Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K Official Thread

[Lush23]

Pioneer VSX-1019-K

pioneer 1019 FRONT.jpg


Is this the best receiver I can get between $300 to $500? If not, please share your opinions on what receivers you would choose between this price range... Thanks in advance.

[callas01]

in the past Pioneer has been known for making very good receivers, however, bench test results do not favor this receiver.

I would suggest going with this Marantz 5003. True to its power, nice sound, very reliable. It is refurb, but it does come with a 1 yr warranty.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make...eceiver/1.html

this would be a very nice receiver for about $330
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V663...0342508&sr=1-1

Or this one for $300
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DN100...0342646&sr=1-1

or this for about $400
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR607...0342439&sr=8-1

[eddysnake]

I can't say if it the best or not, but I do own it and I'm very satisfied. Like callas said, it's bench tests do come in low, so you would have to take that into consideration with what you have to power. The questionn is how much power do we all use, I think for the average user, we use less watts than we think. I know someone who has this as well and has Polk Tsi400 all around and has zero problems with cranking the volume. It is packed with features which is why you can get it at this cost (although you lose some power). All the reviews for this have been outstanding. I'm biased, but coming from an old Sony STR895, this thing made a world of difference for me and I'm happy. Last night I heard the little fan come on while watching the big gun fight in Public enemies, so I know it's pushing hard. I'm considering getting another fan to help cool it as it does get warm. Research around, but if your speakers are capable, don't be scared of the bench tests. Alot of people who bring that up don't have or never listened to this.

[master_8ball]

I have the VSX-1018AH and love it, I think the only difference is an 4th HDMI input on the 19... its more than enough power for my set up (not huge speakers but not small) and bi ampable for when I get bigger speakers.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by master_8ball

I have the VSX-1018AH and love it, I think the only difference is an 4th HDMI input on the 19... its more than enough power for my set up (not huge speakers but not small) and bi ampable for when I get bigger speakers.

For whatever reason, they also removed the pre-outs. The 1018 has them, but the 1019 doesn't.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

For whatever reason, they also removed the pre-outs. The 1018 has them, but the 1019 doesn't.

not to mention the the 1018 weighed about 10 pounds more then the 1019, so that makes you wonder why? I heard the switched out the Amp, 1018 used the same amp the the Elite 01 had and the now the 1019 uses the PHAT amp that last years 918 used.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by callas01

not to mention the the 1018 weighed about 10 pounds more then the 1019, so that makes you wonder why? I heard the switched out the Amp, 1018 used the same amp the the Elite 01 had and the now the 1019 uses the PHAT amp that last years 918 used.

This sounds like what Onkyo did with their 805s and 806s......or Yamaha with the 663's and 665's...

[master_8ball]

Originally Posted by callas01

not to mention the the 1018 weighed about 10 pounds more then the 1019, so that makes you wonder why? I heard the switched out the Amp, 1018 used the same amp the the Elite 01 had and the now the 1019 uses the PHAT amp that last years 918 used.

Yes I forgot the 1018 has the elite amp in it, but I didnt know they got rid of the bi amp option in the 1019.... thats stupid.

I got a great deal last boxing day on this receiver $299!

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by Lush23

Is this the best receiver I can get between $300 to $500? If not, please share your opinions on what receivers you would choose between this price range... Thanks in advance.

For 95% of people, the pioneer will be sufficient. it seems to get great reviews, and cnet.com has it as one of their most recommended receivers.

if you intend to keep your klipsch satellites for a while, then the pioneer would be a great choice. however, you may be cursed w/ the upgrade-itis bug if you hang out here too long and want something w/ a little more oomph.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

For 95% of people, the pioneer will be sufficient. it seems to get great reviews, and cnet.com has it as one of their most recommended receivers.

if you intend to keep your klipsch satellites for a while, then the pioneer would be a great choice. however, you may be cursed w/ the upgrade-itis bug if you hang out here too long and want something w/ a little more oomph.

Take this advice to heart, many of us thought we were OK with a "lesser" model only to spend more $$$ in the end to get what we really wanted/needed.....so get it right the first time and make sure you get something with pre-outs at least, this will give you the ability to add an external amp to get the extra oomph, as arrt put it.

[jomari]

lets put it this way,

if i had the opportunity, id prefer using the 1018 over the 1019.

you can find a lot of details about the 1018 and its performance compared to its newer sibling.

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by jomari

lets put it this way,

if i had the opportunity, id prefer using the 1018 over the 1019.

you can find a lot of details about the 1018 and its performance compared to its newer sibling.

totally off-topic, but you're avatar is from the 1st metal gear solid for ps1, correct?

if so then...rock, one of my favorite all-time games...

[eddysnake]

Here is a great review and the bench tests. Keep in mind the 28 watts is when driven continously, which we rarely do when watching movies. Other than that, it's a top pick for them and this is very in depth review.

http://hometheatermag.com/receivers/...ver/index.html

[eddysnake]

Check out the link below for an indepth review, it's their top pick, it's also where you find the tests showing 28 watts driven continously, which we rarely do.


http://hometheatermag.com/receivers/...ver/index.html

[jomari]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

totally off-topic, but you're avatar is from the 1st metal gear solid for ps1, correct?

if so then...rock, one of my favorite all-time games...

i chose the original simply because its where it all started. thank you for the compliment.

im also known as 'the other guy'....

[callas01]

Originally Posted by master_8ball

Yes I forgot the 1018 has the elite amp in it, but I didnt know they got rid of the bi amp option in the 1019.... thats stupid.

I got a great deal last boxing day on this receiver $299!

yea it seemed that year both Sony and Pioneer got it right, the 1018 had the elite amp and the DG920 and DG1200 both had the DA-2400ES amp.

[jomari]

the 1018 was actually considered the b*stage of the elite series if im not mistaken. it almost has the guts and the glory comparable to the SC-02 (?) model if memory serves me well.

[callas01]

well, then I am sure it was a well built unit.

[hendersd]

How loud is the fan on the 1019? This unit is on my short list and it's time for me to upgrade from an ancient Sony. My PS3 "fat" has a loud fan (I keep the darn thing behind a bookcase to muffle the sound; and yes, it gets plenty of air back there). Do all or most of the units in this class have fans? I have a small "theater". I should call it a "theaterette". Consequently I don't need a huge amount of power. But I'm curious about the fan noise.

[kman]

Originally Posted by hendersd

How loud is the fan on the 1019? This unit is on my short list and it's time for me to upgrade from an ancient Sony. My PS3 "fat" has a loud fan (I keep the darn thing behind a bookcase to muffle the sound; and yes, it gets plenty of air back there). Do all or most of the units in this class have fans? I have a small "theater". I should call it a "theaterette". Consequently I don't need a huge amount of power. But I'm curious about the fan noise.

Same here my 60GB PS3 is starting to sound like a jet engine and its very annoying. How loud is the fan on the receiver? I dont want to deal with another fan disturbing my movies.