[dodo512]

I have a Panasonic 50-LC13, and I'm ready to invest in a decent receiver. I will eventually purchase appropriate speakers, but want to nail down a quality receiver first. This setup will primarily be used to watch DVDs and sporting events.


I have spent way too many hours reading informative posts here, but I'm now ready for my first post.


(I think) I have narrowed down my choices to 4 receivers, all for different reasons...


Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K (HDMI)

Pioneer VSX-D914-K

Panasonic SA-XR70S (HDMI)

Panasonic SA-XR50S


Price-wise, they're all in the same ballpark. I like the Pioneer over the Panasonic for the newbie-friendly auto calibration (I'm lazy, not too technical, but want the best out of my equipment). I like the Panasonic because of it's slim design. The 1014TX-K and XR70S both are equipped for HDMI connectivity. But I'm not sure what advantage this has for me now; my Panny has DVI-input which I'm currently not using.


So... which one do I buy? Is the Pioneer auto calibration enough of an advantange over the Panasonic, especially for my experience, or lack there of? Are the newer 1014TX-K and XR70S really superior to the older models because of the HDMI interface? Will I be able to run a DVI-HDMI converter cable from my TV to receiver, and still get all the benefits? Could you please provide an example setup of how this would work with a DVD player?


Money is not the issue here; I just don't want to overspend on a receiver with added technology that I wouldn't or couldn't use.


Thank you in advance for your help and consideration. Lastly, my heart is not set on just these 4 receivers, and I am open to all suggestions and recommendations.


Steve

 

[bbqbbqq]

1014 does not have HDMI. It has 7.1 while the other receivers you mentioned are 6.1.


If HDMI switching is important to you and budget is a concern, the best you can do is wait. HDMI is too new a feature to trickle into most low-mid end receivers yet.

 

[jbug]

I just got the Pioneer 1014 and man that is one nice receiver. I tried out two other 7.1 receivers and always had a nagging feeling about one thing or the other. I stayed up till about 3:30 AM enjoying the Pioneer. I was more satisfied with it than any receiver I have ever owned. The auto-set up worked perfectly (except it had my sub at 11 feet away when it was closer to 9) . It hit the nail on the head with everything else. I had to smile at how accurate it was. Then came listening time. My sub after being set by the auto-set up never sounded more smoother and in line with the other speakers. Movies and music all sounded better. The only thing that I wish is that the remote had a back light for all the small buttons. I don't know about the other receivers you mentioned, but I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with the 1014.

 

[dodo512]

Thanks, jbug and bbqbbqq, for your helpful replies. I have been leaning towards the Pioneer just for that very fact and the simplicity with the auto-calibration.


Anyone else want to give their 2 cents or try to steer me towards the Panasonic with HDMI?? What significant advantages could HDMI connectivity provide for me now?

 

[dodo512]

alright folks, could you just throw out a number? please?


1) Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K

2) Pioneer VSX-D914-K

3) Panasonic SA-XR70S (HDMI)

4) Panasonic SA-XR50S

 

[Lyman4242]

dodo,


read my thread here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...28#post5136428


see if that helps you any in your decision.


Oh, and #1

 

[dodo512]

wow, Lyman, thanks!!


That was perfectly put, and answered my questions completely. I would have never found that post. I guess it's time to go out and buy #1.


but... what if I'm #5 from your post, "Hoping to add a dvd-audio player with hdmi out"? How significant is the difference to the eyes and ears using digital inputs?? Should I step it up with the xr70 and a new upconverting dvd?

 

[Kix]

Yep---That thread set me on the right path...


Ordered my 1014 today... along with my Velo Sub...

 

[Lyman4242]

dodo,


The way I see it is the xr70's main HDMI feature is that there is finally a more budget friendly way to digitally connect a DVD Audio player. You must purchase the panasonic dvd-s97 if you want to have dvd-audio digital out. If you want to get into DVD-A, or already have a DVD-A music collection, then you should get the xr70 and the s97 combo. If DVD-audio isn't of much concern for you, then the xr70 lost its main advantage over the 1014.


Remember blu ray and hd-dvd will be competing in the next year or so, and with them comes a new hdmi hardware revision (1.2) for audio transmission which will include sacd, dd++ and dts hd among other things. The new revision would not affect video transmission AFAIK.


The s97 will also do upconversion via hdmi, and overall is a nice player. Based on the specs of your tv, its dvi-hdcp compliant, so you should be fine using this player. You don't need the xr70 if you're just concerned with hdmi video upconversion. You would just get the dvd-s97 or any other upconverting player and a receiever of your choice in that case.


Visually, hdmi offers improvement over component hd out if you're using a non-crt set. Sonically, there is negligable difference for non dvd-audio being sent via hdmi instead of s/pdif coax or optical. There's less jitter for audio sent via hdmi vs. s/pdif, but in most cases watching a movie or listening to a cd you would be hardpressed to hear major differences between hdmi and s/pdif. For DVD-audio however, the stright digital connection offers sonic improvement over the analog 5.1 input.


Also, what speakers do you currently have? Ineffecient speakers or more importantly seakers with a complex load do not mesh well with the xr70.

 

[dodo512]

Great post again, Lyman! I appreciate your time and effort to help out an AVS newbie like me.


I've learned about so many different and new toys and technology on this forum, that it's good to step back and look at what is it really all for and if it's really going to benefit my needs.


My primary intent is getting the most visually out of my HT. I love HDTV on my set, and would like to improve my DVD viewing quality. Since I just learned about DVD-A the other day and don't have any DVD-A music, my decision just got a lot easier -- go with the Pioneer. Thanks Lyman, for clarifying this!


I do not have any speakers at this time, and would love suggestions based on my tv and the 1014. As a comparision, I've 'tested out' the Samsung HT-DS1000 for the Super Bowl and realized what I've been missing without surround sound. I hate the DVD player on this system, and am not totally satisfied with the total power output of this system. My plan all along is to return it, and based upon many suggestions on this forum, steer away from the HTIB and purchase the components separately... starting with the 1014!