Chhose between the Harmon Kardon & Pioneer

Knucklehead

H/K AVR 525 or the Pioneer VSX 1014TX....same price, both have pre-outs.

Knucklehead

Thanks X, the price is local CL for both @ $150 each. I guess Im wondering which has better sound quality for the Rti line.

Knucklehead

xcapri79 wrote: »

I haven't heard the HK 525, but in general, I would say that I prefer the HK over the Pioneer for Polk RTi speakers.

Thats kinda what I wanted to know....Ive heard some of H/K's 2 channel stuff a long time ago and really liked it. I appreciate the input. David

Upstatemax

xcapri79 wrote: »

I haven't heard the HK 525, but in general, I would say that I prefer the HK over the Pioneer for Polk RTi speakers. I'm a big fan of the HK 3490 stereo receiver.

I have the HK 3490 in my office powering my Monitor 70's and I love it.

I might be hooked on HK now...

TORI3

Like XCapri, I had an old HK matched with some RTi4s. They matched very well.

With the RTi line, I'd probably go with the HK as it's a little warmer. The Pioneer is considered warmer than other performers (like Onkyo), but not as warm as many HKs. I've tried HK, Pioneer, and Onkyo on my system.

HK is great for music with the RTi line.

Pioneer is pretty dynamic, which makes it good for HT.

Onkyo is great, but a little bright when paired with the RTi line.

I guess it depends on what you're shooting for.

kawizx9r

^ Good stuff.

Though I'd be curious to know if that series of AVR's (by HK) had quality issues?

There were a good amount of owners having issues with the 254's/354's and such.

Knucklehead

kawizx9r wrote: »

^ Good stuff.

Though I'd be curious to know if that series of AVR's (by HK) had quality issues?

There were a good amount of owners having issues with the 254's/354's and such.

thats what I was thinking Freddy, im still on the fence because Ive read that some of the H/K AVR's had a few QC issues.

daboyz

HK with Rti's is the way to go. I've bought two receivers(335 and 254) refurbed off ebay. The 335 had a left channel issue. I sent it back,they sent me another and I had no problems. The 254 has been stellar since day 1. The HK refurbs are excellent bang for the buck receivers. IMHO,of course.:)

Monster Jam

I've got a refurb AVR525 driving 4 LSi15s and an LSiC. Well, technically I'm on my third AVR525 - the units prior to this had all kinds of strange problems. The current unit also has issues occasionally. Go figure.

But its a beast when its working (which it is usually), and its a great sounding receiver.

I also have an old Pioneer receiver in the bedroom - must be 15 years old. Has Dolby Pro-Logic. Rock solid. I think its only ever been in the shop once, and that was right after I bought it Open Box. Just a point to demonstrate exceptional build quality.

In your case, if you manage to score a reliable HK AVR525, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more powerful AVR at its price range. I'm not sure a more powerful AVR exists at its price range.

B Run

I have a Pioneer Vsx 1015 hooked up to my Rt series, I picked it up off craigslist for $150 as well. It's a solid receiver and does everything I need, especially for the money.