Which receiver... Kenwood VR-6060 <OR> Pioneer VSX-26TX (1 Viewer)

[RobKo]

I recently sold an older Denon AV receiver to a friend and am looking for a nice receiver for $350 or less. I will be using JBL NSP-1 surround speakers and a modified Audiosource SW-Fifteen sub. Last week, I picked up a new Kenwood VR-6060 at BestBuy for ~$250 with tax. I've been so busy that i have not yet had a chance to open it and hook everything up. Today, a friend tells me that he can get a refurbished Pioneer VSX-26TX for around $350, and that the internals on the Pioneer are better ??quality??. I like the features & reviews of the Kenwood (same amp & PS as the 6070), but not much to be found on the VSX-26TX as far as reviews. For a $100 more is the Pioneer a worthy enough receiver. Keep in mind the Pioneer is a refurb and the Kenwood is brand new. I do like the IR feature of the Kenwood remote. The 6.1 of the Kenwood is not a necessity for me.

Any input would be greatly appreciated

Or, is there a better receiver/s I should be looking at??

Rob.
(Also, I'm new here so be merciful)

 

[RobKo]

Anyone?

 

[Andy Young]

Pioneer Elite 20 series (including the VSX-26TX) and a couple of the 30 series (I believe the 33 and 35) all had an engineering design flaw -- bad solder joint on the DSP board.

I've personally been dealing with this for the past 1.5 years. Pioneer has been great to work with, but I'd avoid this vintage receiver. Here are some links:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ght=elite+26tx

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hlight=pioneer