[Dave Moritz]

Well its about time to actually start saving for a new recevier to replace my aging Yamaha RX-V995. So far I am considering the following:

Denon AVR-3808
Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH
Yamaha RX-V1800

I am interested if anyone here has any of these new receivers? And if so what are the pro's and con's of these three models. If I buy the Pioneer I will be buying the matching Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD Blu-ray player. The Pioneer Blu-ray will end up replacing my current Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray player. Heck I might pair the Pioneer Blu-ray with what ever receiver I end up with.

My main needs are HDMI 1.3 and internal decoding of Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. I realize that it can be done in the player but I still want the capability in the receiver. I also want a well built amplifier section that is going to perform really well, not like the Sony's. I have a decent idea what I am looking for but I would like to hear feedback from people who own the new receivers.

[Echo42987]

Of the options given I would go with either the Pioneer and or the Denon. Both are very solid units. I have experiance with both since I just recently tested both products at my work.

I did like the Denon a little more but I'm big on all Denon recievers to start.
The new Elite BluRay player is very nice as well and will give you that TrueHD sound. There are just a few settings here and there you need to run through in order to get it working. The biggest pro to the new Denon is the new Interface that they've made. I feel they've done a very good job with the unit. I wouldn't say that there are any con's (even though there are) choosing between the Pioneer and Denon, if that makes sense. Either one you choose your going to be happy with in the end I gurantee it.

If your going on looks go for the Pioneer reciever on player, because you won't be loosing much by going with the pioneer. I'm just partial to Denon units.

-Nick-

[Dave Moritz]

Thanks for the input Echo. I am hoping to get to demo both receivers next week and this may end up being a difficult decision. I also have been big on Denon lately and have had the oprotunity to go to the CES show in 03 and 04. The Denon rep was awsum and so was there demonstration. I am looking at both brands and at those particular models because of my budget. I actually would rather spend more but I do not think it is realistic at this time. As far as a new Blu-ray player is boils down to money again. I would rather have the new Denon but it is going to be at least $2,000 and the Pioneer is only $1k. If money is not really tight I may just go with the Denon AVR-3808ci receiver and then get the Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD. If I go with the Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH, my only concern that it will match the Denon sonically and have a good clean and strong amplifier section.

Thanks for the input.

[mackie]

I don't think you'd go wrong with any of them. Buy the one you can get the best deal on with the features you like. Your speakers have much more impact on the sound than the receiver as long as the receiver is functioning properly and not being over driven. Most modern, mid-level and higher receivers have pretty good power supplies, so to me it boils down to price and features.