it's because this thread as lots of misinformation...
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Originally Posted by
Heaty 
Ive read on this forum that pioneer has troubleshooting problems when it comes to audio return channel and its difficult to use and set up
I agree, I never could get mine going...
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the onkyo is straight forward and easier to use with audyssey and a simpler remote.
pretty much agree here also
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onkyo is the best bang for your buck when it comes to dollar signs and performance specs/feautures.
depending on the set of features you're looking for, could be true.
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when it comes to reliability and longevity ill give it to pioneer even though onkyo offers a 2 yr manufacture warranty while the pioneer only offers 1 year.
I agree
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i read more and more problems on onkyos then pioneer. make sure you dont have the infamous onkyo hdmi "handshake issue" or an over heating issue and the customer service sucks.
Although you can't know ahead of time if you will have handshake issue, they will pretty much be out of the box. I have never owned an Onkyo but from what I've read, you are right in saying that customer service in not to par.
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if it were me id get an onkyo Amp if i have nice mid range speakers, and a pioneer if i have home theater in a box speakers or entry level speakers. as the onkyo plays better sound quality and is "THX"
this, I don't get

Although THX had some virtues back in the day, it has become somewhat insignificant today. Sure you get a few more DSP modes but with the advancement of room correction software and the advancement in audio format (lossless), and from Dolby and DTS, it has become somewhat of a marketing tool. You don't have to believe me, just ask the question on this forum.
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the 1021 is less upgradable as it can only offer 7.1 1 sub and the onkyo is 7.2 2 subs.
receivers are not really "upgradable". Sure you can do a firmware update to correct some issues but that's it. The .2 is merely an internal "Y" adapter. You can achieve the same with a good 'ol "Y" adapter from Radio Shack. That is what I was doing with my Pioneer. Heck you can put 15 "Y" adapters is you want 30 subs.
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as well the onkyo is a network home theater receiver meaning its windows 7 compatible DLNA. plug in or wirelessly connect your pc to it and you can get video, picture, and audio all in surround sound when browsing.
You won't get nothing if you plug in your pc in the receiver's ethernet port. But you can plug your receiver to your home network and have access to service in the likes of Pandora, Rhapsody as well as the ability to do firmware upgrades. You are absolutely right on the DLNA and it is a nice feature. But then again, my $100 sony BD player is DLNA compatible so it's all the same.
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bottom line its your personal preference. for me
id take onkyo by a slim margin, id only get a pioneer if you asked me onkyo vs pioneer "elite series" line up. theirs a big difference with pioneers av receivers and the state of the are "elite series"
http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/POC...lite-Receivers
very true, it is a matter of preference. I would also take the Onkyo by a slim margin but for me, it would be because I prefer Audyssey.
Great post and I hope that the OP as lots of tool to make a decision from now.

cheers