Jason Bovberg

Hey all! I'm in the process of gearing up my new home theater, which is being built as I type. I'm now covered with projector, Blu-ray player, and speakers (my old Atlantic Technology 350s, for the time being). What I need is a new receiver for this 15' x 20' space.

I started looking at the Onkyo TX-SR606--a fine receiver that fit the budget nicely ($450ish). It's got 4 HDMI inputs (which I need), and reviews have been generally good, although I've heard it runs warm.


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0015S8PGW/ref=ord_cart_shr?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance

But then I found what seems to be an incredible deal for some higher-end Pioneer Elite receivers. The first one I looked at, the VSX-03TXH ($600), had only 3 HDMI inputs, so I looked next at the powerhouse SC-05.


http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Elite-SC-05-network-receiver/dp/B001GBYVB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236787993&sr=1-1

Whereas I can get the Onkyo for a small discount from its $500 retail price, I can get the Pioneer for half off its $1800 retail price ($900).

Bottom line is I want a receiver that's going to power this front-projection home theater for a long time and support a possible speaker upgrade. So I'm leaning toward the Pioneer. But should I be? Is the Onkyo just fine? Would I be wasting money? Or will I truly notice an elevation in quality?

gimmepilotwings

Try to find an Onkyo 805.

SoSpacey

you love pushing this receiver


the 805 is the top of the low-end of the Onkyo line. It is a good receiver, especially for the price. But there are much better out there.

If you have $900 to spend, there are many ways you can go. You also jump up a "class" of receiver.

Onkyo 876
Any of those Pioneer Elites
Yamaha rx-v1800
Yamaha rx-v1900


The 606 is a decent budget receiver, but with their reputation to run hot, and the amount of refurbs on the market, I wouldn't touch one. They were a much betetr value when their competition at the price point was less. Now, Yamaha and Pioneer (non elite) are better values to me.

Lower Class:
Non Elite Pioneer
Yamaha rx-vX65
Onkyo X05/X06

Any of these would be a decent buy, it just depends on your budget and needs. If you have the money and want something to last a long time, look at the ones listed first.

SoSpacey

and the Pioneer you listed compares with the Yamaha rx-v3900 which is their flagship (non z series) and audioholics is doing a powerbuy this week for $1299 with free ship and a 3 year warranty. If you could get that Pioneer for $900, I would jump on it.

dick_grayson

I like the Pioneer one. I think it's got phono input (although that may not be an issue). $900 for that is a great price too.

JimRochester

Another vote for the Pioneer. I have the 91TXH and love it. It is a great sounding receiver.

Jason Bovberg

The Pioneer is at the top end of my budget, but I can swing it. And thanks for all the input, all of you.

I guess I was just wondering...and feel free to school me on this, if you've got a minute...what really differentiates a "low end" receiver like the Onkyo 606 from a "high end" receiver like the Pioneer Elite SC-05? Much of the functionality seems similar to me. Is it build quality?

SoSpacey

Yes. Just look at the weight of those different receivers. The high end ones I listed are all in the 40-50lb range. The low end ones are all in the 22-25lb range. With features being similar, it's build quality that makes the difference. The power supply, capacitors, etc. have a major impact on how the unit operates and how it will sound.

visitor Q

Here's my brief take.

You could get the SC05 cheaper than Amazon right now. And the other thing is that I don't know if the warranty would be honored by Pioneer if purchased by a third party (Big Value or the others) doing business on Amazon. Amazon is an authorized distributor however.

Perhaps someone more familiar would know.

Jason Bovberg

I found the price at a reputable B&M store while visiting in California--$900 (no tax) plus $30 shipping to Colorado. This deal is sounding better all the time.

dick_grayson

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/co...9144/538591047

Jason Bovberg

Great link, thanks!

gimmepilotwings

It's the best budget receiver to come out in 5 years, at least.

dick_grayson

my main issue is the use of the Farijouda scaling chip. I have a Panasonic plasma and the Farijouda (used to, at least) result in macro blocking. I guess pass through would work.

TylerDurden_73

I would go Pioneer elite if I had a chance to get half off. DO it.

hdtv00

I was gonna say get onkyo 876 but checking out that pioneer and at the price you can get it for , get that , why not.