Pioneer 711 vs. 811 (1 Viewer)

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

In comparing the two I notice two real differences.

The 811 does 6.1
The 811 has preamp outs on all channels

I will not be using external amplification.
I will not be using 6.1 (don't have room)

Since I will not be using either of the features that the 811 has to offer over the 711, is it still wise to get the 811? Will there be a difference in sound, or are there other features I am overlooking?

I am currently using a Kenwood VR-507 reciever. As I turn up the volume loud (within around -10 of reference) there is noticable background hiss on all channels. Will a higher quality reciever cut down on this?
I am hoping this Pioneer will have higher quality amps to cut down on distortion and clipping.

TIA
-Mark

 

[Nick Cerretti]

I'd still take the 811 over the 711. I was in the same boat you were in about a week ago. No plans for external amps, and no room for 6.1, but I decided the 811 had one feature the 711 didn't have: future-proofing. I sure as hell didn't want to spend money for another receiver anytime soon to get all the extra formats, especially considering the 811 is only $100 more. Of course, take this with a grain of salt as I ordered a H/K 320 instead .
I imagine any hiss the 711/811 is at very high volumes. I think a couple of owners said they could only hear the hiss at maybe a foot away from the speaker at the volume they listened to. Also, check your speaker wire. I think the main cause in the hiss is crappy wire. Get some Home Depot 12/16 gauge.

 

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

Thanks for your help.

I'm using 12 gauge from knukoncepts.com

I had some home depot, but I like this alot more, it is much easier to work with and has a higher strand count: twisting the ends is alot easier on the hands and its more flexable.

Its terminated with gold plated bananas.


The hiss is pretty wierd...

Reference is set at -20 on my reciever

If I am at -28 I can kinda hear the hiss, then when I turn it to -27 it like steps up to another level of hiss, then again at -24 it steps up to an even higher level of hiss. There is a definite and obvious change in the amount of hiss when I change the level just 1 db; and it only happens at certain spots. Strange?

I'd like a reciever that is capable of playing at higher levels cleaner than my current reciever. I have a more than capable sub (DIY Tempest) now I just need to improve the rest of my sound. I have JBL Studio Series speakers.

--Still looking for more opinions--

 

[Bill Will]

www.ecoustics.com has reviews on both of these receivers.

 

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

Any other help?

Does the 811 have components that would make it better than the 711 even for 5.1 or stereo listening? i.e. a better power supply?

 

[Nick Cerretti]

I think they're identical, aside from the full preouts, extra amp, and the 6.1 formats.

 

[Christ Reynolds]

I think they're identical, aside from the full preouts, extra amp, and the 6.1 formats.

you will find that all units that are incremental are identical, apart from a difference or two. for example, i was looking at the 811 originally, and someone told me it was the same as the vsx-41 with a few more wpc. then that one is supposed to be the same as the vsx-43 with something else added. i ended up getting the vsx-45tx because i had some extra money. the next step up is the 47tx, and compared to my spendindg $840 for the 45, the 47 better be a hell of a unit at $1700. anyway, just thought i'd chime in with that. but get the 811
CJ

 

[Mark Fitzsimmons]

Thanks for the help.

I think I'll just go for the 811 (more bragging rights, eh?)

There is a slim chance that we may be moving, which will allow me to have a theater that will accomidate 6.1 - so might as well go for it anyway right, no regrets?