Pioneer vsx-9040 vs. 2010 models: I'd like to ask here, are there any downsides to the 1020/1120 over the 9040, given the discrepency in reviews?
1537003
The 1020 uses much cheaper parts than the 9040, as the 9040 is the same as an Elite but without the Elite branding. The 1020 is also 80 watts x2 while the 9040 is 110 x2. The 1018 is even far superior to both the 1019
1642996
I was considering these as well. Interested to see what others post. Here is my research has yielded for 7.1 systems with Dolby True HD and DTS HD audio. A lot of people worry about upscaling, I only have blu ray player, so not much need for upscaling. Few do upscaling very well according to my research. Sony STR-DN1000: Nice HDMI connectivity, cleaner look, 100 watts per channel at 1% THD. I've heard upconversion is poor. $330 Sony STR-DH800: Does not upconvert analog sources. 100 watts per channel at 1% THD $250 Onkyo RC-160: Upconverts only to 1080i. 80 watts per channel at .08% THD $330 Onkyo SR-607: Upconverts to 1080p with okay quality, 90 watts at .08% THD $400 Pioneer VSX-919AH-K: .05% THD at 120 watts per channel, just 3 HDMI inputs, no upscaling capability $400 I realize these are Audio/Video Receivers, but it seems to me the main goal of most of them is for superior audio. After all, many TVs do a decent job making SD sources look better, even if you have to run an additional cable or two. To me, everything is going to be HDMI based, so I am leaning toward the Pioneer due to better power and less THD. $400 is very much on the high side of my budget. So if I decide to go with a cheaper receiver, I'll probably go with the Sony STR-DH800.
1959806
I own this. The V90 is a much better delivery platform for USB and Digital. It is a true DAC. It was also added to the Sterophile List of recommended components.
1825562
I just ordered the 52V4100 as well. Was this close to getting the Panasonic Plasma, but after reading last week Pioneer and Toshiba are dumping Plasma technology, and next year Samsung and Vizio are phasing it out, I am led to think Plasma is losing the battle for some reason. Perhaps it's all the rumors of burn in, break-in periods, excessive heat and energy usage. I don't know. I went with the Sony. The price I got was too good to pass up ($1250 with free shipping).
899601
From Pioneer directlyThank you for contacting Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.They are the same. The VSX-8231 was to be included in a special packaging, never released the package. Sincerely, Customer Service Representative
592706
Help to choose between Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver and Pioneer VSX-1020-K. They both have their pros and cons, and prices are the same.
938250
the only difference between the systems is the color of the receiver. the reason why the 2300 has a higher retail price is because it came out a year earlier
2145625
When I went to best buy, the sales rep said that they were recalled because they needed to have the firmware update. And as Joseph said, the first thing on the VSX-1021-K product page at Pioneer is the link for the firmware. I think this is why Amazon originally listed the VSX-1021-K as available on 15 Apr, which eventually became 29 Apr. I can only assume that it is "out of stock" because of so many pre-orders.
1803810
That retailer might have some left in their pipeline - I doubt Sony has any left - the unit's not even listed on the sony web any longer. You may consider choosing something else or a refund. The Sony ES2400 is about the nearest unit you will find close to the 920 specs and capabilities.
1214635
I happen to own both the DA5800 and the DA2800 (both <1 year old). Both are great units. The 5800 is 9.2 channels and the 2800 is 7.2 channels. There are other differences, primarily around number of inputs/outputs, higher power, and more features. The Sony.Com site has a great side by side comparison tool for specifics. I use one in a theater room with a projector and the other in a family room. Depending on your needs either are excellent options.
1825615
You can now buy the VSX-820 off the Pioneer site as of this morning. Hopefully Amazon starts shipping soon.
640687
The new version is the 5800ES. 2 more channels of amplification -- 7.2 vs 9.2. A few other changes, too.
1862157
Man, I am in the same boat! I first saw the 9100THX and thought that is the system I am going for! Knowing that THX is all a certification standard. A great one at that! You're right, THX is better at reproducing sound, but from what I've researced, its just that system/receiver passing a rigor of testing. The 9100 has a seal of approval after going through movie theather quality testing. Some pass at minimum standards and others exceed THX standards. From hearing what many people say about both systems its all personal choice. I think I will go with the 7100 because of the added speaker stands (which I need, and will probably add two for the rear speakers, and two for the sides. All equalling the same amount the 9100 will cost you) Plus I didn't feel like shopping around finding speaker stands for the BEAST-like speakers of the 9100. 7100 appeals to me but it may not be for you. They both are pretty much the exact same, other then that seal from THX. In my experience, if you have one thing THX, you might as well go all the way in THX components. So you're speakers should be THX as well. But all that gets spendy. My budget was no more then $1000 at the most. I like what the 7100 offers. Maybe in like 5 years I might upgrade to a THX receiver, but for now I think what the 7100 puts out, I think I will be blown away!! In the gist there are no significant differences. (Other then the Ipod Dock on the 7100 and two speaker stands thrown in)
91967
I got the 830 even though the 840 was available (for US$100 more) as I didn't see any more value in the 840. I've been using the 830 for two months and like it. My wife adjusts the TV speakers for her ears and I add what ever volume I need.
899602
My system reflects it is a VSX-823. The VSX-823-k is an identical unit. Also the VSX-8231 is identical too. Check out this link http://www.avsforum.com/t/1491550/pioneer-vsx-823-vs-vsx-8231-what-is-the-difference
697197
According to the Pioneer website the output is actual slightly higher in the 1021.http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-1020-Khttp://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Pioneer+Receivers/VSX-1021-K
802207
For "middle of the road" units (very subjective anyway), these are generally considered to sound better than the Sonys. But really, everyone's ears are different - try to listen to both if you can arrange it. Also, don't expect amazing bass out of either, but that can be overrated depending on what you're listening to. I'd much rather have the Pioneers than a system w/subwoofer that was not natural sounding, had unrealistically boosted bass, etc...