Denon, Pioneer Elite, or Onkyo?

[nhaase]

I am getting set to upgrade my receiver to one which will give me uncompressed audio in all its offerings (Dolby TrueHD, DTSHD-MA, PCM), and I am currently looking at three models: The Denon AVR-2308CI, the Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH, and the Onkyo SR-705.

I am seriously considering these three, and would like the input of members here, to get some views to help out. My budget is not a concern, but I do not want to shell out more for the Denon or Pioneer if they do not have advantages over the Onkyo which would justify the price difference. Any information on this is greatly appreciated.

A few last notes: I have read on Pioneer's website that the Elite only upscales to 480p. Will the Denon and Pioneer upscale 5.1 PCM to 7.1? Lastly, are there any known issues w/ these (I do realize that these are very new, so not too much is expected here).

Thank you all in advance.

[WickyWoo]

I'm partial to Pioneer, but that or the Denon should do well for you. Onkyo just has never been as good in my experience, mind you it's still good, just not AS.

[quetzalcoatl]

Think I went thrrough this earlier today and it was concluded the 2308 does not do MA. If that is the case you need to cross that one off the list. I like the pioneer but you are correct that the 91 only goes to 480p you need to get the 92 to get 1080p upconversion. For the price the Onkyo is hard to beat. I have just heard they run very hot so you need very good ventilation.
I know alot of people here have problems with AVS and the Blu VS HD junk over there but check out the amp section. You should find reviews of all of these there.
Good luck

[Jim L]

I'm researching this very thing too.

Right now, I'm wavering between the Pioneer Elite 92TXH and the Denon 3808ci.

In my reading from AVS ( I know, I know!) and other sites, owners have complained about excessive heat output from the Onkyos. In addition, there are lots of anecdotals stories of Onkyo's reliability not being good.

My personal experience with Pioneer Elite (CRT HDTV) and Denon (receiver and DVD player) are that they have both been absolutely flawless in reliability and tops in performance.

I'm going to read and compare in detail both owner's manuals this weekend.

[MacDaddyOJack]

I am an Onkyo fan myself and have had good experiences in the past. I will personally be getting the TX-SR805 in about a week. Check that out, you might get more than you bargained for!

[nhaase]

Originally Posted by quetzalcoatl

Think I went thrrough this earlier today and it was concluded the 2308 does not do MA. If that is the case you need to cross that one off the list.

I use the PS3 for BDs, and I have heard a rumor that before Christmas Sony will release an update for the PS3 that will decode MA. If that is the case, then the receiver doing it will not really matter, but that is a concern.

Ventilation is not a problem for me.

[ryoohki]

I have a 3808ci on Order... will have it soon..

[gvortex7]

Don't even get me started with this subject.

All I have to say is, go with the Pioneer Elite.

[Switched2BD]

Originally Posted by ryoohki

I have a 3808ci on Order... will have it soon..

Great choice IMO, I have the 2807 right now but I will be upgrading to the 3808ci.

[MaleManGuy]

Originally Posted by ryoohki

I have a 3808ci on Order... will have it soon..

Well, WOW... this is a nice amp. USB connector for portable audio, nice configuration onscreen menus, cool EL remote, ethernet to play media from your connected pc, lots of power, heavy as 10 bricks and pretty too. Easy to set-up!! I was up and running with this amp as quickly as I could figure out the mess of cabling behind the TV. Easy to use, excellent audio quality. So far after 1 day, I am impressed... altho the old amp was a HK-147.
Jeff