Does Pioneer still make good HT Receivers? If not, what should I buy? (1 Viewer)

[Rolando]

Hi all. I am an old time HT enthusiast who put it all aside years ago when wife and I were outnumbered by our 3 kids lol.

My first pioneer Elite was a VSX 49 pro logic. A 5.1 got the same name a few generations later and I had that too.

Went for non elite years ago with a VSX 9120 when someone told me it was pretty much the same as the entry level elite.

Last one I bought was VSX 1361 I believe.

All that to ask advice, what would you recommend?

I was obviously going to just get the “latest” pioneer but decided to google “best receivers” and not a pioneer anywhere lol.

Have they really gone down the tubes or just less popular? Less money to marketing?

Or should I really just move on?

Not looking for top of the line. I think
I am picky but am looking at under $800 preferably.

4K preferably the option to setup Atmos later.

Thanks in advance?

 

[JohnRice]

20 years ago, Pioneer was the way to go. Since then, they essentially went out of business, and were brought back. Along with Onkyo, those two used to be the receivers of choice, but that's changed. These days, in your price range, I recommend Denon or Yamaha. Also, don't disregard authorized refurbs, which you can get from Accessories4less. Anything in the last 7-8 years will be 4K and Atmos.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Adding to what John said, you might also consider Marantz, since they are owned by the same company as Denon.

Unless John says otherwise, of course!

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[JohnRice]

Adding to what John said, you might also consider Marantz, since they are owned by the same company as Denon.

Unless John says otherwise, of course!

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

The only reason I didn't mention Marantz is because the starting point in their current line is the Cinema 60, which retails for $1,699. Even though you can get an excellent deal on it refurb for $899, that seemed to be more than Rolando was aiming for.

 

[Rolando]

The only reason I didn't mention Marantz is because the starting point in their current line is the Cinema 60, which retails for $1,699. Even though you can get an excellent deal on it refurb for $899, that seemed to be more than Rolando was aiming for.

That is indeed more than what I wanted to spend but definitely appreciate the info.

I guess I better start looking into Denon and Yamaha.

Music definitely not as important as movie sound. Want the best bang for my buck there.

Is there a specific model you would recommend for a newbie yet kind of previously versed?

 

[Lord Dalek]

For what its worth the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 is still being made and has actually received very good reviews.

As for Yamaha, if you want Atmos, you're going to have either buy an Aventage receiver or look on the used market for an RX-683 or 685

 

[Todd Erwin]

Costco has the Denon AVR-S760H for $379.99 right now.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

I picked up the Denon S970 a few weeks ago on John’s recommendation and I’m very satisfied thus far. I don’t know if it handles enough Atmos speakers for what you’re looking for but it sounds great in a 5.1 configuration.

 

[JohnRice]

The problem currently is a lot of equipment is rather glitchy and doesn’t perform as it should. I know for a fact that current Denon and Marantz models are absolutely solid, and as far as I can tell, Yamaha seems to be good. Nobody else, including some premium brands like Anthem, seem to quite have their operating systems running as they should at the moment.

 

[Dave Moritz]

Hello Rolando have you pulled the trigger on a receiver yet?

If not I just thought I would ask you a few questions if you do not mind.

• How big is your room?
• What is the power handling of your speakers
• How loud do you like to listen to your movies?
• Do you also listen to music on your system?
• Do you plan to use it for multi zone audio?
• How many sources do you have now? How many analog / How many digital / How many HDMI

Even if you are looking to use a 5.1 configuration I would highly recommend a 7.1 receiver that gives you room to grow just incase you decide to add even if it is not in the cards now. It is a matter of buying once and not being stuck or needing to sell what you have and spending more money in 2 - 3 years. You do not have to get Atmos but it is not bad to have it so you can add the speakers and be ready for it ahead of time. Alway look to have a few more HDMI inputs than you need so you have to capacity for future growth.

Choosing a receiver with preamp outputs will give you the ability to add more power and better amplifiers to your system instead of changing out the receiver. As you move up in levels in receivers in big enough jumps you will find the quality of a number of things offered go up. Receivers are by nature a balance of compromises to maintain a product that can generate a profit. So as the price point goes up the manufacturer is able to offer more. As far as power ratings go as well keep in mind that receivers generally are rated at ether one channel driven and usually no more than two channels driven. Lower end models tend to be rated not at 20hz - 20KHz but rated at one channel at 1KHz. Power output is going to be lower when driving more channels but the good things unless your listening to multichannel music. Is that your surrounds and Atmos channels are not as active as your front three channels which means they do not need as much power from the supply.

• Higher quality internal amplifiers
• More power
• Better quality video processing / scaling
• Better audio DAC's
• More channels
• Larger quality power supply
• Room correction software
• Amount of overall inputs and outputs available

So it is a matter of better build quality, increased capability and higher performance.

John makes a good point about issues with glitches and Anthem to my knowledge is a little glitchy but the audio performance is really good. Anthem may have updated there software by now and fixed the glitches. Sony's GUI interface is very intuitive and well thought out but just not a fan of the performance and lack of inputs on the lower to midrange models.

Here are some ideas within your $800 budget

• Yamaha RX-V6A

RX-V6A 7.2 channel 4K / 8K Dolby AV Receiver – Yamaha USA

The Highest Resolution. This 7.2-channel, 100 Watt AV receiver boldly explores entertainment possibilities for an advanced home theater with the latest in video and audio, including Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, wireless streaming and more.

usa.yamaha.com

• Denon AVR-S970H

AVR-S970H | Home Theater Receiver

The Denon AVR-S970H is a 7.2 Ch. 145W AV receiver for upgraded home theater with Dolby Atmos, 8K Ultra HD, DTS:X and HEOS® Built-in streaming.

www.denon.com

For Marantz your looking at a good jump in price to move into that brand which is very nice. Same company that owns Denon owns Marantz.

It might help to go old school and put down on paper what you have and brainstorm about what you might add. Write down all the inputs and outputs you need from analog, digital, HDMI. In my opinion it is always better to wait and get the best your able to than to settle but at the end of the day one can not always to that so it just boils down to getting the best bang for the buck that fits your budget.

Check out the following brands

Your budget

• Denon
• Yamaha
• Onkyo
• Sony (I am not crazy about there receivers but they might work for you)

Above $1700

• Marantz
• Denon
• Yamaha
• Onkyo
• Anthem

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

^RE: whatever AVRs/prepros being glitchy, just don't buy anything released w/in the past year and you should probably be fine as long as you go w/ one of the better known, very well established brands, eg. maybe stay away from Emotiva and Monoprice for AVRs/prepros for such for instance -- their power amps and maybe even some less complex electronics should be fine, but these increasingly much more complicated AVRs and prepros (due mainly to the complex prepro section) not so much.

Yes, even Anthem had been glitchy w/ any particularly recent releases of AVRs/prepros -- actually still not completely sure they've fully resolved all the glitches and/or UI weaknesses (or at least all showstopping ones) w/ the AVRs/prepros they released even 2-3 years ago... but I haven't really kept up since my older AVM-60 has still been just perfectly fine (and provides just about all I need/want in a prepro for my HT).

But yeah, in your budget range, Rolando, I'd probably just stick w/ Denon or maybe Yamaha -- and definitely also give some consideration to a good refurb unit from a reasonably reputable source.

_Man_

 

[Rolando]

Alright guys, 2025 update:

Same question, any new answers on what to get?

Under $1000
Preferably Atmos but definitely at least 4K capable.

 

[JohnRice]

Alright guys, 2025 update:

Same question, any new answers on what to get?

Under $1000
Preferably Atmos but definitely at least 4K capable.

My answer would be the same. Factory refurb from A4L. Denon 2800 or 3800 and Marantz Cinema 60 would be the first to look at.

 

[Rolando]

Being tempted by a Black Friday deal in this: Denon AVR-X1700H

Any thoughts?

 

[JohnRice]

Being tempted by a Black Friday deal in this: Denon AVR-X1700H

Any thoughts?

Sure. It should be under $450. The refurb is $419.

 

[Todd Erwin]

20 years ago, Pioneer was the way to go. Since then, they essentially went out of business, and were brought back. Along with Onkyo, those two used to be the receivers of choice, but that's changed. These days, in your price range, I recommend Denon or Yamaha. Also, don't disregard authorized refurbs, which you can get from Accessories4less. Anything in the last 7-8 years will be 4K and Atmos.

Crutchfield also has some pretty good “scratch and dent” deals on Denon receivers from time to time.

 

[Bryan^H]

I'm considering to buy a Pioneer AVR (VSX 534) And, I was wondering why there aren't many reviews or talk on Pioneer AVRs in the forum. Most of the members speak of Marantz or Denon or Yamaha. Is there something about the Pioneer AVRs that I'm missing? This will be the first AVR purchase and would like to understand various perspectives. Please help a newbie. Thank you.

I have had this receiver since May of 2020.


I have been very impressed with it. I only paid $450 (new) at the time. Bang for the buck it is very impressive (5.1.4).
The newest model near that price point is the LX-305. Which you can find on sale for $500 once and a while. It is currently $600.

 

[Todd Erwin]

Crutchfield has the Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 receiver for $749 with a scratch and dent for $675.97.

Denon AVR-X1800H

7.2-channel home theater receiver with Dolby Atmos®, Bluetooth®, Apple AirPlay® 2, and Amazon Alexa compatibility

www.crutchfield.com

 

[Bryan^H]

I'm considering to buy a Pioneer AVR (VSX 534) And, I was wondering why there aren't many reviews or talk on Pioneer AVRs in the forum. Most of the members speak of Marantz or Denon or Yamaha. Is there something about the Pioneer AVRs that I'm missing? This will be the first AVR purchase and would like to understand various perspectives. Please help a newbie. Thank you.

Did you decide on a receiver yet?

 

[Rolando]

Here are my 3 choices right now

Denon AVR-X1700H 7.2 Channel 4K Ultra HD Network AV Receiver at approx $450 USD​

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 7.2 Channel 8K Ultra HD Network AV Receiver at approx $599 USD​

Denon AVR-X1800H 7.2 Channel 8K Dolby Atmos AV Receiver at approx $550 USD​

What would you choose and why?