Recommend me an AVR, please!

[ilikesound]

Ok, so I've come to the conclusion that my Pioneer Elite has officially bit the dust. (It pops every time I switch sources from the right front channel, all other channels work fine And there's no sound from that same channel at any time not matter what. Levels are ok in the menu, I've tried everything to no avail.)

I'm on a budget of around 600 bucks. I play video games and watch TV and movies about 80% of the time, and listen to music around 20%. I need at least 2 HDMI inputs, 3 would be more like it. I want a somewhat "warm" sounding piece of kit, as I found the Pioneer to be very bright (or neutral as some would claim) I liked the MCACC that Pioneer offered, but I felt it lacked in the mid/low end calibration as well as the fact that that it wasn't really putting out the power I expected. I was looking at the Denon 1911 for my needs, but am unsure of weather that would be a good choice or not. Are my options limited because of my budget, or are there others out there that I might want to consider?

[dorokusai]

Onkyo TS-SR807.

[mantis]

I suggest the Pioneer Elite vsx31. It's simply designed , excellent budget receiver. I think it goes a bit over your budget but I think it's the right receiver for your speaker package.

[Sherardp]

If the Pio is bit forward sounding, then you should opt for a Denon or Onkyo. If you have been out of the game for awhile Pio Elites now have a feature in MCACC which actually let you dial/tame brightness. Try to get your hands on a SC-05/25 which is actually in your budget or at least very close.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Pioneer-Elit...item3cb1e09cc0

[leroyjr1]

Pioneer Elite VSX31 $399

http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...SX31-3d-intern

[ilikesound]

Mantis: what leads you to believe that it's the right one for me? Not trying to pick fights, just want to know what logic lies behind the statement.

[tonyb]

I don't think the 31 has pre-outs to add an amp later Dan, the 32 and 33 do.

[ilikesound]

I doubt I will add an amp before my next upgrade, right now I just need my right main working :) I'm wondering how much it would cost just to have the thing repaired..

[ilikesound]

I've now circumvented the issue by bi-amping the front mains off the surround back channel. Everything works ok now. I'll need to get a new aver around christmastime or maybe a little later but this fix will see me through until then.

[jhw59]

very pleased so far with my VSX 32

[ilikesound]

I've really been looking at those elites again, but the denon's are a bit cheaper and have many of the same features. I'll do more research for sure before deciding. How long are these things supposed to last, by the way? I know some people that talk about having a ten year + old aver they still use, I never thought my elite would give up so easily. My faith in pioneer avr's has been shaken a little bit right now...

[xcapri79]

Really how can an AVR without preamp outputs be recommended?
A Pioneer Elite AVR without preamp outputs is simply disappointing.

[TORI3]

Really how can an AVR without preamp outputs be recommended?
A Pioneer Elite AVR without preamp outputs is simply disappointing.

I just assumed that all of the Elites would have preamp outputs.

That really is disappointing, especially if you're gonna drop that type of cash!

[angelsfann02]

Theres an awesome deal on a Denon avr3310ci at Amazon.com $538 originally sold for $1499!

[BWilberg266]

Theres an awesome deal on a Denon avr3310ci at Amazon.com $538 originally sold for $1499!

+1

I was just about to suggest the same thing. The real world power on the Denon receivers is fantastic and this one is not short on features. You get your pre-outs and equally importantly IMO you get Audyssey MultEQ XT and Denon's AL24 Processing Plus that you don't get on any of the other receivers mentioned thus far in this thread.

[LuSh]

While I agree that Denon's are nice, reliable and feature packed...I have a hard time people mentioning power and sound. Denon's continue to shed weight year to year...I found them to sound bland...zero torque at all...they do well in ACD test but I think those tests are useless anyways...most of what I've seen has been an upgrade in features but a drop in bottom end torque and sheer power.

[ilikesound]

hate to bring this back, but my right front is acting up again. it seems that it's never permanently fixed but broken only when i want to watch a movie or play some games or impress my friends haha. Even re-did my wiring and made sure that everything was good to go. Stupid thing will cut off at will though.

I'm currently looking at the Denon 1912 and the AVR-2312CI. I've got a pal who can get me either at a steep discount so I guess my budget depends on that factor. Either way, need something that can power my RTi8's well and not sound like my Pioneer Elite did( which was very ..."tinny" sounding with hardly any midrange)

[ilikesound]

YEA I want some horsepower. Something I feel like the Pioneer lacked...

I really hate to bring this back, but my right front is acting up again. it seems that it's never permanently fixed but broken only when i want to watch a movie or play some games or impress my friends haha. Even re-did my wiring and made sure that everything was good to go. Stupid thing will cut off at will though.

I'm currently looking at the Denon 1912 and the AVR-2312CI. I've got a pal who can get me either at a steep discount so I guess my budget depends on that factor. Either way, need something that can power my RTi8's well and not sound like my Pioneer Elite did( which was very ..."tinny" sounding with hardly any midrange)

Also, I noticed that a lot of these AVR's are only around 90 wpc. Is this really enough? I've also been contemplating putting my RTI8's up for grabs and going with some more bookshelf-sized speakers because I don't seem to have the required power to really give 'em what they deserve at my place. (nor do i have the money to spend on external amps for that matter) Would I be better served going this route?

[frdranger]

YEA I want some horsepower. Something I feel like the Pioneer lacked...

I really hate to bring this back, but my right front is acting up again. it seems that it's never permanently fixed but broken only when i want to watch a movie or play some games or impress my friends haha. Even re-did my wiring and made sure that everything was good to go. Stupid thing will cut off at will though.

I'm currently looking at the Denon 1912 and the AVR-2312CI. I've got a pal who can get me either at a steep discount so I guess my budget depends on that factor. Either way, need something that can power my RTi8's well and not sound like my Pioneer Elite did( which was very ..."tinny" sounding with hardly any midrange)

Also, I noticed that a lot of these AVR's are only around 90 wpc. Is this really enough? I've also been contemplating putting my RTI8's up for grabs and going with some more bookshelf-sized speakers because I don't seem to have the required power to really give 'em what they deserve at my place. (nor do i have the money to spend on external amps for that matter) Would I be better served going this route?

Whatever you do, do not skimp on power and proofing yourself. I made the mistake of getting the Onkyo 609 which has no pre-outs; meaning I cannot hookup an amp to drive a larger pair of speakers. So my speaker choice is limited. Take it from these guys - if you can splurge a couple more bucks out to get something that not only meets but exceeds your requirements, then I would consider it. They know what they're talking about. :)

[Erik Tracy]

The OP can also take the slow and gradual approach: get the best value AVR for his budget - make sure it has pre-outs and the features he needs, then upgrade w/ an external amp when he has the budget.

I'd recommend that route than trying for an 'end state' AVR and Ext Amp to fit into the $600 budget.

[Sherardp]

Pioneer SC25, or SC35 would be my vote.

[chumlie]

SC-35 at Amazon now for $800.

[dpowell]

When the Pioneer SC series AVR's first came out, there was a lot of excitement about the power ICE amps were putting out vs the non ICE amp equivalents. Many on here said they no longer felt the need for external amplification. If you think your current Pioneer lacks power, you may be pleasantly surprised by one of the SC series AVR's. I use a Pioneer with external amplification and have no issues.

[DracoAmericanus]

Have you thought of having the pioneer repaired? if you are on a tight budget that might be the way to go, if no then what are your plans for the old unit?

[flyfisher]

Here are a few SC-05's in your budget http://www.ebay.com/ctg/71244657?_trksid=p4340.l2644

[BtrSound]

I know the egg had the Pioneer 1121 on sale for $399 for black friday. A freaking steal. i do not even need a receiver and almost bought it.

[jbooker82]

I know the egg had the Pioneer 1121 on sale for $399 for black friday. A freaking steal. i do not even need a receiver and almost bought it.

That is what they are designed to do. It is only a good deal if you needed it.

[mrbigbluelight]

Older thread, I know, but the Pioneer VSX-1021-K from Newegg can be had for $300 shipped.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...255&SID=231223

It's $549 but $250 off with coupon code EMCJHJD83 [Exp 12/18].

Not a bad price; lots of do-dads, bells, whistles, connectivity, etc. No experience with, but the reviews on Amazon are generally favorable.

[ilikesound]

Have you thought of having the pioneer repaired? if you are on a tight budget that might be the way to go, if no then what are your plans for the old unit?

Dunno, I would imagine that it would be at least 200 to repair it, and at that point, I feel like I might as well throw down and get an upgraded AVR with as many HDMI ins as I would need. The right channel seems to come in and be there when it feels like it. Now I can't force it to come on by jiggling wires, turning on/off multiple times like i used to. I'm pretty certain its just fried in one channel or something. I'm no electronics repair guy..
Mind you, I'm not a stranger to HT, I was an installer for Tweeter for 3 years before they went kaput. I know my way around a system or two. But once you're out of the game for a few years, it is hard coming back in and saying, "yup, that's the best bang for the buck and it will give me what I need for the next 5 years or so, plus drive my speakers where I'm at least somewhat happy with 'em."
I was contemplating going the RTi A3 set + Denon 1912 route and leaving the rest of the system as is. Space saving, yet still within the power range of the AVR output. Don't know if the RTi's will match well with the CSI3/fx3's, but it's worth a shot. I figure with all the EQ and time correction built into the AVR's these days, that it will be close enough at days end.

No clue what I'll end up doing with it if/when I upgrade. Interested? Perhaps this can help fund my upgrade :)

[polkfarmboy]

Try put up $700 and find a used anthem mrx300 and get high quality sound. I think if alot more forum members heard the MRX line they would start recommending it but no one does?

You also get ARC with it too. This weekend I finally have time to do my arc and my first shot was awesome and it sorted out my speakers in ways that macc and audesy never could its truely remarkable and I have only did one lame attempt

I plan on a/b with my pioneer elite hooked up to a power amp shortly