Pioneer Elite VSX-53 $499.98!! - Page 2

Perhaps, the answer lies in here
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/Manuals/Home/VSX-52_OperatingInstructions051911.pdf
(VSX-52 and VSX-53 share a manual)

Pg 52: "All of the setting items can be set for each input function."

Thank you -- I assume that means that the setting for a given source will be saved for that source.

Ahh ... now to convince the wife that I "need" this. :-)

Edit: Although I am still trying to determine if Qdeo video processing chipset would be a better option versus the chipset in my DVDO Edge.
Edited by Skrill - 3/4/13 at 8:08am

I realize this is a great price, and I was thinking a while back about replacing my old Elite VSX-21 with a VSX-60 because I needed some HDMI and component video switching (which the old VSX-21 doesn't do) and the VSX-60 did what I needed but didn't cost as much as the "big boys", however with moving, the funds never got freed up to buy the receiver.

What is the iControlAV2012 app vs iControl AV that the VSX-53 supports?

Since I've waited this long, are there any features on the 2013 elites that might be worth waiting for instead?

Just picked one of these up today and it seems like a beast. Took it out of the box to make sure everything was there and no dings or dents. Cant wait to get our basement finished to get it up and running.

Thank you! Did you call your Pioneer rep or something?

I've got an edge, and the thing it does that no reasonably priced AVR (or any that I can think of) that the DVDO does is allow custom underscan and zoom control. If you've got a flat panel with 1:1 for 1080p, probably isn't needed, but with an old CRT, a huge help in getting the picture to be completely on-screen.

I have a Panny ST50 (65") so I don't think I need that capability.

To me the idea would be to replace two components (the Edge and my old Denon 2807 -- and sell both) with one component for Audio and Video processing (and get some nice updates along the way -- i.e., HD codec decoding, iPad integration, etc.). But I do like the Edge and I don't want to go backwards in terms of video processing quality.

That said -- it's very hard finding robust comparisons of the video processor offerings of Marvell, Anchor Bay and Silicon Optics. I did find this interesting article from a French blogger (used google translate). He tested each company's offerings in various devices (including the Anchor Bay ABT2015 which is in our Edge) and seemed to think the QDEO performed best in the various test and benchmarks. http://www.audiovideohd.fr/actualites/7277-HQV-vs-Anchor-Bay-vs-Marvel-Qdeo.html

But I also know that implementation can impact how the chips perform in a given unit.

The logical side of my brain tells me that I will never "see" visible differences between the two high quality offerings anyway. But I rarely listen to that side ... and instead obsess about the details.

EDIT: I am so obsessive-compulsive about this stuff -- I emailed the following to Pioneer, I will let you all know if they respond:

Edited by Skrill - 3/4/13 at 3:38pm

The HD coded really isn't an upgrade if your current AVR can do MPCM (which I think it can). You really only gain the light on the front of the AVR. iPad integration is an upgrade. With what you've got, and if what you've got works well for you now, I'd have to think hard about what to do. You could probably get ~$250 take home with the DVDO if you've got all the stuff for it. Not sure what you could get for the Denon.

Yes -- you are correct. It is all about the light! As stupid as it is ... it about that dang light. The 2807 handles LPCM just fine.

It's just upgrade-itis. The smart move is stick with what I got. With my Edge and Rotel -- the only think the 2807 is doing is DAC and audio processing - both of which it does well. Thanks for speaking sense.
Edited by Skrill - 3/4/13 at 7:58pm

I am also thinking about getting this at BB but I am not sure if I will notice a different in quality from my current setup;


Denon AVR-591
Polk CSi3 Center Channel
Polk RTi4 Fronts
Polk OMW3 sides
Velodyne VX-11 Subwoofer

My source is primarily an HTPC

I don't need Airplay, multiple zones, or multiple HDMI output. I am just trying to see if the audio/video quality will improve going to my Panasonic 60" Plasma (TC-P60U54)

Thank you for any feedback.

Possible perceived audio difference based on having extra power and mcacc vs audessey but I doubt it would be a night and day difference. If you have already calibrated the tv as best you can the I would doubt you will see a video difference.

Hi All,

Speakerphile, I bought the 53 Sunday from bb and when I opened the box, mine didn't have the stickers on it either. I though that odd, because I still have the 1120 with the sticker on it that I never took off. If I remember right there was a protective covering over the display window of the 1120 also. There also looks like some minor damage to the lower left corner on the face and a smudge or scratch on the display window.

When operating the 53 and changing the sound field while playing a bd, a lot of times there is a clicking noise, like how when a receiver turns on. It does it other times also. Is that normal? It doesn't do that on my 1120, any ideas.

Another question is: do you know how they are packaged new, and if they should have the sticker on the front, or a protective covering on the display window. Anyone know how I find out that information.

I liked the price, and asked the Magnolia manager if it was new, his response was yes, though I'm not sure I have a new receiver, then the deal isn't such a deal after all.

Anyone?

Regards.

Thanks for the quick reply. I will probably take that advise, just to not have the weird feeling in my gut and forever asking myself if I got a new one or not.

I'll post back when it happens and post my results.

Regards.

I have read on other forums about people questioning why thier PIONEER unit did or did not come with stickers. I know Pioneer used to mark thier refurbished electronics with a color dot on the serial number sticker on the unit..but I do not know if this is still the case. I would feel safe that just because the unit came without stickers it is not B stock or a return. Now that I think of it my VSX-1121 had no stickers on it but tape on the door and protective film on the top edge of the face plate and it was brand new.
Edited by Hubertoliver - 3/5/13 at 5:45pm

To me it just doesn't make any sense why, if they were all new, wouldn't they come packaged the same way. Did the guy or gal in the factory go to the bathroom, run out of stickers and protective film, or what? And if you know others bought the same unit and it came with stickers, and or protective film, and your's didn't, wouldn't you wonder why. The only thing mine came with is the tape on the door. With my 1120, there were stickers and a protective film. I would think that the Elite would be better protected than a lower line. It just makes me nuts knowing someone got stickers and I maybe got stuck. I also think it's strange that no one knows how they look shipped from the factory.

Thanks for the reply.

Regards.

I agree it is strange. However we are talking mass production from China...need I say more.

So I got a response back to query -- which was ....

Here is the response I got from Pioneer ...

So this appears to be the same video processing chipset as in the Oppo BDP-93 and BDP 103. According to Oppo this is the "Kyoto G2". http://wiki.oppodigital.com/index.php?title=BDP-93_FAQ

It appears that Pioneer has chosen not to enable all of the chips features (including 4K scaling) -- but it seems like a robust chipset.

I have an older VSX-32 ELITE receiver powering my speakers. What would have been the equivalent of the VSX-53 back when the VSX-32 was available?
At that time I believe Best Buy was selling the VSX-32 for $850.

If your Elite receiver is the series I am thinking of Sabu, the VSX-32 was in the middle of the Elite pack with 2 models below it and 3 models above. The VSX-53 is right in the middle of the Elite lineup too but maybe a little higher as there are only two models above it - the SC-55 & SC-57. The VSX-53 also had a list price of $1100 when it was a current model. At the closeout price of $499, its quite a bargain.

My current AVR is an Onkyo TX-SR876. One set of my HDMI outputs went out right out of warranty and I have been worried about the HDMI board ever since.
Is the Pioneer VSX-53 a worthy replacement? It is hard to pass up at this price.
Thank you!

I've experimented using the QDEO in my VSX-53 and using the OPPO QDEO processed signal straight to my display I cannot see any difference.
Edited by Hubertoliver - 3/10/13 at 7:51am

I would have to say the VSX-53 is worthy of replacing your ONKYO.

Tried getting one today sold out in my area.

I decided to keep what I have. Agonized over the decision.

BTW -- there are two stores in the Northern VA area still with the units in stock.

Talked to BB they should be getting more in stock. That's what I was told. They are going to call me. I think this receiver will replace my VSX-81. The 81 will go to basement or master.

Really wanted Denon 4311 but at his price I think I will go with VSX-53...

+1 on the Onkyo replacement...Do the math, is there any Onkyo that is comparable at this price point for the features than the 53 has? Man im trying to step up from my 606, and this is a great deal!

Any luck with finding one in store recently? All BB in my tristate area (Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri) show unavailable online.