Onkyo TXSR806 or Pioneer VSX03?

[Dunham_3654]

I can get the onkyo for $650 or the Pioneer for $800, what is my best bet? I justed ordered the RTi A9s and plan on added a center and rears

[wutadumsn23]

I have the 806 and couldn't be happier. I have heard alot of good things lately about Pioneer's Elite line, but don't know much about them. The 806 is a well rounded, well priced mid level receiver IMHO, and it has yet to dissapoint me.

[Dunham_3654]

Im leaning more towards the 806 mostly because of price, any other input would be great

[manman]

I can't be much help in comparison as I've never used the pioneer, but I own the 806 as well and I'm very happy with it. Excellent price for all the features it has and I haven't had any problems at all yet. I'm running hdmi through it with 3 separate components with no video issues- and it also works like a dream with my harmony one remote- allowing me to keep control of my whole system with just that one remote. Setting up all the inputs and calibrating the speakers was all very simple too.

I've heard some people say Onkyos run hot, but I haven't had any heat problems with mine- even when it only had about 1.5 inches clearance over the top (i ended up moving it to a more open space to make room for a csi A6).

My only problem with my set-up right now is that at lower volumes the sound is not as well defined as I'd like, but I'm looking for an external amp to take care of that. I don't really think it's a negative of the Onkyo itself.

[wutadumsn23]

Yeah, a fellow Onkyo nut!!!! Everybody usually dogs Onks, but it's all I've ever owned and have loved every one of them. Nice to meet you manman.

-Jeff

[bigred7078]

honestly i would go with the Marantz SR5003....i know not one of your options, but why not throw it out there ;)

you can get the 5003 from 6ave.com and use this coupon code (aflaud25) and get it for $599 which is the best price on your list and offers kick ass performance, but make sure to use the coupon cose other wise its $799

http://6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=MARSR5003

[wutadumsn23]

As for more reasons why to buy the 806, like my esteemed colleague manman has stated, what you get for the price is phenominal, upconverts analog signals to 1080p although I doubt you will be using anything other than HDMI on this badboy. It is easy to setup/calibrate with auddessy. Top of the line DD True HD decoders as well as DTS MA decoding, losless audio formats. Works very well with my Logitec Harmony 880 and if I hadn't just taken my Ambien I could probably think of lots more, it is kicking my ass.