need help choosing a A/V receiver

ROFOD
ROFOD Posts: 5
edited July 2003 in Electronics
Got my new Polks in about a week ago ( RTi70's, CSi40,PSW404) and having fun... Problem is, I am driving them with a Kenwood Vr309..........I pause now to let the laughter die down.......... This is obviously inadequate to the challenge. I have my eye on a Pioneer Elite VSX-43TX which i realize is the line's entry level AV receiver but it has all the specs i want and i can get one with third party 2 year warranty delivered for under $600. I, however am unable to find a review on this reciever or find any opinions on the overall suitability of the elite line to the RT line of speakers. Would appreciate some input on this as well as any equipment reccommendations in this price range. I listen to mostly music but some movies. I have a keen interest in the new SACD and DVD-audio formats.

By the way.... rear surrounds are a pair of Bose 202 hand medowns which will be the last to upgrade.

any help will be appreciated.
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Comments

  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited June 2003
    Pioneer Elite Makes very nice receivers.The one you choose is ok,but there is room for Improvement.If you plan on staying with one receiver for awhile I suggest you look into the vsx45tx,it's worth the extra cost.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • jltrdavis
    jltrdavis Posts: 78
    edited July 2003
    I used a 43TX to run my LSI's before upgrading to Rotel and I found it a very capable receiver. The manual MCACC works pretty well.

    For the price you can get it online I don't think you can go wrong.


    -Jason
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2003
    The Elite is indeed a nice line, but Mantis picks the good upgrade version. If $600 is your range, or thereabouts, think about the Sony STR-DA2ES it's same price and comes with factory 5 year warranty. ES line is Sony's version of Pioneer Elite, and Onkyo Integra(Their hi-end rite?). Good luck :)

    I did alot of shopping in this bracket is why I mention the Sony ES.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited July 2003
    ROFOD,
    I've never heard any PE receivers but I must agree with doro. I heard the same Sony ES receiver powering some PSB speakers and they sound excellent. Very warm and the dynamics was very good. Make sure to give the Sony ES line a listen.

    Maurice
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,201
    edited July 2003
    Sony ES receivers are very nice sounding.Sound quality is top notch in there price classes but they are very difficult to understand and setup.I don't think a newbie to home theater should go this route first.I also don't care for the "balance"controls for the front speakers....stupid setup.Old school if you will

    Pioneer Elite and Denon are very easy to setup and understand.They both offer alot of flexibility.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited July 2003
    I somewhat agree with you Mantis.

    The manual is terrible, I had more success playing around on my own then I did trying to decode the verbage they use in it. After you know what to do it becomes easier, but that is a true statement.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited July 2003
    ROFOD,

    From a Harman Kardon lover here is a link:

    http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=AVR%20520-Z

    High current, preamp outs, logic 7..will drive your RT's with ease with great sound...check out the specs and judge for yourself. My 320 drives the RT's effortlessly. Whatever you decide on enjoy your new setup...nice stuff.

    Greg
    suds, suds and more suds!
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  • rainman
    rainman Posts: 24
    edited July 2003
    ROFOD

    ANOTHER HARMAN LOVER

    I ALSO AGREE WITH BUYING A AVR320. THAT BABY DRIVES SPEAKERS WITH EASE AND RUNS SMOOTH AS MY GIRLFRIENDS
    YOU NO WHAT. GIVE IT A TRY, YOU WONT BE DISSAPOINTED.
    RAINMAN
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  • SPEAKER7
    SPEAKER7 Posts: 355
    edited July 2003
    Can not complain.....I have the now ancient AVR 310 for the 2.5yrs and it's still working fine for my HT. But I would like to go separates if I was going for a 2ch rig.


    dc. :D
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  • Airplay355
    Airplay355 Posts: 4,298
    edited July 2003
    try marantz.... mantis reccomended denon and denon and marantz are the same company now. marantz makes nice receivers and they are pretty easy to understand. www.accesories4less.com i'm buying one from here. they are much cheaper then buying from the stereo stores and still come with a warranty from marantz.
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  • cdren70
    cdren70 Posts: 1
    edited July 2003
    im using a HK525 to run this set up...rt800i/cs1000p/f/x500.
    i love the way it sounds...plenty of volume..i like listening loud when im watchin movies and it sounds great in 2ch stereo with just a sub and the towers...im still working on getting my new sub SVS PB2-PLUS just a few more weeks and it will be ordered...and i can give my friend back his infinity sub that is just ok, atleast i wasnt subless..im very happy with my HK....nice to get a unit with pre-outs also just incase you want to go with more power...POWER...lol....ok good luck with your search and enjoy whatever you get

    Chris
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited July 2003
    Originally posted by cdren70
    im still working on getting my new sub SVS PB2-PLUS just a few more weeks and it will be ordered...and i can give my friend back his infinity sub that is just ok, atleast i wasnt subless..

    After you get the PB2-Plus, it WILL seem like you were subless.

    If you want clean, deep, accurate AND powerful - this sub delivers in spades. It has enough **** to cause structural damage without a hint of strain.

    Doc
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • Dr. Spec
    Dr. Spec Posts: 3,780
    edited July 2003
    Originally posted by ATCVenom
    Has enough **** eh?

    When my PB2 arrives, I will be sure to take note.... :)

    Ordered one, eh? Good deal! I thought you were on a self imposed hiatus from buying any gear??

    TC Sounds is back ordered on the dB-12 driver there has been such a huge demand for Plus cylinders and the PB2. End of July is a god bet for delivery right now.

    Doc
    "What we do in life echoes in eternity"

    Ed Mullen (emullen@svsound.com)
    Director - Technology and Customer Service
    SVS
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited July 2003
    welcome back, Sean ;)
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • ROFOD
    ROFOD Posts: 5
    edited July 2003
    Thanks to everyone for their input and suggestions!!! I, like Airplay335, could not resist the deal on the marantz SR6300 refurb. It seems to have everything I need including SACD/DVD-A which I think I will put to good use since my main interest is music.
    I am going waaaay out on a limb on this purchase as the nearest Marantz dealer is over 100 miles away and I have not even heard it!!! I am thinking of mating this up with a pioneer elite VSX-43Tx universal player. BTW I just read over my original post and I want to say that the Kenwood served me very well for what it was intended for and what I paid for it and did yoemans service through many hours of enjoyable listening. Thanks again everyone.

    ROFOD
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