Pioneer VSX-918

[Vento_Dub9]

I'm looking to upgrade my receiver in the near future, currently have a Pioneer VSX-816. I just came across a Pioneer 918 for what appears to be a decent price. My unit is a 7 channel while the 918 is 5, but I don't plan on running a 7 channel setup. Only other thing I can see is the 918 has 2 HDMI in's where mine has none. Would this be worth the switch or should I just hold out for something nicer? Thanks -John

Here's a link to the specs of the 918 http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...V-K.Kuro?tab=A

Here's a link to my current 816 http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...X-816-K|S.Kuro

[jomari]

what would be your current high def source if ever?

i dont see it on your current sig list.

does it have multichannel analogs out? if so, i think the current receiver can work for the meantime, or if you do plan on getting a new one, id go with the 1018 or the 1019 which both have hdmi repeating capabilities.

[NJ_RAMS_FAN]

I currently running polk rm6750 on a pioneer 918 and I couldn't be happier. sounds is amazing plus home theater gave it a nice review for an entry level receiver. you can find it at a decent price online.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/St...918_eprint.pdf

you can also go with VSX-819H-K (newer model) if price is an issue.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218065494188

[Vento_Dub9]

Originally Posted by jomari

what would be your current high def source if ever?

i dont see it on your current sig list.

does it have multichannel analogs out? if so, i think the current receiver can work for the meantime, or if you do plan on getting a new one, id go with the 1018 or the 1019 which both have hdmi repeating capabilities.

I currently have comcast HD and I'm slowing upgrading all m equipment, so blueray will be a future edition. Not sure on the multichannel outputs, I didn't see them in the specs. I guess my main benefit would be the hdmi repeating but not sure if 2 would be enough. I do plan to upgrade in the future, might hold off and see if the price on some of these receivers comes down. It's difficult to compare because the only place I have around here to listen is the Best Buy magnolia room....

[jomari]

Originally Posted by Vento_Dub9

I currently have comcast HD and I'm slowing upgrading all m equipment, so blueray will be a future edition.

got it. the only reason im asking is because if your current receiver works, and that you dont 'need' the newer HD formats (DTSMA, Dolby TruHD), then you should be just fine with your current receiver.

Not sure on the multichannel outputs, I didn't see them in the specs. I guess my main benefit would be the hdmi repeating but not sure if 2 would be enough.

your current receiver can actually do 5.1 multichannel inputs, meaning if you purchased a blu-ray player that can internally decode the newer formats, and output using the 5.1 analog outs, connected to your receiver, you will be receiving the nearest thing to a HDMI connection, without upgrading your receiver.

I do plan to upgrade in the future, might hold off and see if the price on some of these receivers comes down. It's difficult to compare because the only place I have around here to listen is the Best Buy magnolia room....

i guess it boils down to how we prioritize our purchases. in my case, if i can work with what i have, and just look forward to my future purchases that would last around 5 years or so, i wont end up upgrading and upgrading constantly, avoiding double or even triple the cost of something i shouldve started with in the first place.

[Vento_Dub9]

Originally Posted by jomari

got it. the only reason im asking is because if your current receiver works, and that you dont 'need' the newer HD formats (DTSMA, Dolby TruHD), then you should be just fine with your current receiver.

Current receiver works fine, only thing I can see and I'm not sure if this is normal or not. When watching movies through my upconvert dvd player and I'm sure on blueray it would be the same, I have to crank the volume to get the sound I want. Not sure if this is a power output problem or just because it's a lower end receiver...

Originally Posted by jomari

your current receiver can actually do 5.1 multichannel inputs, meaning if you purchased a blu-ray player that can internally decode the newer formats, and output using the 5.1 analog outs, connected to your receiver, you will be receiving the nearest thing to a HDMI connection, without upgrading your receiver.

Excellent that's what I like to hear, I just want to get the best picture possible and if I can do it with what I have then all is good.

Originally Posted by jomari

i guess it boils down to how we prioritize our purchases. in my case, if i can work with what i have, and just look forward to my future purchases that would last around 5 years or so, i wont end up upgrading and upgrading constantly, avoiding double or even triple the cost of something i shouldve started with in the first place.

I'm just starting to learn all the new features the latest receiver have, I'm still before hdmi so I guess I figured if a newer receiver has it and mine doesn't it has to be better. Thanks for all the input.

[jomari]

yet another 'upgrade' disaster avoided.

keep it for now, and when the time is right, you know when you're going to need a new receiver.

[Vento_Dub9]

Originally Posted by jomari

yet another 'upgrade' disaster avoided.

keep it for now, and when the time is right, you know when you're going to need a new receiver.

I wouldn't say a disaster, either receiver would work fine. For $100 it would be a decent receiver to have, but I might as well wait until I need the features of a more expensive receiver.