New Pioneer Elite Receivers

[gregure]

I remember there was a guy looking at replacing his VSX56TXI receiver in favor of the new VSX74TXVI model for the new HDMI switching feature. Had a training with Pioneer reps this week and learned a few things. First of all, the new 74 is a pretty cool unit with a direct iPOD link, built in XM receiver, and a new calibration system that was pretty impressive. Nice phase correction and bass correction. However, as I feared, they had to make some compromises with the amp section to keep it $1500. First of all, they've moved to a Bipolar amp rather than MOSFET, which was always their claim to fame. Second, the amp is not as powerful as the old model, as the new construction has a slightly more limited current output. The overall construction is the same, but jettisoning the MOSFET was an unfortunate decision. While I still have every confidence recommending this unit to power less efficient speakers such as the Viennas (if somone is not willing to go B&K or Separates), I did notice a tamer, less detailed sound. The difference is subtle, and is still a nice unit, and for those who think Pioneer Elite receivers are too bright will be pleasantly surprised to find them tamer, however I think it's unfortunate that they had to compromise on the unit's power output, which was always the strong suit of the earlier models.

My primary recommendation for sound quality will probably be the Marantz SR8500 at the same price, although the Pioneer Elite has a lot more features which makes it pretty attractive to many consumers.

[heiney9]

The tamer less detailed sound may not be from the Bi-polars. If anything Bi-polars tend to give more detail in general. I know of many Bi-polar amps that are superior sound wise than some MosFets. Don't get so hung up on either or; both can be excellent or both can be crap depends on the design. I may be wrong but I believe most B & K use Bi-polar outputs. Also remember it's still a reciever and not seperates.

H9

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

B&K uses Mosfets, atleast their amps do.

[heiney9]

B&K uses Mosfets, atleast their amps do.

Have they always? Maybe I'm thinking of older ones :confused: or maybe mistaken :) .

[Ron Temple]

S&V did a bench test and while they did like the features, many are taken aback by the amps output... 51X7, IIRC.

[fireshoes]

I am excited because we are getting carrying Pioneer Elite this year for the first time where I work. Supposed to be in next month. Do they have any super duper accommodation program I need to know about? :)

[gregure]

B&K do use MOSFET amps in all their gear, even receivers. I'm not trying to say MOSFET is the best, but was only drawing attention to the fact that Pioneer had to make a compromise in their amplifier design to acommodate all the new features and still keep the price the same. Bipolar may be great in other units, but to my ears the earlier models had more detail, and even the rep acknowledged that the current output is less than before, even though the specs state 140 wpc. I think that's very inflated, though. I've never seen any receiver that truly put out 130-150 wpc all channels driven under $3000 new.
B&K-150 wpc-$3500 Denon AVR 4806 - 130 wpc-$3500 Lexicon RV-8 150 wpc-what is that thing, like $5000? You get my drift.

[mantis]

I Installed a 74 and It was nice. I like the Ipod Interface and built in Xm radio. Today most people don't care about sound quality. It's all about features. Why do you think Denon is number 1 in receivers year after year???

If you want sound quality, go seperates.

Dan

[btrain]

Is the upconversion capabilities and HDMI switching essentially the same between the new Pioneer Elite 74 and the Denon 3806. There seems to be quite a bit of confusion on what the 3806 has and I really dont want to buy the PE 74 after the S&V review. No one seems to know for sure if the 3806 has the upgraded calibrations system either. Please give me some guidance on these two recievers.

Thanks
Barry

Toxis: you guys got the 3806 out there yet? Ive never noticed that you carry Pioneer Elite

[gregure]

AVR 3806 arrival was delayed indefinitely. Supposed to hit our wharehouse in mid October. I've no idea yet if the amp or sq are any better, but I'm pretty sure the HDMI switching does not include upconversion to HDMI of all other connections. The VSX74 does. The new VSX74 sounds pretty good, and is by no means a poor reciever, probably better than the 3806, but I really like Denon products as well, at least from a salesperson's point of view. Denon is a well known brand that is easy to use.

Mantis, I agree if someone wants sound quality overall, they should go separates, but in the area where I work, audio is always a tough sell. I'd much rather get someone into a better speaker package with a receiver they will like, and that will give them good sq, rather than talk about separates until I'm blue in the face and still not be able to get the customer over the price hurdle.
That's why I'm disappointed that the new PE receivers have less current capabilities. I used to be able to recommend the VSX56 with a Vienna Acoustic speaker system with confidence if the buyer was not willing to go B&K or separates. Now, I'm not so sure, and will probably recommend the Marantz SR8500. Then again, as one of my co-workers always says, "We're not in this business to save the Manatees." If someone is happy with what they've bought, who am I to tell them they need better amps to enjoy it? We can always plant the seed for future upgrades.