Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Question about Pioneer Elite

Hello All,

I've been lurking for quite some time. Actually, I tried to register before, but I kept getting booted off. Anyway, I've rarely seen threads on anything but Denon recievers. I have looked somewhat extensively into amps/recievers for an upgrade. The main brands are Denon, Pioneer Elite, Halo (and Parasound) and Rotel. So, to get to my point of the subject line, what's up with the Pioneers? I have an older one, 710s, which works ok (noticeable distortion, not enough digital connections, volume problems). I have an Elite DVD player which I'm happy with. I've seen the VSX-53tx retail for $1000-1500, but online I've seen it for a shade under $700. Very few reviews, rare pics, etc. Anyone have any experience with these? I've also looked at the VSX-55txi with the USB, DVI and different speaker connects, which goes for around $1000, online. So, anyone have anything good and/or bad to say? Thanks for the help.

-P

K, welcome, and it's pretty much all good about the 53TX, especially at that price. I used to say more about the Pioneer Elites and their MCACC automatic room equalization, but then Yamaha and now Denon(3805)came out with equalization provisions which at least on paper were a little more advanced. Still, MCACC is helpful and the receiver in general is very powerful. You certainly wouldn't go wrong buying it if you didn't want the extra features(e.g. iLink)which are on the 55TXi.

Hi ksimple,

Axiom's top-of-the-line model is the 4-ohm M80ti tower speaker. One of the reasons you see only Denon or H/K frequently mentioned is that most other brands (Onkyo, Sony, Pioneer, ) won't drive 4-ohm loads without shutting down, overheating, distorting or invoking protection-circuitry current limiting. The latter limits the receiver's power output into 4 ohms to a fraction of its rated output.

Denon and H/K A/V receivers will drive 4-ohm loads without problems, which is why I recommend them. The new NAD will also drive 4 ohm loads. I don't have enough customer feedback on the new Yamahas (1400 and 2400) although early reports suggest they drive 4 ohms without current limiting. Beware the auto-EQ however. Shut it off.

I spoke to an Axiom customer earlier this week who had bought an Epic 80 home theater system, and later purchased a Pioneer Elite receiver (don't know which model). It refuses to drive the system and simply shuts down. He had spoken to Axiom, but figured the Pioneer would be okay. Nope.

Rotel seems to be fine, as is Parasound. And don't be seduced by the auto-room-equalization systems. They have the potential to make good speakers like Axioms sound bad and give erratic readings.

Regards,

ksimple,

hopefully this will encourage you to go with Denon.

I have the 1602 (probably worth $250 USD now, new it was about $600 CAD). With it, I drive the Epic80 to very nice levels without distortion, and I can play it for a long time. It's rated at 70wpc into 8 ohm, 110 wpc into 6 ohm - that means it can probably give up to 125 or 130 wpc into 4 ohm.
Despite there being no specs about it driving a 4 phm speaker, the user manual says it supports it. And it does. I can even run the M80's set to Large and it has enough power to produce good clean bass.

So, if a few hundred dollar Denon can do that, but a $1500 pioneer can't, imagine what a $1500 Denon can do

Well,

Thanks for the response and advice. Hmmmm, too many options. I hadn't really planned on going with the M80s. I do not have the room to justify, nor do I plan on it in the near future. I am aware of the auto-equalization feature downfall. I also think it takes some of the funn out of tweaking on your own. On an more serious note - I hadn't thought about running 4 ohm loads at this point for two reasons: I don't have the room, and I don't have the funds. I was looking at integrated receivers with pre-amp capabilities so that later on, when I do have the room and the cash, I can upgrade speakers and slap on another, more suitable amp to run larger speakers. So, I am planning of getting the M60s, then getting a HSU sub for now. Does this sound rational? Any other thoughts? Thanks again.

-ksimple

With what you are budgeting and looking at, a Denon 3805 would be perfect (or a 3803 if you can find a good deal). As far as a sub - HSU or SVS. Between the two of them, it doesn't matter, just get one that will fill the space.

Long lost Sushi was our resident Pioneer Elite expert.

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a Denon 3805 would be perfect

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Yeah, and if you get the 3805, don't forget to turn on that auto room EQ feature and listen for yourself.

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Long lost Sushi was our resident Pioneer Elite expert.

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Hell, Sushi seemed to be an expert on everything. Did you know that he used to build tube amps in his youth?

There was kid in elementary school that was always building little radios. He was always getting beat up too. I think I'm going to encourage my boy to play ball.