[Trojanlaw]

Looking for the best sound available for about $1,000 and have read conflicting posts on these two. Which has the advantage and why?


Will be listening to 80% home theater in 5.1(for now!) and 20% music (moostly classic rock and classical). My speakers are B&W CDM9NT's for the fronts and center and B&W LM1 rears with a Definitive 500w sub.


Space in the cabinet is an issue. If I were to go with the Pioneer, I would have to modify the cabinet. Is it worth it?


Thoughts are appreciated.


JP

___________________________________________________________

Sony 34XBR960

Hughes HR10-250

B&W CDM9NT (Fronts and Center)

B&W LM1 Rears

Definitive P15+ Subwoofer

Toshiba SD-4900 DVD

 

[Mike Fenech]

Quote:

Originally posted by Trojanlaw Space in the cabinet is an issue. If I were to go with the Pioneer, I would have to modify the cabinet. Is it worth it?

Do you mean you'd have to reposition the shelves and other components, or do some actual wood/metal work?

 

[Trojanlaw]

I would have to make a modification to the wood cabinet in order to place the shelf at another level. A pain in the butt, butt I think it is doable.

 

[PSB]

I have the 3805 and would highly recommend it. I use it in my theater room and for movies about 90% of the time. I drive all seven speakers and a subwoofer and the Denon provides more than enough punch for my 35 X 15 ft room. Sound quality is amazing and the amount of features for the price is staggering.......the most bang-for-the-buck I've ever seen in a receiver so far.

 

[TauRus]

I would also second Denon. I used to own and love my Pio Elite 45TX, but when I bought Denon AVR3803 I was amazed at the difference in sound. I would expect AVR 3805 to be even a better unit.

No matter with which receiver you will end up, make sure you have enough air circulation. I am not sure how tight your cabinet is. If there is insufficient ventillation, then the reciever might regularly overheat and shut down automatically to prevent permanent damage.

If, there is no good option for providing sufficient space and air circulation, try getting some digital receivers - they generate a lot less heat and are usually much slimmer than their analog brethren. Among digital receivers I would suggest checking out HK DPR1005. I have not auditioned it myself but heard from a couple of people that it is significantly better unit than older DPR1001.

 

[tubeguy44]

i listened to both units in my system and preferred the 55txi.....


the remote on the pioneer is much better than the denon and surpasses many aftermarket remotes.... i run my entire system (including a few pieces from the early 90's) with the remote....


i also use an outboard amp for my mains, but i am currently using the 55txi to power my center and surrounds.... great internal amps if you ever need them.....


both units are great receivers.... you really can't go wrong with either one..... try them in your system if possible.....


good luck!

 

[MikeRP]

I agree with Tubeguy......really try to get both of them home for a test run.


But, they are very comparable and my guess is you won't go wrong with either.


Mike

 

[DooDoo]

Get a yamaha 1400 and add an outboard amp.

 

[merlock]

I just got the Rotel 1056. But I have a few more days to take it back to the dealer for a Pioneer VSX-55TX. Just wondering what the advantages of i-Link are over analogue outs besides convenience? Is there a sonic improvement using I-Link? I have a few more days to decide and if there is indeed a sonic difference using i-Link I will exchange it for the 55TXi.


merlock

 

[tubeguy44]

Quote:

Originally posted by merlock I just got the Rotel 1056. But I have a few more days to take it back to the dealer for a Pioneer VSX-55TX. Just wondering what the advantages of i-Link are over analogue outs besides convenience? Is there a sonic improvement using I-Link? I have a few more days to decide and if there is indeed a sonic difference using i-Link I will exchange it for the 55TXi. merlock

with the 55txi (and others i believe) when you are using the multichannel inputs for SACD or DVD-audio all of your bass management is bypassed on the receiver.....


the i-link allows you to use the digital processing that is bypassed by the analog inputs....


there is a sonic improvement as well because the signal is controlled by the clock in the receiver making it "jitterless".... this improvement is also on all digital signals coming from your player (dvd, cd, as well as the hi-res formats)....

 

[Brentis]

Quote:

Originally posted by PSB I have the 3805 and would highly recommend it. I use it in my theater room and for movies about 90% of the time. I drive all seven speakers and a subwoofer and the Denon provides more than enough punch for my 35 X 15 ft room. Sound quality is amazing and the amount of features for the price is staggering.......the most bang-for-the-buck I've ever seen in a receiver so far.

Is your home theater in a hallway?

 

[nuke]

I am WAY happier with the 3805 than I was with a Pioneer Elite EX-500. Don't know if that model represents typical experience with Pioneer receivers or not, but man, the Denon works a lot better.

 

[cpu8088]

pio mcacc works great

also pio elite models are using mosfet for power amp section which is clean and fast

 

[graphicguy]

My recent purchases of Elite gear has left my wanting nothing. As most others have said, the Elite pieces work like they are supposed to and sound "damn fine" in the process. i-link works, no untoward behavior of the amps or processing...MCACC does a great job of taming your room and with BM, plenty of power, etc. In the complex AV world, that's a tough act to follow.


Personally, this is the most pleased with any gear I've ever purchased in over 20 years of being an enthusiast.

 

[Kevin C Brown]

The 55txi doesn't, but the 3805 does, have DPL IIx ?


I would think that the potential real benefit with the Pio is with I-link to one of their players. I'm thinking that way, anyway...