need some advice on receiver selection

[callas01]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

Actually the VSX-32 and VSX-33 are just as heavy as Elites of recent years coming in over 30lbs each. The highly praised VSX-1120 is a clone of the VSX-32 as well. The VSX-30 and VSX-31 on the other hand are just clones of the VSX-1020. This was the first time Pioneer offered more than two VSX Elite models in recent years, and I'm sure it was just fill a niche market.

This is no different than what Yamaha has done with the lower models in the Aventage series. The RX-A700 and RX-A800 are clones of the RX-667 and RX-867 respectively. The RX-A1000 is also only a slight step-up from the RX-A800 as well. I might add that the VSX-33 has an aluminum bezel being it was the top of the VSX model last year.

Fast forward to this year's Eltes and Pioneer has beefed up the power supplies across the whole line of receivers, and again the top of the line VSX model, the VSX-53, has an aluminum bezel. HERE's a review for the VSX-52. This review is also applicable to the VSX-1121 and VSX-33 which are clones of this receiver. Not only did they give it a glowing review, but the test bench results far exceed anything Yamaha has put out in recent years.

With all channels driven it output 81watts/channel at 8ohms with just .06% distortion while the Yamaha RX-A2000 is shown HERE to output just 62watts/channel at 8ohms with .1% distortion. Look at the 5-channel and 2-channel results and the power gap widens further.

Yamaha may have put a little more into build quality and aesthetics with the Aventage series, but they still haven't done much about their lack of power in comparison to the competition nor have they given us a better solution to MCACC and Audyssey. IMO YPAO can't hold a candle to either of those solutions, and that also seems to be the consensus among users and reviewers alike.

Sound preference among the brands is certainly a matter of one's tastes and both brands get much praise in this matter, but the top of the line SC Pioneers seem to get the edge with most reviewers. This year's SC and top of the line VSX model were awarded best in class designation by WhatHiFi even though the competing Aventage models also got the maximum 5 stars like the Pioneers. The top Elite models truly are worthy of the 'Elite' designation. I like Yamaha, but IMO Pioneer still offers the better receivers.

this is all a matter of subjectivity. I can't wait to hear the new SC with the AIR Studios licensing, as Air Studios help set the voicing of the new SC, and its supposed to not sound like a class D digital amp. However even in the most recent review of the new SC the reviewer said that he'd still prefer a solid Class AB unit over it, however it was a leap in sonic performance for Class D amps, which he cites he didn't like the Rotel.
http://www.hometheater.com/content/p...eceiver-page-2

I agree that Pioneers power has increased, and that is a very good thing. Im sure their power performance will be much better. Even the 821's tested numbers have picked up. Im not a class D amp person, but if these sound sonically better and put up better test numbers, as its looking like in the reviews, Id be more inclined again to tell people to buy them.

BUT, the T+A integrated amp sounds PHENOMINAL, with its Mosfet transistors. But it still does have a little of that digi sound.