Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH Review Thread

[hyperdine]

O.K., so I finally decided to break down and upgrade my receiver. I've gotten to the point where I really need HDMI switching and I want to be able to take advantage of the new High-Def audio formats. With a few of these kinds of receivers on the market now (Denon AVR 4308 CI, Onkyo TX-NR 905, & Pioneer VSX-94TXH, etc.) I was ready to take the plunge and settled on the new Elite 94.



I've only had it for two days, but I'm VERY pleased with my decision. This thing is awesome. I'm by no means a hardcore audiophile purist, but I certainly know quality when I see/hear it and this thing rocks!

Set up was relatively easy. The MCACC automatic calibration was a cinch and did a really thorough job (it took close to 5 minutes to run through all the tests, etc.). The only thing that was slightly off, which I needed to correct manually, was the speaker size. MCACC set my speakers to "Large" (perhaps it was just the default setting) so I had to switch it to "Small". I've got my Paradigm Mini Monitors hooked up to it in a 5.1 configuration. Although this puppy is set up to handle 7.1, I just don't have the space for the extra 2 speakers.

The rest of the set up was very straightforward. I just had to do some tweaking on the input assignments and program the remote for my other components and that was pretty much it. I must say that the remote is the only thing that's disappointing about this receiver. However, I suspect that most people who drop an Elite receiver into their system, probably aren't going to use it as their primary input device.

Like I said, I've only had the receiver for a couple days, so probably not fair to give a comprehensive assessment of the sound quality just yet, but I definitely like what I've heard so far. I played back Depeche Mode's "Violator" SACD via HDMI from my PS3 and it sounded superb. Then I did a quick demo of some uncompressed audio tracks from PoTC: Dead Man's Chest, and 300. Very impressive!

The only downside at the moment, is that the PS3 doesn't pass Dolby TruHD or DTS Master Audio via bitstream, so everything is converted to PCM. Not a huge deal, but I'm anxious for some of the new players that do the onboard processing because I can't wait to see the display light up with "DTS Master Audio"

Anyways, just wanted to give my initial impressions so far. I'm anxious to hear from anyone else who may have picked this receiver up, or it's cousin the VSX-92TXH.

[Enkyu]

i bought the VSX-91TXH and it's great for the price i paid

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by hyperdine

O.K., so I finally decided to break down and upgrade my receiver. I've gotten to the point where I really need HDMI switching and I want to be able to take advantage of the new High-Def audio formats. With a few of these kinds of receivers on the market now (Denon AVR 4308 CI, Onkyo TX-NR 905, & Pioneer VSX-94TXH, etc.) I was ready to take the plunge and settled on the new Elite 94.



I've only had it for two days, but I'm VERY pleased with my decision. This thing is awesome. I'm by no means a hardcore audiophile purist, but I certainly know quality when I see/hear it and this thing rocks!

Set up was relatively easy. The MCACC automatic calibration was a cinch and did a really thorough job (it took close to 5 minutes to run through all the tests, etc.). The only thing that was slightly off, which I needed to correct manually, was the speaker size. MCACC set my speakers to "Large" (perhaps it was just the default setting) so I had to switch it to "Small". I've got my Paradigm Mini Monitors hooked up to it in a 5.1 configuration. Although this puppy is set up to handle 7.1, I just don't have the space for the extra 2 speakers.

The rest of the set up was very straightforward. I just had to do some tweaking on the input assignments and program the remote for my other components and that was pretty much it. I must say that the remote is the only thing that's disappointing about this receiver. However, I suspect that most people who drop an Elite receiver into their system, probably aren't going to use it as their primary input device.

Like I said, I've only had the receiver for a couple days, so probably not fair to give a comprehensive assessment of the sound quality just yet, but I definitely like what I've heard so far. I played back Depeche Mode's "Violator" SACD via HDMI from my PS3 and it sounded superb. Then I did a quick demo of some uncompressed audio tracks from PoTC: Dead Man's Chest, and 300. Very impressive!

The only downside at the moment, is that the PS3 doesn't pass Dolby TruHD or DTS Master Audio via bitstream, so everything is converted to PCM. Not a huge deal, but I'm anxious for some of the new players that do the onboard processing because I can't wait to see the display light up with "DTS Master Audio"

Anyways, just wanted to give my initial impressions so far. I'm anxious to hear from anyone else who may have picked this receiver up, or it's cousin the VSX-92TXH.

Wow, this is too funny. As I went to Best Buy today and noticed the new Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-ray player displayed, the very next thing I did was to check out their Magnolia section where they had this receiver connected to the new Pioneer Blu-ray player (BDP-94HD) and let me tell you the sights and sounds with these two were amazing. I am definitely getting this receiver as well.
Right now I'm using the Pioneer VSX-1016TX receiver which is not an Elite model, but I would say that I am almost ready to upgrade to this one.

[WickyWoo]

Hey hyperdine, can I come over and play after the meetup? I promise I'll do all my chores

[CAB]

Originally Posted by gvortex7

Wow, this is too funny. As I went to Best Buy today and noticed the new Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-ray player displayed, the very next thing I did was to check out their Magnolia section where they had this receiver connected to the new Pioneer Blu-ray player (BDP-94HD) and let me tell you the sights and sounds with these two were amazing. I am definitely getting this receiver as well.
Right now I'm using the Pioneer VSX-1016TX receiver which is not an Elite model, but I would say that I am almost ready to upgrade to this one.

Wow, Bestbuy carries Pioneer elites. I might have to rethink my vendor list.

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by CAB

Wow, Bestbuy carries Pioneer elites. I might have to rethink my vendor list.

As soon as I saw this I was in a bit of a disbelief myself.
1. I normally never see Elites at BBY, not even in the Magnolia section
2. I though it was gonna be a lot more money
3. Last I checked on Pioneerelectronics.com, they didn't even have a release day for these new receivers with the ability to decode all next generation audio.

So yeah, it caught me by surprise as well.

[CAB]

@gvortex7

Sir,

I didn't believe you when I read your post. I had to go check their website and sure enough it says coming soon. Either Bestbuy is stepping up to the plate or I need to start worrying about Pioneer. I love my Pioneer standalone BD player.

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by CAB

@gvortex7

Sir,

I didn't believe you when I read your post. I had to go check their website and sure enough it says coming soon. Either Bestbuy is stepping up to the plate or I need to start worrying about Pioneer. I love my Pioneer standalone BD player.

The second part was funny. Although, I wouldn't worry too much about Pioneer's quality. I think it's more like, Best Buy is starting to realize how to cater to the high end customer's a little better.

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by Enkyu

i bought the VSX-91TXH and it's great for the price i paid

Yeah, after looking at the prices for all three new Elite receiver, I came to the conclusion that this one is the closest to my price range. ($999.99)

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by gvortex7

As soon as I saw this I was in a bit of a disbelief myself.
1. I normally never see Elites at BBY, not even in the Magnolia section
2. I though it was gonna be a lot more money
3. Last I checked on Pioneerelectronics.com, they didn't even have a release day for these new receivers with the ability to decode all next generation audio.

So yeah, it caught me by surprise as well.

Must just be the area/market because the 2 Magnolia BB stores I've been in have had the Elite line for as long as I can remember. But the thing that surprised me the most is that the Magnolia store by me carries 3 entry-level speaker models from Martin Logan.

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by CAB

Wow, Bestbuy carries Pioneer elites. I might have to rethink my vendor list.

Only in the Magnolia Home Theatre section, if your store has one. A regular Best Buy will not carry the Elite series.

[hyperdine]

Originally Posted by Zaphod

Only in the Magnolia Home Theatre section, if your store has one. A regular Best Buy will not carry the Elite series.

Yep. That's right. This receiver literally just came in to the store. They don't even have it on the website to order. This one actually runs $1600, but I had a 12% off Best Buy coupon, so I got a good deal. The next step down in this receiver line is the VSX-92TXH. It's about $300 less and the only real difference is 130 watts per channel vs. 140, no ethernet port for internet radio, and 3 HDMI inputs vs. 4. Other than that, it's pretty much identical.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by gvortex7

I think it's more like, Best Buy is starting to realize how to cater to the high end customer's a little better.

And this is the reason why I miss The Good Guys in CA - the only "consumer high-end" chain that sold Denon and Yamaha flagship units for the longest time. They even got into Adcom separates at one point I remember.

[CAB]

@hyperdine

What BD transport are you going to buy to send the DTS-HD MA? I'm thinking hard on the Denon but could be swayed by that Sony ES.

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by red_5ive

And this is the reason why I miss The Good Guys in CA - the only "consumer high-end" chain that sold Denon and Yamaha flagship units for the longest time. They even got into Adcom separates at one point I remember.

Thank god we got Sound Advice in Florida for that.

[hyperdine]

Originally Posted by CAB

@hyperdine

What BD transport are you going to buy to send the DTS-HD MA? I'm thinking hard on the Denon but could be swayed by that Sony ES.

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. That Denon is pretty tempting. The ES would be a close second but I guess there aren't too many choices at the moment If Pioneer came out with a new Elite that was 2.0 compliant (or at least 1.1) and passed DTS-HD MA, etc. That would be my first choice. However, I have a feeling we probably won't see something like that announced until CES 2008 at the earliest (unless I've missed something).

EDIT: Oh Snap! Pioneer just announced the new Elite player. The BDP-95FD. I can't tell if it's 1.1 compliant though. Sounds like it might be. It's supposed to come out in October.

[CAB]

No LAN interface on the Denon is a slight drawback. I don't care for online content much but who knows what BDA companies will think up next. I'm going to at wait for a 1.1 compliant before I drop another $1,000 to $1500 on a standalone. I regret that my audio setup can't be ready for Fox's releases.

Keep us informed on the Pioneer. I think it's between that and the new Sony ES, 5300 is it?

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by gvortex7

Thank god we got Sound Advice in Florida for that.

I never heard of them, so I checked out their website. Figures, it's a Tweeter company... Tweeter also just went out of business on the west coast a few months ago. They sold Krell gear - it was entry level (still pricey), but that's unheard of from a chain. All I can say is (Napolean style), "Luhhhhcky". *sigh*

[CAB]

Originally Posted by hyperdine

EDIT: Oh Snap! Pioneer just announced the new Elite player. The BDP-95FD. I can't tell if it's 1.1 compliant though. Sounds like it might be. It's supposed to come out in October.

I read the announce yesterday but am troubled that they don't talk to the spec. No mention made of PiP. I'll go check it out when it hits the demo floor. I am lookin for something that loads faster and processes BD-J with a bit more snap.

[jcs913]

I just picked up the Elite 92 at my local Magnolia. Got a great deal too, 999.99I had an Elite 82, but couldn't pass up the upgrade for such a great price. The Magnolia closest has been selling high-end for years now, but I also have ABT Electronics by me too. They carry all the higher end. Anyways, the Elite has been my best choice for a little while now. It has such a warm sound that cascades around my room so well. I had Sony before for about 10 years or so, but once I bought the Elite, it was no contest. I am excited to mate it with the new Elite BD player, when it comes out in fall. That player is going to produce an amazing picture and will pass the sudio very well.

Honestly, the whole PIP and web based material is something I don't care about and probably never will. I buy the player to watch movies at their best possible clarity, not for online content. I am curious why so many people are angry that all the new fall/winter players are not 2.0 compatible. Are people really looking forward to these online features? Or are we happy that we have caught up to HD DVD's already web ready discs? The HD fans seem to gloat on this and I could care less. Does anyone else see this?