Need help buying my first receiver - several options

[BLUCanadian]

OK, so I am looking to buy my first receiver this Boxing day. I currently have no audio set-up (no speakers). This will be my first purchase towards my audio set-up. I would like to to be as future-proof as possible. I am currently using a PS3 for my blus and have a 1080i 37" LCD which I will also be upgrading in the future. I also have an HD box for my cable. Dont plan on getting any other gaming systems. These are the receivers I am currently looking at. Please remember that prices are Canadian!
Thanks


Pioneer 7.1 HDMI Home Theatre Receiver (VSX-9130TXH-K) - $699.99

Pioneer 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver (VSX-1018TXV-K) - $399.99


Sony STR-DG920 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver - $499.99

Harman Kardon 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver (AVR254) - $499.99

Yamaha 7.1 Channel HDMI Home Theatre Receiver (HTR-6190B) aka RVX 1800 - $699.99

[bajor27]

I'm looking to pick up a receiver this boxing day as well so have been looking into the models you're asking about.

I haven't yet heard any in person (at least knowingly), but from everything I've read (both here and on many other sites), I'd stay away from that Harmon Kardon and low end Sony receivers in general.

I've had that 6190B personally recommended to me by another member here just a few days ago, so I'm leaning towards that right now myself. To help you out (if you're researching up on them), it's basically a clone of the Yamaha RSX-1800, so most anything you find on that model will be applicable to you.

It also appears that the VSX-9130 is fore the most part a clone of the Pioneer Elite VSX-03 as well.


As for a personal reccomendation for you, I'd have to go with the Pioneer VSX-1018. Part of my reccomendation comes from you not having any speakers and saving $300 on a receiver should help get speakers into your house sooner so you can start using the thing. The receiver is more than capable though. It's comparable to the Onky0 606 which many people seem to love. I've also heard much better things about Pioneer's auto speaker calibration compared to Yahama's which would definitely be ideal for someone new to receivers.

As for future proof, it really depends on what speakers lie in your future, but all have HDMI 1.3 and decode the lossless audio codecs and thus should last you until the end of the Blu-ray generation at the very least.

Speaking of speakers, if you aren't able to get a receiver during the boxing day madness, take a look at the Energy RC-50s for only 699/pair at FS(currently 999 each). These are awesome speakers and a steal at that price. I'm actually thinking of upgrading my RC-30s which I got for about the same price as these 50s are going for (though my wife might kill me if I did). For reference, their on page 7 of the online only FS flyer.


If you can get into FS today to give any of these receivers/speakers a listen though, that would really be the best option as what sounds good to one person may not sound good to another. And really, if something sounds good to you, than it's right for you.

[master_8ball]

Ha! These are the exact receivers I am looking at for possible Boxing Day purchase....

I have a PS3 but still would like something that can do the HD audio decoding for future use.

My question is, what should I get: HDMI passthrough, HDMI switching or HDMI repeater????

[Colglizity]

That's a great price for that Pioneer 1018... I think that's what I'd go with if I were you.

[callas01]

First off you cannot compare the Pioneer elite and that yamaha to any of the other receivers. A Sony you can compare them to is going to be like an es2400 or es3400. IMO, Yamahas are a warm sounding, Pioneer's are slightly warm but more neutral, and the Sony's tend to be very neutral.

Harman, is a personal choice for me... and I think they suck. I PERSONALLY cannot stand their sound.

Pioneer 1018 and Sony 920 are both mid level recevers, not low end as another person mentioned. I was between these two receivers when I bought mine, which was the sony 920. The sony is an awesome reciever, but I did like the pioneer slightly better. But now that I have the Sony in the house, it is awesome, and I have had no regrets buying that one over the pioneer.


HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE, go listen to the receivers in person and buy what sounds best to you, or the sound you prefer the most.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by master_8ball

Ha! These are the exact receivers I am looking at for possible Boxing Day purchase....

I have a PS3 but still would like something that can do the HD audio decoding for future use.

My question is, what should I get: HDMI passthrough, HDMI switching or HDMI repeater????

repeater, that usually means that you can upscale the picture of analog sources.

[master_8ball]

Thanks for the response.... I cant seem to get my head around what the differences were... Whats the difference in switching and passthrough?

And is the main difference between the Pioneer VSX-9130 and the VSX-1018 is that the 9130 is THX certified? I can't see why its $300 more?

[callas01]

different companies have different meaning for pass through, on sony it means the video passes through and still processes the audio. Some MFG's pass the video through but do not touch the audio, so you still have to run an optical or analogs for audio. switching means that it you can change between multiple components all plugged in via the hdmi input and have them all go out the same hdmi output.


Pioneer TXH, not THX. Don't know if it is certified for THX or not... look at the specs. Don't know enough about pioneer receivers in general to tell you what the $300 difference is but I am sure it would be about the same as going from a Sony 920 to an ES2400, more features, multi-zone, better sound processing, etc.

[pooper33]

You should look at the Denon 1909 or 789 also! both fall in your price range from above and both are excellent(also practically same receiver)

[BLUCanadian]

thanks for all the responses guys!!
Looks like Ill be deciding between
Pioneer 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver (VSX-1018TXV-K) - $399.99
Sony STR-DG920 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver - $499.99

I suppose I wouldnt classify myself as a huge audiophile so as mentioned these will give me a good starting point and allow me to purchase speakers sooner

[JasonR]

You can't go wrong with either, enjoy!!!!

[jdlivestrong]

Originally Posted by BLUCanadian

thanks for all the responses guys!!
Looks like Ill be deciding between
Pioneer 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver (VSX-1018TXV-K) - $399.99
Sony STR-DG920 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver - $499.99

I suppose I wouldnt classify myself as a huge audiophile so as mentioned these will give me a good starting point and allow me to purchase speakers sooner

Would you mind telling me where you found the 1018 for $399.99? Is that with free shipping and no tax?

[BLUCanadian]

Its a boxing day sale at Best Buy (canada)
if you are in the US they will not ship to you.

[jdlivestrong]

Originally Posted by BLUCanadian

Its a boxing day sale at Best Buy (canada)
if you are in the US they will not ship to you.

Ok...bummer!

[bajor27]

Originally Posted by callas01

Pioneer 1018 and Sony 920 are both mid level recevers, not low end as another person mentioned.

Sorry. Didn't mean to call it low end. What I really meant to say was that I've seen several warnings to stay away from all non high-end Sony receivers and the 920 wouldn't be considered one of their high end receivers.

I am glad to hear you are enjoying your 920 though callas01. I'm currently running a Sony receiver right now that I have no real complaints with.

As we both mentioned though, it's all about how it sounds to you. Get out and listen to them if you can.

[DragonSarc]

Originally Posted by pooper33

You should look at the Denon 1909 or 789 also! both fall in your price range from above and both are excellent(also practically same receiver)

+1

[callas01]

Originally Posted by bajor27

Sorry. Didn't mean to call it low end. What I really meant to say was that I've seen several warnings to stay away from all non high-end Sony receivers and the 920 wouldn't be considered one of their high end receivers.

I am glad to hear you are enjoying your 920 though callas01. I'm currently running a Sony receiver right now that I have no real complaints with.

As we both mentioned though, it's all about how it sounds to you. Get out and listen to them if you can.

Well, the warning signs where correct a few years ago, they did make some subpar receivers, this year the DG lines have been revamped and they are much better. Alot of reviews have said so.

[Acquiesce]

I am interested in buying

Pioneer 7.1 Channel HDMI Receiver (VSX-1018TXV-K) - $399.99

-I'm wondering about the model #.......Any significance in the TXV instead of Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K ?

I remember I once read a post about the Yamaha 6160 from Futureshop which was missing "Zone 2" functionality compared to the US version and so I just want to make sure this Pioneer receiver is the same as the Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K from the States......



Thanks

Edit: went to Pioneerelectronics.ca and Pioneerelectronics.com and it seems to be called "Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K" on both...so is this the exact same receiver?


I hope that this is 1018 and not VSX-1017TXV-K....

[Snpbond]

Im also thinking of getting the 1080 from BestBuy in Regina on boxing day (assuming they have it) but I need to find a cheap-ish sub too. What Im pondering on now is whether I need to upgrade, I have a decent sony HTIB system, its 5.1 but only has DTS/DD not the HD formats.

Am I really gonna benefit from the new HD formats? What do you hear differently? More sounds, crisper? Anyways, at least Im not the only one pondering that Pioneer 1080TX

[BLUCanadian]

hey guys, what about the Denon 889 for $499??