Pioneer 920 or Onkyo 508???

[britbill4000]

Hey All,

So in the last few days I bought, tried and returned the Onkyo 308 and Pioneer 520. After playing around with them I decided tha the Onkyo needed a calibration tool and the Pioneer had a horrible OSD which does not work through HDMI and unfelxible input labelling.

So after reading forums and reviews for the last couple of days, budget wise I have brought it down to 2 models. The 508 and the 920. Either one will cost me about $430 all in. I'm in Canada so I understand that I am totally overpaying compared to the state but those are half decent prices for those models here. Important features to me are A/V quality, Good calibration tool, at least 4 HDMI inputs, 3D ready and good OSD (including volume),

Here's where I'm stuck and need some answers from you guys.

1) I keep reading that the 920 only has text OSD but the only thing I can find is this Youtube video....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkC1OICXGEc

Am I wrong in suspecting that this video is actually of the 1020?

2) Does the 920 have OSD for the volume?

3) I understand the best calibration tool is multi EQ and there is also now an advanced MCACC. These 2 models do not include either. So which is better? Audyssey 2EQ or basic MCACC? I am using a sub so in this regards I'm leaning towards the 920.

Overall, feature wise the 920 seems a better deal considering it also includes upscaling...but the OSD and input labelling is really putting me off. What would persuade me is if the MCACC is better than the Audyssey 2EQ. If Audyssey is better then I might consider going overbudget ($565 all in) for the 608...but I've read it has issues with the upscaling...Anyhoo...I will stop now....please help guys!

[blacknumber1]

I´ve read from a local hifi mag, that the upscaling in the 920 is pretty much useless...The Onkyos (at least 508, 578 and 608) have problems with 24p playback (the motion judders) tho how well you see the problem depends on the viewer.

Have you considered the Yamahas? 667 and 767? I do not know how much they cost around there, but they would certainly fit the bill spec-wise...

[britbill4000]

Originally Posted by blacknumber1

I´ve read from a local hifi mag, that the upscaling in the 920 is pretty much useless...The Onkyos (at least 508, 578 and 608) have problems with 24p playback (the motion judders) tho how well you see the problem depends on the viewer.

Have you considered the Yamahas? 667 and 767? I do not know how much they cost around there, but they would certainly fit the bill spec-wise...

Unfortunately, those seem to be over my budget. Ideally, I would like to keep it under $500 so if I had to chose between the 920 and 508, which would you suggest?

[blacknumber1]

We`ll it depends on a lot of things. Your speakers and other kit, what kind of a room will you be using it in.
Go to a local dealer. See which one you prefer yourself! Always demo the products before buying.

[britbill4000]

Thanks. I think I've decided. Going for the 508. Set it up earlier. I love what Audyssey has done for my speakers and cannot say how usefull the dynamic volume is going to be. The pioneer even though more feature rich, in all honest these are things I probably dont need in the long run. Between the 508 and the 608 it basically comes down to THX and Upscaling..meh..I think I'll save my cash!

[britbill4000]

Took the 508 back too as I found a Denon 591 for only $20 more....I'm really happy!!!!

[blacknumber1]

Good to hear you found the right receiver for you, that`s all that matters! Enjoy!