Question about 1014 with music (1 Viewer)

[Shawn Stephens]

I'm looking to upgrade from my Yamaha RX-V450 receiver, I think the 1014 is a wonderful candidate. I'm driving Boston VR1 main's and CR-75 rears. I'm mainly a two channel music listener with a few movies here and there. Would the 1014 give me the same musical performance as I heard when auditioning the Marantz SR-6400? I've just heard such good comments on the 1014, but many of these were from movie demo's. Feel free to make suggestions outside the pioneer if the need arise.

 

[Rob Kramer]

Let me jump in here before the 1014 love-fest starts.

I have the Pioneer Elite 54TX. The Pio has excellent dynamics, top to bottom, and is a great receiver. Its definately my pick for top HT performance. However, I also have an Onkyo TX-SR800, and while its not as dynamic as the Pio, it has a smoothness in the "mids" which makes the Pio seem thin in comparison (I do have good speakers (B&Ws and Swans), which can reveal good mids). Directly A/B'ing the two receivers, music is hands down better on the Onkyo. The sound is smooth, rich, and a lot fuller than the Pioneer. Maybe its because the the Onkyo is "bloaty" in the mids, or maybe the Pio really is thin in the middle, I dont know.

Which receiver is better between the two you have listed, the older Marantz or the 1014? I dont know. If it were me, and music was a higher priority, I would look at the newer Marantz (x500) models. I would also go with a higher-level model (like the 7500 or 8500). Outside of your choices, I would also look at the new Onkyos (702 or 802).

If music was THE priority, and money was tight, I would get the Jolida 1501 (or 1703). I dont think you could find a better $500 sound anywhere (maybe a B-stock Onix A120 might come close).

 

[Wayne Ernst]

I'll agree with Bob. I don't think jumping from a Yamaha 450 to a Pioneer 1014 is enough of an upgrade. Give lots of attention to the new marantz models and don't overlook the offerings from Yamaha a bit further up the food chain from where you are with your RX-V450.