Pioneer VSX-21TXH or Yamaha RX-V765?

[Peteara]

Hey guys,

I was hoping to get some of your opinions as I debate between these two receivers. They're priced pretty comparably (though the Elite can be up to $100 more), but I'm less concerned with cost than I am with sound quality and functionality. I've studied the specs on both up and down, but I'm just looking for general feedback from anybody who owns one, or feels strongly about either brand. I have an older Yamaha now (HTR-5740), which I really like. It sounds warm and natural and it's very easy to use - it's just time for an upgrade.

I'm open to any and all comments and suggestions. Thanks for your time!

(Also, I apologize if this is a duplicate thread - I did search the forums but didn't find any comparisons involving these particular receivers)

[arrt vandelay]

Originally Posted by Peteara

Hey guys,

I was hoping to get some of your opinions as I debate between these two receivers. They're priced pretty comparably (though the Elite can be up to $100 more), but I'm less concerned with cost than I am with sound quality and functionality. I've studied the specs on both up and down, but I'm just looking for general feedback from anybody who owns one, or feels strongly about either brand. I have an older Yamaha now (HTR-5740), which I really like. It sounds warm and natural and it's very easy to use - it's just time for an upgrade.

I'm open to any and all comments and suggestions. Thanks for your time!

(Also, I apologize if this is a duplicate thread - I did search the forums but didn't find any comparisons involving these particular receivers)

i'm quite happy w/ my rx v765. it's been my first yamaha, and like you say, it's very easy to use and has great sound. it's predessor, the rx v663 was one of the best sounding receivers of last year. it's got the great burr-brown dacs, pre-outs, and a buttload of dsp programs...

that being said, some of the x65 receivers haven't tested very well on the bench. i run a 2 channel amp w/ mine w/ great results, and if you have fairly efficient, 8ohm speakers i'm sure the 765 is more than enough power. to be honest i don't need my amp, i just like what it does for my music listening.


the pioneer elite vsx-21thx seems like a great buy too. it's a heavy bugger i think at over 30lbs. the weight should be a good indication of a robust innards. it's also thx certified if that kind of thing really matters to you. there's a pretty loyal following of vsx-21 owners here as well. it has pre-outs and you don't need an additional dock for your ipod, which i think is a great nod to their customers.

in the end, i would say if you like your current yamaha you'll love the rx v765. i'm biased of course, but do yourself a favor and listen to both. i don't think you could make a wrong decision either way...

[callas01]

Well I think you are on opposite sides of the sound spectrum when comparing these to receivers. I think either way you would be satisfied. However I think you need to drive to your local Best Buy Magnolia location and check the 2 units out yourself. I think if you really like the Yamaha sound, then you should definetly listen to the Pioneer before making a blind buy.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Peteara

Hey guys,

I have an older Yamaha now (HTR-5740), which I really like. It sounds warm and natural and it's very easy to use - it's just time for an upgrade.

As Callas said this 2 different sounding receiver if you feel that you like the warmth and natural sound of your Yamaha, you may end up getting another one but I suggest you give the Elite a try you may like it as well even if it sounds noticeably brighter. Can't go Wrong either way but I bet you'll end up getting the Yammy. Why not consider the RXV-1065?

Just realized that the 1065 is 200$ more than the Elite.

Here in Canada prices are very close to each other.

[Peteara]

Originally Posted by arrt vandelay

i'm quite happy w/ my rx v765. it's been my first yamaha, and like you say, it's very easy to use and has great sound. it's predessor, the rx v663 was one of the best sounding receivers of last year. it's got the great burr-brown dacs, pre-outs, and a buttload of dsp programs...

that being said, some of the x65 receivers haven't tested very well on the bench. i run a 2 channel amp w/ mine w/ great results, and if you have fairly efficient, 8ohm speakers i'm sure the 765 is more than enough power. to be honest i don't need my amp, i just like what it does for my music listening.


the pioneer elite vsx-21thx seems like a great buy too. it's a heavy bugger i think at over 30lbs. the weight should be a good indication of a robust innards. it's also thx certified if that kind of thing really matters to you. there's a pretty loyal following of vsx-21 owners here as well. it has pre-outs and you don't need an additional dock for your ipod, which i think is a great nod to their customers.

in the end, i would say if you like your current yamaha you'll love the rx v765. i'm biased of course, but do yourself a favor and listen to both. i don't think you could make a wrong decision either way...

To your point about the x65 not testing too great, I've heard that as well, but I thought it was on all the x65 models below the 765. I'm not 100% sure, but I seem to remember reading some reviews, and when the bench tests were mentioned, it was always "except the 765, which performed as expected" sort of thing. I'll have to look into that further.

Originally Posted by BigAl87

As Callas said this 2 different sounding receiver if you feel that you like the warmth and natural sound of your Yamaha, you may end up getting another one but I suggest you give the Elite a try you may like it as well even if it sounds noticeably brighter. Can't go Wrong either way but I bet you'll end up getting the Yammy. Why not consider the RXV-1065?

Just realized that the 1065 is 200$ more than the Elite.

Here in Canada prices are very close to each other.

Yeah, if the cost of the 1065 was a little more within reach of the 765, I'd jump on it, but unfortunately it's a bit out of my budget. Unless I wait for a price drop...but who around here likes waiting for anything?

Thank you guys for the input so far.

[Peteara]

Originally Posted by callas01

Well I think you are on opposite sides of the sound spectrum when comparing these to receivers. I think either way you would be satisfied. However I think you need to drive to your local Best Buy Magnolia location and check the 2 units out yourself. I think if you really like the Yamaha sound, then you should definetly listen to the Pioneer before making a blind buy.

Do you mean in terms of Yamaha's warmer sound compared to Pioneer's brighter sound? Or are you talking overall sound quality?

[BigAl87]

Pantera why not consider a Marantz in this case? That's if the Elite is way to bright for you.

Honestly I do think that the Elite is a better overall machine but man I'm not super crazy about the Elite sound. Well if it's for 50/50 Music HT I'd say go for a Yammy if it's more for HT the Elite certainly has the edge on the quality of the components all in all.

Enjoy Shopping here the SR5004 from Marantz.

http://powersellernyc.com/product/vi...ver-25576.html

With your polk audio monitor I think you are better off with a warm sounding receiver.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Peteara

Do you mean in terms of Yamaha's warmer sound compared to Pioneer's brighter sound? Or are you talking overall sound quality?

He meant Pioneer is brighter than Yammy whos' much warmer. I heard a Yammy next to my HK and hell they sound somewhat similar in a way. (Warm and ear pleasing).

Elite is well suited for HT but with Bright Speakers like Polk I think I would get tired of the bright sound. Some people like it and it's their choice does not mean it sounds bad though.

I say just go ahead try them and see what you like most.

[Peteara]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Pantera why not consider a Marantz in this case? That's if the Elite is way to bright for you.

Honestly I do think that the Elite is a better overall machine but man I'm not super crazy about the Elite sound. Well if it's for 50/50 Music HT I'd say go for a Yammy if it's more for HT the Elite certainly has the edge on the quality of the components all in all.

Enjoy Shopping here the SR5004 from Marantz.

http://powersellernyc.com/product/vi...ver-25576.html

With your polk audio monitor I think you are better off with a warm sounding receiver.

I've never really looked into Marantz, but I'm not opposed at all to checking them out. They have a great reputation. I know most of the larger chains don't carry them, so it's not a brand I come across often.

I like what you're saying about the Polks being a better match with a warmer receiver. They're definitely bright speakers, and if you're saying that pairing them with a Pioneer might be too much, I'm inclined to agree.

It's Peteara by the way, not Pantera. Though Pantera is my favorite band, so I'm ok with it.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Peteara

It's Peteara by the way, not Pantera. Though Pantera is my favorite band, so I'm ok with it.

My god I got fooled by reading to fast again .

The SR5004 retails at 849 but it can be found at 700$.

Great amplification and awesome power supplies, the core of those babies is quite impressive.

[Peteara]

Yeah, the SR5004 looks sweet. I'm heading out to the store this weekend to demo one. We'll see...it still may be slightly out of my budget. I've officially ruled out Pioneer at this point, so now it's down to Marantz and Yamaha. However, I've found the RX-V765 online for less than $500, and it seems stupid to pass that up.

GAH what to do!?!