Looking at Pioneer VSX-1120-K to power a HT system

nguyendot

Glowrdr wrote: »

As said before, the 1120 is an Elite without the badge, but its the VSX elite, not the SC elite.

Here is a good way to explain it (assuming the 'stang in your name isn't horses...)

Try and show up to a Mustang Cobra meet, with a V6 automatic Mustang. Granted, its still a mustang - but they aren't even looked at on the same level. That would probably be for the regular pio vs the elite.

Then you get into the VSX elites. They are elites, yes. But again, it's like trying to say "Well, isn't a GT a cobra, without the snake?" It does SAY elite, but I think the VSX is more of a marketing ploy to play on peoples value of the brand recognition of the Elite badge. It's lower end, and missing some of the main components of the badging (i.e. the ICEamps)

So in your case, I wouldn't even pull the VSX line into the mix. You're either looking at the 1120 with an amp, or the SC line with the "real" amps. Other receivers are going to compare very similarly in the price range, otherwise if there was a clear winner, we would have all said so by now.

Also keep in mind that the 1120 puts out roughly half of what the 635 did in bench tests. That is why you're missing that oomph your talking about.

You know the VSX-1120k and VSX-32 are identical except for the color of the display and the 12v trigger output, right?

Glowrdr

nguyendot wrote: »

You know the VSX-1120k and VSX-32 are identical except for the color of the display and the 12v trigger output, right?

Right, but I do go on to say that the VSX is kind of a poor-mans' Elite. It is officially an Elite, but it doesn't really go as far as giving you the elite benefit. More just the name.

(Possibly could lead into an 1120-k conspiracy theory.. kill it off, so they sell more VSX elites, since the 1120 is eating into the market)

Pioneer wanted to make the elite a little more affordable to everyone by releasing some lower end models. But I think they cut it down a little too far, and lowered the bar lower than the normal line. Just a thought.

nguyendot

If you say it like that, then what was a "real" elite when the SC line didn't exist?

The SC series has only been around a few years, the elite badge significantly longer.

cnh

Previous Pioneers, ending, with, I think, the 1018 were always very similar to the entry level Elite! The Flagship non-Elite, that is. No?

cnh

Glowrdr

I could very well be off. I'm pretty new to Pio's, so anything past the last couple of years (aka researchable and reviewable) will be beyond my scope.

We will just call that my take on the models, but it may not hold much truth to it based on the history in general.

I, personally, do not consider the VSX line very elite. Granted, it does hold the title - but I just don't see it (which is why the 1120 is so great in this price point)

gsxr141

not to add fuel to the fire, but.........
the bestbuy store near me has an open box vsx30 for $459, and the 1120 for $519.
from what i can tell, the 1120 is comparable to the vsx32. then again, does it have the same quality power as an actual "elite", such as the vsx30?

B Run

Roamingrasta wrote: »

Hummmm . . . why don't you sell me your Adcom GFA-7000 :rolleyes:

I picked it up on craigslist for $250, just shop around you can find used amps for a steal.

Roamingrasta

CES starts tomorrow!!!!! I'm going to check out all the new toys . . . if you Polkies are nice I'll shoot video of solutions to this years "how can I package the toys and make you buy the SOS." I'm going to slip past the Polk Booth . . . bringing my own music . . . and see what other toys abound. Should I test the AVR vendors with my music on a USB device or see if they can stream my Bluetooth DLNA phone (Android).

Glowrdr

gsxr141 wrote: »

not to add fuel to the fire, but.........
the bestbuy store near me has an open box vsx30 for $459, and the 1120 for $519.
from what i can tell, the 1120 is comparable to the vsx32. then again, does it have the same quality power as an actual "elite", such as the vsx30?

The 1120 is more powerful then the VSX30. The 30 is technically 2 steps down from the 1120/32

With the 1120, you get 110 watts vs 80, you get the THX certification, preouts, and you get the DolbyIIz (heights)

There could be more, but apples to apples, the 1120 wins in that fight for specs. I'd say it's worth the extra $60

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1489564

gsxr141

that's what i figured. i might have to pull the trigger on the 1120.

cnh

+1, there is not much that is different inside the 1120 vs. the Elite-32.

cnh