The Official Pioneer Elite 21/23/25/27 Receivers Thread

[Irrob]

This thread is geared to the owners and interested members of the 2009 line of Pioneer Elite receivers. Please post any questions comments or thoughts you have.

Pioneer Elite SC-27

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU.../ci.SC-27.Kuro

Pioneer Elite SC-25

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU.../ci.SC-25.Kuro

Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...VSX-23TXH.Kuro

Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...VSX-21TXH.Kuro



reviews:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS1...009 BW20090701
http://hd.engadget.com/2009/07/01/pi...ite-receivers/
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/r...sx-21txh-23txh
http://www.gizmag.com/pioneer-elite-receiver/12152/
http://www.homeaudiogeek.com/news/pi...-receivers.htm
http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-av...-receiver.html

All models have Anchor Bay VRS scaling
http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/28/pi...vsx-21txh-and/


THX Statement regarding the new Elite receivers:
"With this latest line of A/V receivers, Pioneer is the first and only consumer electronics manufacturer to reach THX Select2 and Ultra2 Plus certification requirements using a Class D amplifier solution. Integrating Class D amplification into a THX Certified A/V receiver is no simple task. Our testing requirements are incredibly strict for noise, distortion, frequency response and output. Pioneer has done a remarkable job of blending this new technology with the raw power and performance needed to accurately present cinematic soundtracks in the home.”

Warren Mansfield, Director of Consumer Technology at THX

Current threads involving the new 2009 Elite receivers:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...ighlight=elite
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=110428
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...ighlight=elite
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1159872

Some key differences between models:

The 23 also has Multi-channel PQLS for audio while the 21 has 2-channel. Then the 23 as you mention has the extra HDMI input, but it also has a second HDMI output that the 21 does not have. This can be very handy to have for future use. The 23 also has 3 zones for multi-room use and GUI in support of your display. These really are the only differences between the 21 and 23.

Now, the 25 is obviously a bigger step up based on price tag, but there is a reason why. First, the 25 has the ICE amps, which really make these things sing. These amps are very efficient and do add just that much more clarity to your sound IMO. You are also getting 30 extra watts per channel, and with Pioneers, they are usualy very close with their specs to true performance, so an extra 30 watts is nothing to sneeze at. The 25 offers Full Band phase control that the other 2 do not. The 25 also offers LPCM, WAV, MP3, AAC and FLAC audio formats, plus streaming internet radio, sirius via internet and is firmware updatable. There is an extra component video input and S-video Input if this matters (probably not.) There is also an extra Composite A/V Input as well. Lastly, the 25 has one more digital input (4optical and 2 coaxial) and and extra optical output over the other 2 models. The 25 is about an inch taller and deeper, plus weighs about 3 lbs more than the 23 and about 4 lbs more than the 21 if size is an issue.

Issues Regarding Powering on with the Remote Control. This is reportedly being addressed by Pioneer and a firmware update may arrive in the future. The immediate fix for this is to turn Kurolink ON. More information can be found here starting on page 38:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...170880&page=38

List Of Pioneer Elite 21/23/25/27 Receiver Owners

bgnreau - SC-27
BluDroid - SC-27
carlmill - SC-25
chewy - VSX-21TXH
chrisf9801 - SC-25
cj19791979 - VSX-23TXH
DerrellB - VSX-21TXH
dg5150 - SC-25
edubb5 - SC-27
Frankiec13 - SC-25
gamebred - SC-25
hollisesco - VSX-23TXH
Irrob - VSX-23TXH
JinxDMC - SC-27
jruc03 - VSX-21TXH
kman - VSX-23TXH
Layd Dly - VSX-23TXH
LCT1 - VSX-23TXH
Lipcsey - VSX-21TXH

Malock77 - VSX-21TXH
mugupo - VSX-21TXH
MrFattBill - SC-25
mywxrld - VSX-23TXH
OMH - VSX-21TXH
petty77 - SC-27
progers13 - SC-25
quest88 - VSX-21TXH
recS-12 - VSX-23TXH
ReggaetonSalsero - VSX-21TXH
RonJitsu - SC-25
Rubicon - SC-25
Ruffus327 - SC-25
ryan4blu - VSX-23TXH
sarge1976 - SC-27
seakle81 - SC-27
selkec - VSX-21TXH
snowball_iv - VSX-21TXH
Solaris - SC-25
Steve - SC-25
SumSuperman - VSX-21TXH
thePope666 - VSX-21TXH
The Spanierd - VSX-23TXH
vega2K - SC-27
WooBah - VSX-23TXH
Xourque - VSX-21TXH

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Irrob

This thread is geared to the owners and interested members of the 2009 line of Pioneer Elite receivers. Please post any questions comments or thoughts you have.

Pioneer Elite SC-27

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU.../ci.SC-27.Kuro

Pioneer Elite SC-25

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU.../ci.SC-25.Kuro

Pioneer Elite VSX-23TXH

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...VSX-23TXH.Kuro

Pioneer Elite VSX-21TXH

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...VSX-21TXH.Kuro



First look and reviews:
http://www.reuters.com/article/press...009+BW20090701
http://www.engadgethd.com/2009/07/01...ite-receivers/
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/r...sx-21txh-23txh

THX Statement regarding the new Elite receivers:
"With this latest line of A/V receivers, Pioneer is the first and only consumer electronics manufacturer to reach THX Select2 and Ultra2 Plus certification requirements using a Class D amplifier solution. Integrating Class D amplification into a THX Certified A/V receiver is no simple task. Our testing requirements are incredibly strict for noise, distortion, frequency response and output. Pioneer has done a remarkable job of blending this new technology with the raw power and performance needed to accurately present cinematic soundtracks in the home.”

Warren Mansfield, Director of Consumer Technology at THX

I think I just drooled onto my shirt..... . I just love the look of the Elites! Good idea to get an official thread started on this years models irrob.

[Steve]

Great idea for a thread. I was actually wondering how long it would be before this thread appeared.

[DMC86X]

How are these compared in price to the 01 03 05 07 09 models???

[Irrob]

Maybe a mod can merge these threads in here. It discusses the differences between last years and this years SC models (which IMO is not an earth shattering difference)

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread....ighlight=elite
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=110428
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread....ighlight=elite

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Irrob

Maybe a mod can merge these threads in here. It discusses the differences between last years and this years SC models (which IMO is not an earth shattering difference)

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread....ighlight=elite
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=110428
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread....ighlight=elite

I agree, it seems basically to have some additional bells and whistles, but then once again, if you get somethig as close to perfection as the Elites are, why mess with it, right? I luv my Elite!

[Irrob]

I had a bit of difficulty programming my Harmony 880 to switch HDMI 1-4 inputs for my activities. It switches to the BD HDMI input nicely, but I had to dedicate a command for HDMI 1-4 on the harmony display. Anyone have experience with this on your Elite's?

[Steve]

Is it possibly a delay issue? Maybe it's trying to send the command too soon?

[JinxDMC]

I Love My Wife!! She just bought me a Pioneer Elite SC-27!! as an early Bday /Xmas gift . . . now i Just need time to finish setting up my new speakers, so i can set this bad boy up! . . .I guess wives are not all that bad after all

[DMC86X]

Originally Posted by JinxDMC

I Love My Wife!! She just bought me a Pioneer Elite SC-27!! as an early Bday /Xmas gift . . . now i Just need time to finish setting up my new speakers, so i can set this bad boy up! . . .I guess wives are not all that bad after all

post some pics of your HT. Sounds bad azz

[JinxDMC]

Originally Posted by JinxDMC

I Love My Wife!! She just bought me a Pioneer Elite SC-27!! as an early Bday /Xmas gift . . . now i Just need time to finish setting up my new speakers, so i can set this bad boy up! . . .I guess wives are not all that bad after all

Originally Posted by DMC86X

post some pics of your HT. Sounds bad azz

Hoping too be done by the end of next weekend. . .this damn WORK thing keeps getting in my way! . . . but i will post some up soon as im done . . .

[Fors*]

Congrats Jinx!!! Please post those pics....or it never happened!

[edubb5]

SC-27 look dope with my 111fd and 23fd Blu Ray player! I had a ONKYO 876 before and the sound of these two receivers was different in ways. The pioneer sound is clean and powerful were the ONKYO sound was warmer. The only reason that I got the SC-27 is to match up with the rest of my setup. And it is a great receiver. My question about this receiver is what is the difr. In why Pioneer receivers Total Harmonic Distortion? Pioneer 0.09% were ONKYO use 0.05%! Is that why the ONKYO sound warmer? THOUGHTS!!!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by JinxDMC

I Love My Wife!! She just bought me a Pioneer Elite SC-27!! as an early Bday /Xmas gift . . . now i Just need time to finish setting up my new speakers, so i can set this bad boy up! . . .I guess wives are not all that bad after all

That's great news man. Happy early B-day.

Originally Posted by edubb5

SC-27 look dope with my 111fd and 23fd Blu Ray player! I had a ONKYO 876 before and the sound of these two receivers was different in ways. The pioneer sound is clean and powerful were the ONKYO sound was warmer. The only reason that I got the SC-27 is to match up with the rest of my setup. And it is a great receiver. My question about this receiver is what is the difr. In why Pioneer receivers Total Harmonic Distortion? Pioneer 0.09% were ONKYO use 0.05%! Is that why the ONKYO sound warmer? THOUGHTS!!!

Congrats on the new receiver. I doubt the very slight difference in THD would have anything to do with one receiver sounding 'warmer' than the other. It's most likely due to the different processing chips used by the two different companies.

[Irrob]

Originally Posted by fireman325

Is it possibly a delay issue? Maybe it's trying to send the command too soon?

Certainly possible. I need to spend good quality time with my remote
BTW, pic of my Elite is in the gallery.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Irrob

Certainly possible. I need to spend good quality time with my remote
BTW, pic of my Elite is in the gallery.

Dang Irrob....it looks like a perfect fit based on the width.....you didn't have much more room left for error there....but it sure does look good!

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Irrob

Certainly possible. I need to spend good quality time with my remote
BTW, pic of my Elite is in the gallery.

The new Elite looks great in your setup. As a dog lover, I also love the pic of your puppy.

[sarge1976]

I just got an SC-27 last week and I like it 10x's better than my Onkyo 805
I think the Sirius internet radio feature is awesome! I no longer have to pay $12.99 a month when I can $2 for Sirius internet radio

[WooBah]

Hi All,

New to the Forum, very nice. Irrob, what are your settings for your vsx-23txh?

I just bought one as well. It is a great looking receiver. I have Orb Audio Mod 2 speakers and the Orb Audio Super 8 Subwoofer. I have a 5.1 setup. I have hardwood floors in my movie room, which is my family room. When I ran the Pioneer Auto Setup, the crossover on my speakers were set to 80, which is the same as the subwoofer's crossover. Also, I have phase set to 0. When I had phase at 180, the Autosetup raised the sub channel volume to 8.5., when I set phase to 0, the Autosetup put the sub channel volume at 1.5, and it asked me to turn the volume on the sub down.

Does this make any sense? Do these numbers seem right?

Thanks.

[Irrob]

Leave the phase at 0. And set gain on the sub at around 50%. Run full auto MCACC again. Crossover at 80 might be too low for your satellites. I cant find specs for your speakers but, 120Hz seems more appropriate. Make sure your speakers are set to "small" on the receiver. You may have to change some of these settings manually after auto calibration
Just a thought, Pioneer receivers can handle 6 ohm speakers, but they recommend 8 ohm loads. Your speakers are 4ohms. Although the Orb manufacturers say they will work on 8ohm receivers, it will certainly make the receiver run hotter than normal. Also, you might want to put a small rug or riser under your sub for better acoustics.