Question for Pioneer VSX Receiver Owners (1 Viewer)

[Chuck_J]

I'm trying to decide between the Pioneer VSX D914, D912 or the VSX D814 receiver but I need to know if paying the extra bucks for the automatic MCACC (D914) better than manual calibration system (D814)?

I know it's a matter of taste but I don't know if I have the "ear" to set the tones from each speaker. I think I'd rather have the receiver accomplish this automatically.

One more question. I notice the D912 has the door and the D914 doesn't not. Has it been a problem for users in the past breaking the latch on the door panel on the D912?

 

[MichaelPR]

You can just use a radioshack spl meter they are like 30 bucks and it's very easy...im not very smart with this stuff and I did it.

 

[EarleD]

I own a 56TXi and prefer the results using a RS meter. The auto eq didnt impress me at all. YMMV

 

[Chuck_W]

I had good luck with the results of the auto-calibration using the 912, but the subwoofer usually needed adjusted a bit. Never had any problems with the door.

 

[RyanJE]

Go for the 1014 if you can stretch it. You can find it for about 360 shipped on pricegrabber.

Im like you and can not equalize. Therefore I love the MCACC auto. I think you would too. I did fine tune the channel levels with an spl meter which is fairly simple. And it does leave the sub a bit cold... about 2-4 db's.

 

[Edwin Tan]

Don't have much experience with auto MCACC, but the manual MCACC is really far from being anywhere precise. Mostly just guesstimating your way through! If you're just after something within the ballpark, then manual is fine.

 

[Chuck_J]

Edwin,

So you would say using a speaker meter in conjunction with the manual MCACC will more than compensate for the additional price on a receiver with auto MCACC?

 

[Edwin Tan]

Chuck

In my opinion, auto's better; takes out the guesswork that is called for with manual MCACC. But if you're not after a good degree of precision, then manual together with an SPL meter would be sufficient.

I'm using manual MCACC and, to be honest, it's good enough for me. However, it's wise to always go for the best you can afford; this helps you avoid upgrading too soon.