gene c

Re: Receiver Recommendations

No, the 1018 is from the standard line but historically the 10xx has been very simular to the bottom model of the Elite line. Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, Marantz, they're all quality receivers but I wouldn't say that any are in a different class (well, maybe Marantz is ), but I rarely hear of any problems with Pioneer, standard or Elite. ...The Elite line is competitively priced to comparable models from Denon (2808-3808), Yamaha (1800-3800), Onkyo, (805-875-905), Marantz (7002-8002) etc. Pioneer just gave their more expensive models a more expensive sounding name. Sounds like a good plan to me. Good luck and let us know how you like those SVS speakers and sub, after you have properly calibrated your system .

gl4662

Re: Receiver Recommendations

Gene, as I am a novice, does the 606 come with the auto calibration like the 1018 does? I do not know anytthing about calibrating. Thank you also paveno for all the advice!!

gene c

Re: Receiver Recommendations

Yes it does. These auto calibration systems are usually pretty accurate but you have to follow the procedure to the letter. The automatic equilizer part of it doesn't always produce an acceptable improvement but you can turn the eq off if it doesn't appeal to you.

Neil Middlemiss

Re: Receiver Recommendations

My heart wanted the Pioneer 1018 but my budget said Onkyo 606. I clicked on the link through HTF and got it on Amazon for a sweet $394 - really looking forward to hooking it up (my current receiver just died on me last night!!!)

Good luck with your picks!

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My DVD Collection

gl4662

Re: Receiver Recommendations

How hard is it to calibrate the receiver?

gene c

Re: Receiver Recommendations

It's not that hard at all if you use the automatic calibration feature. Shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. But it's very important in order to get your system to sound it's best. Just follow all the directions in the manual. It's very important that the room is quiet during the process. Some of us also use an spl meter and a setup disc from Avia or Video Essentials to double check the results but the auto setup should work fine. But read the manual! (most of us say we do, but we really don't).

Panevino

Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:

Originally Posted by gene c No, the 1018 is from the standard line but historically the 10xx has been very simular to the bottom model of the Elite line. Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, Marantz, they're all quality receivers but I wouldn't say that any are in a different class (well, maybe Marantz is ), but I rarely hear of any problems with Pioneer, standard or Elite. ...The Elite line is competitively priced to comparable models from Denon (2808-3808), Yamaha (1800-3800), Onkyo, (805-875-905), Marantz (7002-8002) etc. Pioneer just gave their more expensive models a more expensive sounding name. Sounds like a good plan to me. Good luck and let us know how you like those SVS speakers and sub, after you have properly calibrated your system .

Yes, Marantz is definitely in a little bit of a different class; that's approaching the "affordable" end of higher end -- I own a CD changer and CD recorder by Marantz and the stuff is solid as a rock...but definitely not cheap...

My point to the OP was that Denon and Onkyo, from my experience and conversations with folks in the field, are pretty much doing the "best" receivers in that class -- whatever you want to call it...affordable, mid priced, etc. I really don't think Pioneer's non-Elite product line approaches any of these other mentioned brands. And I believe you are incorrect about Pioneer giving their affordable receivers a "better name" by slapping Elite on them; there IS better circuitry inside that gear than just a name would suggest.

Panevino

Re: Receiver Recommendations

Quote:

Originally Posted by gl4662 How hard is it to calibrate the receiver?

Yes, as Gene I believe it was already told you, the 605/606 Onkyos can be calibrated automatically by the Audyssey system -- I personally did not like the results I got after I ran the system many times as did my installer -- we came to the conclusion that manually dialing in the values was better; I have some values that I like and just "work" for my room and tastes, and I tweak around that, etc. Plus, Audyssey doesn't always get things right -- it pegged my Polk bookshelves as FULL RANGE, and that's not really how they're supposed to be run...but you can go in, if you want, and change whatever automatic settings the system made to "fix" any "off" value, like I described with my speakers. I just prefer doing the calibration myself.

gl4662

Re: Receiver Recommendations

how hard is it to calibrate it by yourself? is there a special tool that i would need?

gene c

Re: Receiver Recommendations

I also prefer to do the calibration myself but since Greg is very new to all of this I thought using the automic setup might be a better idea. Of course there is. Just like there is better circuitry inside an Onkyo 905 than in a 505. Or a Denon 4308 and 1508. Pioneers standard line includes the 518, 818, 918 and 1018 ranging in price from $199 to $699. The Elite series includes the 90, 91, 92 and 94 from $699 to 1699. The Elite series is obviously an extention of their standard line. Pioneer differentiates their upper end models from their lower end with a name and model change. Denon and Yamaha take a somewhat different approach by selling basically the same receivers in higher end retailers with different model numbers. The Denon 988 and 2808 are pretty much the exact same receiver. Just sold in different places. Onkyo has Integra as their upper end brand but their models are very simular to the 805, 875 and 905. Just marketed to a different clientel. As for Pioneers build quality, I don't think there's a big difference between the standard and Elite models. They're both excellent. And as good, and in my opinion, even a little better than most other brands. But we're arguing over nickels and dimes here. All the receivers mentioned in this thread are of very good quality and value. Yes. The spl (sound pressure level) meter and setup disc that I previously mentioned.

gl4662

Re: Receiver Recommendations

So, dont mean to be naggy, but this set up SVS speakers, SVS sub, and Onyko 606 will sound A LOT better than the bose acoustimass 16 right? haha Thanks!

Panevino