sound quality: hk 230 vs. Pioneer 1014 (1 Viewer)

[Michael_Cho]

I have a setup with 3 gallo dues and 2 micros and needed to buy a receiver. have narrowed it down to hk230 and pioneer 1014. Was wondering if people had thoughts on which would match the best with my speakers, other important features that one has that the other might not or any other considerations I should keep in mind. thx.

 

[DanJV]

While I like H/K gear, it's hard not to recommend the 1014 with THX Select and MCACC.

 

[Michael_Cho]

does MCACC matter though if I have an avia disc and an spl meter? I assume the latter would be more reliable. Also, was wondering what the true difference of thx select would be given the speakers that I have...i assume that thx select just means that if all of the components are thx designated then it meets whatever performance criteria...? given that I don't believe any of HK's receivers are thx designated, could it just be that they never pushed for certification (as opposed to not making the cut?)

thx, sorry for the newbie questions

 

[Wayne Ernst]

Yes, it does because MCACC also adjusts the EQ for you.

 

[Yung]

Wayne,
How about the reverse. With MCACC, would I still need to pick up the Avia disc and a ratshack SPL meter?

 

[Michael_Cho]

I guess my main hangup is that the hk is:
50watt @ < 0.07% THD while pioneer is:
I believe 0.09% THD

i'm less concerned about driving loud volume as with sound quality. is this a meaningful difference?

 

[Yung]

I wouldn't worry about the THD levels.

 

[BruceTM]

I think the two key words to remember here are less than.

 

[DanJV]

Yung & Cho...if you're using MCACC, then no, you don't need an SPL meter. But, I'm a tweaker. I always check the MCACC settings via SPL meter to see if they're correct (they always are).

Regarding THX....I think some models don't make the "cut" and some manufacturers won't pay THX to do the testing required. Who knows which is which?

THD between the two should be a "non-issue" as they aren't different enough that you would be able to discern.