Quote:
Originally posted by Ron67
I'm replacing everything in my system which is 80% HT and only 20% or less music. I like the Pioneer VSX-45TX but I keep looking at the 47TX with the THX decoding. The 47TX would also give me a little more power to push whichever speakers I end up with (suggestions welcome there too). Right now I'm only using a 5.1 setup but with more movies coming out in THX, is the 47 worth the extras $$$???
Also - what are people's opinions on their respective remotes? Neither local dealer was able to furnish one for me to look at 
Lastly - any authorized dealer recommendations? My only choices in Phoenix are Ultimate or Showcase - both of whom ask full MSRP and don't seem very interested in selling Pioneer let alone dropping the price...
Thanks in advance for any help! |
First of all, THX Ultra2 does have post-processing functions that apply to both Dolby Digital and DTS. Certainly, these functions are desirable at the same pricing point; the real question is: are they worth a higher cost. There is also some debate as to whether or not they make much difference in sound quality. Still, to make it out to be as if THX is simply a seal of approval is not accurate.
As for the advantages of the 47 over the 45...well it has many. The question is do its advantages make it worth the cost of upgrading. In many instances, such as mine, it was well worth the extra cost over the 45. The simple criteria will always be: does the higher-end model have advantages that are worth the money in my set-up? There have been previous threads on this specific matter and the general consensus is, that in most cases, the advantages are not worth the money to the majority of buyers. However, there are exceptions. Here is a list of the 47's advantages over the 45 from a previous thread(posted by another AVS member):
Differences between 47TX & 45TX:
1. 130 wpc vs. 100 wpc
2. THX Ultra 2 certification vs. THX Select
3. Input impedance of 382 mV vs. 335 mV
4. Signal to noise Ratio of 105/93 db vs. 101/83 db
5. 47TX has a Chimney Heat Sink, the 45TX doesn't
6. 47TX uses a Sharc & Motorola for processing--45TX uses 2 Motorolas
7. 47TX has 6 digital inputs--45TX has 5
8. 47TX has 6 A/V inputs vs. 5 for the 45TX
9. 47TX has 1 composite & 2 S-video monitor outs--45TX has one of each
10.47TX has 3 component ins--45TX has 2
11.47TX has 2 sub outs--45TX has one
12.47TX has all gold plated terminals
13.47TX has a more heavy-duty power cord
14.47TX uses Burr brown PCM 1738 DACs vs. AKM AK 4383 for the 45TX
15.The 45TX does have a 12V trigger and USB input(not deal breakers, IMO)that the 47TX doesn't
(16.)The 47TX has a built in RF Demodulator; the 45TX does not.
Here was what I stated in the thread as to my reason for buying a 47:
For my set-up, I think that the 47TX makes more sense. First, it can be found on-line for about $800 more. From this difference, I would have to deduct about $200 for a good external RF demodulator(for laserdisc AC-3 surround) if I go with the 45TX since it does not have one(my previous receivers have all had this function internally). My Hitachi RPTV only has 2 Component inputs; the 45TX can switch 2 in to 1 out(which would give me a total of 3), while the 47TX has 3 in to 1 out(giving me a total of four). This saves me from an expensive switching device if I need 4 component devices(DVD, HDTV STB, X-Box, and D-VHS). I believe that these switches are generally fairly expensive(approx. $200.00). This would bring the difference between the two units down to, perhaps, less than $400.
At that price, I believe that the 47TX is easily justified as an upgrade, due to its superior amplifier power, DACs, build-quality, and processing power. It also has a few more inputs. Of course, Not everyone will need the extra component connection, and very few will need the RF Demodulator. Still, in cases like mine, the cost of adding these externally eats into the 45's savings and makes the 47TX upgrade an easy decision.
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I do not pretend that the 47 is a recommended upgrade, but depending on your set-up, it can offer tremendous value. As for the recommendation that you should look into buying the 45 as a pre/pro, you would get nice sound, but remember that the processing of the 45 is not top-notch(it is very good....the 47 is better...the 49 is Pioneer's best). Whether or not you could get a nice amp for the savings is not automatic. I noticed that you are looking to purchase the unit from an authorized dealer, thus paying near full retail, the price difference is substantial and an amp could probably be had. However, if you were to buy online, the price difference is much less substantial( approx. $800.00) and a good amp is less easily had.
Anyway, the bottom line is that it depends upon your set-up. I wish you the best of luck.
