The new VSX-1016TXV

wow, lot of features for that price point. wow

It seems like they upscaled the processing features but downscaled the power from the 1025 to get more of a differentiation to the elite series.

Also, is the MOSFET amplification gone?

Will the 1016 handle a 4 ohm center channel?

they are calling it "Direct Energy"?

looks like it is also the same amp that is in the new Elite receivers.

Pity they did away with the folding door. It seems to me like they sacrificed quality for features.

Will be looking forward to the first 1015 vs 1016 sound shootout.

Lack of HDMI 1.1 digital audio input will be deal breakers for many people. Its HDMI is only for video pass through.

It is ugly!

I am skeptical of the new amp section. Weight is weight. Regardless of hdmi, I wouldn't trade my 56txi for any of the new ones...

Are you certain about this? The spec sheet shows the following:

HDMI Output 1 - 1080p Compatible - Pass Through


Couldn't this just mean that the receiver will "pass through" a full 1080p signal, without necessarily indicating that the receiver will not extract the audio stream at the same time?

I'm not saying this is correct, just asking if you made an inference that might not necessarily be true?

what he said! looks like a step backwards -- maybe the 1015 sold too well?

Yep... same here.

I was a fan of the looks of the 1015. I favored the HK 635 sound wise to the 1015 and the 56txi sound wise to the HK. The 1016 looks like a taller version of the 816. Cluttered face??? The drop down door and dual knob look gave it a very clean appearance.

I didn't make an inference. Its manual posted at the New Zealand Pioneer website clearly describes its HDMI limitation (just video pass-through, not audio processing) multiple times.

Well, that clears that up. Thanks for the extra info.

Did someone notice? European model shows 2 Hdmi in One out? how abt US model?

amen but i too am curious with the new amp section.

Any due date confirmation?

OK. I just pre-ordered a 1016 after much internal debate as to getting the 1015 or 1016.

Some background:

Currently finishing my basement and building a FP non-dedicated theater.

Equip:

Sanyo PLV-Z4, Oppo 91, DaLite 92" HCCV Perm-wall, Proficient Audio LCR In-ceiling surround and rear, Acoustic Energy Aegis 3 L, R, and center, Velodyne Sub.

I also have a Media Center PC and SA 8300HD box.

I have HDMI and Component (1x each) running from the equip to the proj.

I loved the idea of the 1015 being MOSFET, but I will need HDMI switching. So, my choices were get the 1015 and a Monoprice HDMI switch or get the 1016.

I went back and forth for months..... and finally decided that I'm not enough of an Audiophile to realize the diff between the bipolar amp and the MOSFET.

So, I pre-ordered the 1016. I figure it's still their top of the line non-Elite receiver so it shouldn't be a POS and am hoping I am very happy with it.

Any comments? People who would have done the same? Different?

Oh, also, I know street pricing is a no-no, but the best I found the 1015 for was $415 shipped and the 1016 was $499 shipped. So $84 more.

FG3

******* told me they would have it sometime in August. No definate date.

it shouldn't be a POS....

I'm sorry but for me and in my humble opinion, and we know what is said about opinions, that is a lousy reason to do anything let alone buy something.

When you look at price points isn't the goal to obtain the best value for that price point not to avoid a POS?

All of us have budgets regardless of the size of that budget. Within that budget not only do I want to for myself but I also want to help others get the best bang for their buck. If you compare models in the same price range as the 1016 from Yamaha, Denon, Panasonic, maybe even Sony, the 1016 just doesn't cut it. Pioneer made a mistake, again in my humble opinion, in dumbing down the unit in both inside and outside features.

So will you avoid a POS with the 1016? Probably. Won't be that bad and I'm confident it will do you fine. Will you get the best value for that price point? I do not believe so.

Jim

Jim,

thanks for your input. I really meant not a pos compared to the 1015, not in general.

Any specific $500 models you'd reccommend over the 1016? I'm willing to get something else if it is better...

Thanks,
FG3

The Onkyo 604 is supposed to have HDMI inputs, too. No info released as far as if they will handle audio.

I cannot find another receiver for $500 that offers auto-setup/eq, hdmi switching and as much power as the 1016. I'm trying, but I can't.

Have any of you found any others?

FG3

How about the 1015? It can be had for under 400.

Locally when things get slow Circuit City puts the Onkyo 703 and the 803 on mega sale with rebates, etc. I was ahead of my schedule and budget but for about 2 weeks the Onkyo 803 could have been purchased for total out of pocket for about 600. Now its back up to the 899 price.

The 703 goes on sale regularly though. I've seen the Yamaha for same price range as well. You of course have to wait, watch for sales, etc. I just don't think the 1016 is a value. Again, imho.

Jim

.....hdmi switching

The 1016 doesn't either. It is pass through only.

Jim

I decided to go with the 1015 because of 1. looks-the door gives it clean, upscale look. 2. I was not sure if the new amp was going to be better than the current Mosfet amp. 3. HDMI is not a big concern for me because of the state of flux of the specs. eg 1.1,1.2,1.3. I can get an HDMI switcher from Monoprice when things get sorted out. 4. there weren't many 1015's left in Winnipeg and I was able to get one for $475. I think the 1016's will be somewhere in the $600 + range when they come out. Just my 2 cents.