Help me decide re: Pioneer VSX-1121

[dragion]

I purchased the receiver from Amazon (Warehouse Deals) used-like new for $449.99.

Received VSX-1121 from Amazon and seems that previous buyer reported a defect with the TV/SAT optical input...return info was in still in box.
The condition of the outer Amazon packaging was in normal condition, but the original Pioneer box was held together with duct tape! There was a hole "punched in" about the size of a softball on the side of the box.
Opening the package, the styrofoam that protects the receiver was also taped up to keep it together.

Carefully examining the receiver and it's contents, I found a scratch/dent on the front right along the edge about 1/2 inch long (not noticeable unless you look for it)...other then that it visually looked new.
Content within was new and not opened...except the remote and batteries.

Tested TV/SAT optical and result was defective...no sound output.
Not sure if I set this up correctly, but won't be using the optical since my TiVo is connected via HDMI.
Everything else seems to be working correctly. I haven't completely tested all the functions, but the ones I use are working.

Contacted Amazon twice and ended up receiving a $50 refund...still have 30 day return and 1 year warranty from Pioneer.

Now this is where I need the advice:

Should I keep it. Saving me $100.

Keep it and purchase SquareTrade One-Year Open-Box Electronics Warranty: Open-Box Items $200-$2000 for $44.99.

Return it and purchase a "NEW" one from Amazon directly for $499.99.


Any help will be greatly appreciated!

I posted this at AVS Forums too...need all the help I can get!


THANKS!

[davidp71]

Sorry but if I were you, I would send it back. Go to best buy and use that 449 for the elite vsx-40 or get the 50......I wouldn't keep it being shipped like that. The pioneer elite vsx-40 is 449.98 at BB.

[lojack1976]

I have to disagree. You purchased it with the defects disclosed and they still offered you a $50 refund. On top of that Pioneer's full warranty still applies since Amazon is an authorized dealer. If the optical out isn't a real issue for you then I don't see a problem.

I should note that when I owned a VSX-1020 I had a hard time getting the optical to work as well. I don't recall how I got it working, but I do remember that it was pretty tricky and I spent a good hour or two messing with it. Its quite possible that there is no problem with it and its just a matter setting it up correctly. Unfortunately Pioneer receivers aren't always the most user friendly.

I should also point out that the Elite VSX-40 that was mentioned is a lesser receiver than the VSX-1121 which is a clone of the Elite VSX-52. The Elite VSX-40 is a clone of the VSX-921. If you aren't comfortable with your purchase and decide to return it then just buy a new VSX-1121 instead because its a much more substantial receiver than the VSX-40.

[Siri]

I just ordered a new VSX-1121 K from amazon a little while ago.

After reading your post though, if they refunded you $50 and you paid $449 for the used one, return it and get a new one for pretty much what you paid for the messed up one?

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

[davidp71]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

I have to disagree. You purchased it with the defects disclosed and they still offered you a $50 refund. On top of that Pioneer's full warranty still applies since Amazon is an authorized dealer. If the optical out isn't a real issue for you then I don't see a problem.

I should note that when I owned a VSX-1020 I had a hard time getting the optical to work as well. I don't recall how I got it working, but I do remember that it was pretty tricky and I spent a good hour or two messing with it. Its quite possible that there is no problem with it and its just a matter setting it up correctly. Unfortunately Pioneer receivers aren't always the most user friendly.

I should also point out that the Elite VSX-40 that was mentioned is a lesser receiver than the VSX-1121 which is a clone of the Elite VSX-52. The Elite VSX-40 is a clone of the VSX-921. If you aren't comfortable with your purchase and decide to return it then just buy a new VSX-1121 instead because its a much more substantial receiver than the VSX-40.

I meant to say the 52.....sorry.

[dragion]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions/info.

lojack1976,
I know exactly what you mean regarding setting up the optical...that is the reason why I mentioned that I wasn't sure if I had set it up correctly.

davidp71,
I looked into Bestbuy and the VSX-52 is going for $899.98 plus tax.
The VSX-1121 is $749.98...still too much.
I am considering returning it as one of the options.

Sirius389,
I am considering that, but not sure...that is why I'm asking for help deciding.


I have been testing it and so far so good...I'm loving it!
Since the TV/SAT optical is not used, it doesn't bother me if it works or not. I can always have it repaired if I do need it.


At this moment, I'm considering either keeping the current VSX-1121 or purchase a new one from Amazon.

Do you think keeping it is worth the $100 savings?


Keep the suggestions coming

Thanks!

[roxyv]

I would buy a NEW one, currently it is still $499 same price at Newegg too.

[dragion]

UPDATE:

Decided to buy a new VSX-1121 directly from Amazon for $499.99.

Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions and information!


~William

[davidp71]

Originally Posted by dragion

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions/info.

lojack1976,
I know exactly what you mean regarding setting up the optical...that is the reason why I mentioned that I wasn't sure if I had set it up correctly.

davidp71,
I looked into Bestbuy and the VSX-52 is going for $899.98 plus tax.
The VSX-1121 is $749.98...still too much.
I am considering returning it as one of the options.

Sirius389,
I am considering that, but not sure...that is why I'm asking for help deciding.


I have been testing it and so far so good...I'm loving it!
Since the TV/SAT optical is not used, it doesn't bother me if it works or not. I can always have it repaired if I do need it.


At this moment, I'm considering either keeping the current VSX-1121 or purchase a new one from Amazon.

Do you think keeping it is worth the $100 savings?


Keep the suggestions coming

Thanks!

Congrats!! I almost bought the VSX-53 but the 52 and 53 are too deep for my entertainment unit. and I forgot to mention, that my local BB price matches Amazon on electronics. Don't know if yours will do the same.

[dragion]

Originally Posted by davidp71

Congrats!! I almost bought the VSX-53 but the 52 and 53 are too deep for my entertainment unit. and I forgot to mention, that my local BB price matches Amazon on electronics. Don't know if yours will do the same.

Lucky, the VSX-1121 is the same depth as my VSX-1018AH-K.
It does fit, but barely. I have an open media center.

Not sure if my BB will price match Amazon's price.
I've check a few local BB and they seem to be out of stock on the VSX-1121...plenty of Elite VSX-52's.
If there was a substantial difference between the VSX-1121 & the VSX-52, then I would consider the Elite.

Since I'm a Prime member, I'll receive the VSX-1121 on Wednesday and with Amazon...no tax!


Thanks again for the help.

[davidp71]

Welcome and enjoy it. Pioneer makes great receivers. My first Elite I had for 10 years and still worked great. Sold it on Craig's list last year to update.

[lojack1976]

Congrats and enjoy!!

[dragion]

The PIONEER VSX-1121 will be my 5th PIONEER receiver.

My very first receiver was the PIONEER VSX-5000 back in 1986...the very first surround sound receiver.

Followed by PIONEER ELITE VSX-99, PIONEER ELITE VSX-07TX (still have and going strong) and PIONEER VSX 1018AH-K (working perfect)
If it wasn't for the HDMI 1.4, I wouldn't be upgrading to the VSX-1121.

I've owned KENWOOD & DENON's, but seemed to come back to PIONEER!

Looks like I might get it early on Tuesday according to Amazon's estimated delivery date

[joeyvaz]

$50 off coupon code on newegg started today and ends 1/25/12. Just ordered one to replace Onkyo 809 that gave me fits configuring my sub to my room. Had MUCH better results with the Pioneer Elite 32 I sold to get the 809. So going back to Pioneer...