Denon 1909, Pioneer 91THX or 1018, or Onkyo

[jdlivestrong]

Well, I've decided after my first post to upgrade from my HK AVR 435 into the world of "lossless audio". I've been looking at these receivers and was hoping to get some advice.

Here is what I've come up with in order of my preference.

Denon AVR1909 at $450
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K at $429
Pioneer Elite VSX-91THX at $470
Onkyo TX-SR606B at $350
Denon AVR2309 at $560

Though I do have the buget for the 2309, I would like to hang on to what cash I can because I'm thinking about upgrading my speakers to Definitive Technology some day. So, I'm considering the law of deminishing returns and trying to pick only what I need (I tend to go a little overboard at times).

Current set up;
Samsung 50" Plasma (A550)
PS3
HD Cable box
Fronts: JBL Northridge E90's
Center: JBL Northridge E35
Surr; JBL Northridge E10's
Sub: KLH 150w 10" (yes it needs upgrading)

Please let me know if you have any advice on which route to go and any reasoning behind it. I'm leaning towards the Denon 1909. I'm most interested in great PQ via HDMI and of course accurate HD sound (power really shouldn't be a concern with the speakers I have).

Thanks in advance.

[b15nut]

I just got the 606 from a buddy who is upgrading to the 2309. You can get the good deals on 6ave.com entering the AFL5 code for the 606 and AFLAUD25 on the 2309. Check em out. You can also get the 606 refurbished at www.ecost.com for $260.00.

[MoPe]

All are solid contending recievers. I am partially biased towards Pioneer due to their excellent build quality, peformance and appeaance.Those three are most important to me.

So I would choose the Pio personally.

[callas01]

Pioneer elite

[jdlivestrong]

Originally Posted by b15nut

I just got the 606 from a buddy who is upgrading to the 2309. You can get the good deals on 6ave.com entering the AFL5 code for the 606 and AFLAUD25 on the 2309. Check em out. You can also get the 606 refurbished at www.ecost.com for $260.00.

What are your thoughts on the 606? Why did your buddy decide to upgrade? Thanks for the coupon code for the 606...I didn't know about that one.

[jdlivestrong]

I really thought I had it all figured out and was going to order the Denon 1909 last night, but I didn't do it.

Well...now I'm leaning towards Pioneer, but I'm not really sure about the different models. The non Elite 1018 seems to be a great receiver, but I'm worried I'm going to want to upgrade again in 2 years.

I'm a little confused about the different Elite models. Can someone help me out a bit? What is the difference between the

91TXH
01TXH
92TXH
94TXH

models? Is that the order of good to best? What will one get me over the other? Or am I just over analyzing it and the 1018 will be solid. I'd really like to stay in the $500 range. Anyone see any great buys on these?

Thanks again.

[MacDaddyOJack]

I'd get the Onkyo or the Pio Elite.

I feel like Denon keeps on getting cheaper yet the price stays sky high. I'm not a fan of their entry level stuff.

[jdlivestrong]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

I'd get the Onkyo or the Pio Elite.

I feel like Denon keeps on getting cheaper yet the price stays sky high. I'm not a fan of their entry level stuff.

I'm kind of getting that same feeling with Denon...I was at Ultimate Electronics looking at the 1909 and it just seemed to be missing something and I don't think I want to make the jump up to the 2309ci. Which Elite model would you recommend for my application? Do you know of a good (cheap) place to buy one? 6ave seems to have good prices, but I'm sure there are others as well. I bought my HK at JR and wouldn't mind going through them again if they'll price match.

[ZIPPO]

Go with the VSX-1018, it uses same body as the bottom two elite models VSX-01TXH, VSX-03TXH minus s-video, small power increase, & other non essentials. I helped a friend insall his 1018, it is elite quality for a lot less. Feature wise the 1018($420) gives my Denon 2809CI($1199) a run for the money. If you go with an elite, YOU'd have to go with a higher model than the 01txh & 03txh to greatly improve over the VSX-1018. The VSX-1018 is the receiver bargain of the year. http://hometheater.about.com/od/audi...sx1018full.htm

[MoPe]

I'm personally going for the 82TSX or 92TSX. The 82 was on sale for $588 and the 92TSX at $729. I know they're a bit out of your price range, but for what they're worth, I too have extended my budget, slightly.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Pio models, personally.

[jdlivestrong]

I think I'm going to go with the Pioneer 1018...that way I can save a few bucks to get some Definitive Technology speakers later. Anyone know the cheapest place to pick up the 1018?

Thanks!

...or what about Harmon Kardon's offering at this price point?

[ZIPPO]

NewEgg.com $ 429

[jdlivestrong]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

NewEgg.com $ 429

Thanks, Zippo! I bought a Pioneer Elite VSX-90TXV last night at Best Buy for $299...but I decided I'm taking in back in favor of the Pioneer VSX-1018.

[jdlivestrong]

After lots of back and forth and even buying a receiver from Best Buy last night...I finally pulled the trigger and ordered the Pioneer VSX-1018! Got it from jr.com for $429 and free shipping (matched newegg.com's price). Can't wait for it to arrive.

Merry Christmas