Which receiver? I have narrowed to 3 (1 Viewer)

[Dan Ojennes]

I am looking to buy an A/V receiver and have
narrowed my choices down to the following:
- Pioneer VSX-D811S
- Onkyo TX-SR600
- Denon 1803

They all seem pretty similar, but here are a
few advantages that I see each having over the others:
Pioneer - 100W/channel (vs. 80 on the others)
- 7.1 channel input
- Pre out on all channels
- Separate connectors for 'B' speakers?
Onkyo - Variable crossover for sub
- Separate connectors for 'B' speakers
Denon - Variable crossover for sub
- Multi-zone support

I would appreciate any input that anyone may have
on these receivers (good or bad).

Also,
Does anyone have a picture of the back of the pioneer?
I would like to see the connector layout and have
not been able to find a graphic or picture.

One more thing, I plan to get the Onkyo SKS-HT500
speaker system, any thoughts on these speakers?

Thanks for any input,
Dan Ojennes

 

[Alf S]

Dan,
I can only speak for the Pioneer 811 ( a very popular receiver around here). It offers great performance, features, and upgradeabilty for the dollar.
I've had mine for a few months and love it (it replaced my Outlaw 1050).
As for pictures, http://www.crutchfield.com has the best close up pix.
Good luck
Alfer

 

[Bob McElfresh]

The Pioneer and Onkyo units also have 2 component video inputs that are HD rated. You need HD rated if you want to push progressive-scan or HD video through the receiver.

(Think XBox and a Progressive Scan DVD player or a external HD receiver).

The pre-out feature of the Pioneer is nice for adding external amps in the future.

The Pioneer also has 2/3 coaxial/optical inputs. The Onkyo has 1/3.

My vote would be for the Pioneer unit because of these 2 extra features.

 

[AllenA]

Personally I would go with the Pioneer since from the descriptions and from what I've heard it is a great unit. However I'd also look into the Denon, I've always been a big fan of their products.

 

[Angelo.M]

Among the three, the Pioneer probably has the best combination of features/connectivity/performance for the price.

--AM

 

[jerry davis]

Here is a link to the owner's manual. If it does not take you to the manual, you may have to register. It is free and you can print out the manual if you want or just look at the back connections.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pi...2145041730.pdf

 

[Jeff_Fitz]

Dan:
It sounds like you and I are looking for about the same thing in a receiver. I am currently doing the 30-day trail thing on a Yamaha HTR-5560. I will be returning it on day 29 because I want DTS ES Discrete, DTS Neo:6, and a learning remote. I will probably be replacing it with the Pioneer 811s.
I recently did an overview of the choices for entry-level 6.1 receivers. Check it out HERE.
Also, you might want to check out the Home Theater Receiver Buyer's Guides at http://hometheater.valuecanuck.com.
Hope that helps,
Jeff