkyo 808. I would love to listen to the new Pioneers though, I like their look the best out of them all but I or anyone I know has ever had anything from them in a home theater application.
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post #24 of 57
1/19/11 at 7:32am
Good for you. Nothing worse in this hobby than buyer's remorse. Knowing that if you would have taken your time and searched for the "right" one you would not be regretting your decision. Get stuck with something your are not happy with ends up costing way more in the long run. You may also want to consider last years Denon 3310/4310 while you are looking for something with Audyssey and DSX as these can be had for real bargains when you can find one. Very nice for the money. Just another option.
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post #25 of 57
1/19/11 at 7:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smigro View Post

Jake,

Got a real quick question and maybe you or someone else could help out. I was just comparing the AVR-789 and the AVR-791. As far as I know the 789 is a 2008 and the 791 is a 2010, but they can both be had for about the same price on Amazon. The AVR-791 has more inputs and what not, but what justifies the 2 year old equilvelant to be the same price. Where the amps in the older AVR better? Did it upscale better? To mw it just not make sense that a 2 year old receiver is the same price as its current day equal. Thanks

Don't know if you still need an answer to this or not, but I will make an educated guess that the newer one will probably be better. I don't believe the older ones necessarily had a better amp section or upscale better.
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post #26 of 57
1/19/11 at 7:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

Thank you very much Chris. If they were leaning toward a Pioneer unit I would be referring these two members to you and a couple of others here. If they are going for a Denon, batpig and jdsmoothie are the ones to listen too. If its Yamaha ho then its myself,MichaelJHuman and a couple of others I can't place at this time. We all have our favorites yours is Pioneer(excellent equipment), mine is Yamaha. We all are here to help as much as possible. Again thanks my friend from the beautiful state of New Jersey.

you are welcome... you know me, i wouldn't say it if it wasn't true...

Quote:
Originally Posted by jakob_s View Post

So if this is the case and Chris is the man to ask on Pioneer AVRs, then I need to ask your thoughts on Pioneer Elite models and what in your opinion sets them apart? I've looked at a lot of AVRs out there and haven't ruled anything out, I've also had good experience with Pioneer products in the past. What can you tell me about why I should go with Pioneer, Chris?

well... my philosophy is this... with the exception of the room correction software (audyssey vs. mcacc vs. ypao vs. whatever), i'm of the opinion that "modern" a/v equipment is essentially transparent in a controlled test... so i can't sit here and say "buy the pio, it sounds better", because i'd be lying... i don't think ANY of them sound "better" than the others...

to me, it's features/functionality/looks that matter... one of the reasons i'm a big pio fanboy (even though i currently am using a marantz in my main room ) is because, as a general rule, their equipment "works" right out of the box... i have very little patience for quirkiness/non-working features...

many people have bemoaned the firmware update process for pioneer (i.e. gotta bring it into a shop)... the part they miss is that the pioneer units rarely need firmware updates... i like the fact that pio doesn't beta test on their users (integra, do you hear me??? )...

now... if you have a difficult load to drive, i'd be the first one standing in line to recommend that you go with a sc series avr... and that's simply because the amplification section has a better chance of being "up to the task"...

i know that's not a very good "sell job" for the pioneer by me, but it's my honest opinion...
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post #27 of 57
1/19/11 at 7:56am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom52 View Post

Good for you. Nothing worse in this hobby than buyer's remorse. Knowing that if you would have taken your time and searched for the "right" one you would not be regretting your decision. Get stuck with something your are not happy with ends up costing way more in the long run. You may also want to consider last years Denon 3310/4310 while you are looking for something with Audyssey and DSX as these can be had for real bargains when you can find one. Very nice for the money. Just another option.

I think I amy have looked at them, just deciding on whether getting one with HDMI 1.4 for 3D and ARC is worth it. I do not need them now, but the whole futureproofing thing is killing me.
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post #28 of 57
1/19/11 at 8:12am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post

you are welcome... you know me, i wouldn't say it if it wasn't true...



well... my philosophy is this... with the exception of the room correction software (audyssey vs. mcacc vs. ypao vs. whatever), i'm of the opinion that "modern" a/v equipment is essentially transparent in a controlled test... so i can't sit here and say "buy the pio, it sounds better", because i'd be lying... i don't think ANY of them sound "better" than the others...

to me, it's features/functionality/looks that matter... one of the reasons i'm a big pio fanboy (even though i currently am using a marantz in my main room ) is because, as a general rule, their equipment "works" right out of the box... i have very little patience for quirkiness/non-working features...

many people have bemoaned the firmware update process for pioneer (i.e. gotta bring it into a shop)... the part they miss is that the pioneer units rarely need firmware updates... i like the fact that pio doesn't beta test on their users (integra, do you hear me??? )...

now... if you have a difficult load to drive, i'd be the first one standing in line to recommend that you go with a sc series avr... and that's simply because the amplification section has a better chance of being "up to the task"...

i know that's not a very good "sell job" for the pioneer by me, but it's my honest opinion...

Chris, have you messed around with the new Pioneers. I have looked into these, but some of the reviews are shying me away from them. I really like the look of these, especialy the elite's, but seems like some users are having video issues.
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post #29 of 57
1/19/11 at 8:23am
^^^

i haven't had one in my home...

that being said, imo/ime, the "video issues" that those users are running into can usually be traced to between the keyboard and the chair... to be honest, most "issues" that users run into can be explained by this...

i know there has been some struggles with 3d pass-through, but much previous experience solving hdmi/hdcp issues points strongly to the source/sink being the issue there, not the repeater...

as far as arc...

no... useless feature, imo... unless you do ota for tv, or you use your display as your "media center" (not me, i don't want to turn on my display simply to stream music), there's no use for it, and even if you do, it only eliminates 1 spdif cable...

as far as 3d...

harder to say... many hdmi 1.4 players that have come out have two hdmi outs, so that you don't have the "issue" of attempting to run the video stream through your avr... i have promised myself that i will not even consider 3d until i can get the nfl every sunday in 3d, so at this point, imo, i wouldn't care...
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post #30 of 57
1/19/11 at 8:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccotenj View Post

^^^

i haven't had one in my home...

that being said, imo/ime, the "video issues" that those users are running into can usually be traced to between the keyboard and the chair... to be honest, most "issues" that users run into can be explained by this...

i know there has been some struggles with 3d pass-through, but much previous experience solving hdmi/hdcp issues points strongly to the source/sink being the issue there, not the repeater...

as far as arc...

no... useless feature, imo... unless you do ota for tv, or you use your display as your "media center" (not me, i don't want to turn on my display simply to stream music), there's no use for it, and even if you do, it only eliminates 1 spdif cable...

as far as 3d...

harder to say... many hdmi 1.4 players that have come out have two hdmi outs, so that you don't have the "issue" of attempting to run the video stream through your avr... i have promised myself that i will not even consider 3d until i can get the nfl every sunday in 3d, so at this point, imo, i wouldn't care...

It is funny you mention these things because I guess they really are not that important. I did just get a new Panny 50G25, but running an optical cable from the TV to the receiver is not that big of a deal. I also toatlly forgot that I heard about the new 3D players having two outputs to send the audio to the receiver and video right to the TV. Do you know of any good receivers from last year I might be able to get a good price on?
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