Pioneer VSX 1120-K vs Yamaha RX-V667

PiG

Hi guys,

I was just wondering whether anyone had any knowledge as to how the Pioneer VSX 1120-K receiver compares to the Yamaha RX-V667?

They are in a similar price range though the Yamaha is cheaper, about a hundred dollars lets say. Both have 7.1 preouts which is important for me because i will be using these to run RTi A7 or A9 fronts with RTi 8 rears and a CSi A6 centre (this is what I would want it to eventually run at least ). The Pioneer has THX Select 2 Plus certification.

From the reviews I've read the Yamaha gets great reviews but it seems to be 20 watts per channel (RMS) lower in it's rating. I would only be going the 5.1 route, but I have no idea if this would make each channel enjoy more wattage considering 2 channels are not being run.

Which brand receiver would match better with the polks mentioned above, in terms of sound (I don't like it sounding too bright)?

I'd also say I use my system about 50/50 music/home theatre

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

mdaudioguy

I was less than thrilled with the Yamaha/RTi pairing - too much top end for my ears, so I'd suggest the Pioneer in this instance, even without trying one. Not to diss Yamaha, though, because I really liked them. It was the pairing that just didn't work for me. I had an RX-V663 and then an RX-V863.

mdaudioguy

Music is important to me too, and HK gave me the result I was looking for. The Yamahas would have been perfect if all I was interested in was HT. Thought I'd throw that out there, too. Also, WPC tells you nothing about the sound, and becomes meaningless with the addition of an amp. No need to pay for more if you're not going to be using it, IMO. Good luck!

spock 2054

When I'm shopping for stuff, I take a look at how easy it is to use, how it performs, and how it looks. Looking at the 2 receivers, I think the Pioneer wins my vote. The on screen user interface, and the back panel layout sold me. It costs a tad bit more than the Yamaha, but you get what you pay for...

mantis

I'd take the Pioneer. Warmer sound , better features , easier to use , Ipod connect , back panel layout is nicer , it will drive your speakers nicely.

Nothing wrong with the yamaha but they do tend to be brighter then Pioneer . They stress the top end more which is why some may say bright. I like Yamaha for what they are but I also feel they lack in many ways. They where much better 7 years ago.

BtrSound

I tected the two of them and thought the Yamaha had better sound quality for music, but the Pioneer had far better video processing. The Yammy's really do not do much for video processing until the A2000. The 1120 is a beautiful receiver, and had great all around sound, but I did not like that it did not have the 12v trigger for my amplifier. That means that you would have to manually turn your amps on and off. With the wife, I did not want this added hassle. The 1120 does come with full ipod integration, an app to control it with the iphone, and networking capabilities that the Yammy does not come with unil the 867.

Both receivers do have pre amp outputs for the addition of an amp if you later choose. This is just MHO.

I would have to go with the 1120 out of those two. I was just going through this same exact dilema, and decided to spend a little extra for the Denon 3311.

PiG

Thanks for the replies guys.

Does anyone know how these compare quality wise? I kind of like my equipment to be hassle free for the most part. I know that's impossible to predict, but which brand has the better track record?


Thanks again

mdaudioguy

Of course, there are always the occasional problems and, as usual, those with these issues sometimes tend to scream and whine about them all over the place... Anyhow, I'd say that for the most part, I don't see too much online that would make me feel that there's a significant quality difference between the mainstream brands - Yamaha, Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon, etc... I'm sure someone will cite a difference based on their personal experience with one or the other, but my gut says any differences are negligible.

Bottom line - go with the one you like best that best fits your wants, needs, and budget.

PrazVT

I've used 2 Yamahas, 1 Onkyo, and my current Denon and had no problems with any of them. I will agree that my RTi A7s sounded a bit bright with my Yamaha RX-V663, but the Yamaha had pre-outs at its price point, which was a good plus. Onkyo sound quality is a little warmer and so is my Denon 3311's.

But all three were different in terms of feature sets, so I can't make direct comparisons there.

PiG

mdaudioguy wrote: »

Of course, there are always the occasional problems and, as usual, those with these issues sometimes tend to scream and whine about them all over the place... Anyhow, I'd say that for the most part, I don't see too much online that would make me feel that there's a significant quality difference between the mainstream brands - Yamaha, Pioneer, Onkyo, Denon, etc... I'm sure someone will cite a difference based on their personal experience with one or the other, but my gut says any differences are negligible.

Bottom line - go with the one you like best that best fits your wants, needs, and budget.

Yeah you're right that's what happens often with the kicking and screaming. I'm sure I've heard that Pioneer is making cut backs or the like and people worry about future support and so on plus it's got a year less warrenty I believe. But it seems for the warmer sound and additional power I think I'll have to go with that. The Yamaha was going for a good price at newegg with a gift cert. offer. However, I don't want to save a 100 or so now and spend 100's in time contemplating what could have been... We've probably all been there at some point or another.

PiG

If you add an amp to your receiver and use it simply as a Preamp/SSP does the warmth or brightness of the receiver still matter at this point or will the sound then be more influenced by the properties of the given amp?

mdaudioguy

PiG wrote: »

If you add an amp to your receiver and use it simply as a Preamp/SSP does the warmth or brightness of the receiver still matter at this point or will the sound then be more influenced by the properties of the given amp?

Yes, the tone of the receiver will be just as evident. The amp may affect the sound, too, but many here believe it's less significant than the source. YMMV.

tonyb

PiG wrote: »

If you add an amp to your receiver and use it simply as a Preamp/SSP does the warmth or brightness of the receiver still matter at this point or will the sound then be more influenced by the properties of the given amp?

I guess in theory, you could say no, it won't change,but in reality, very possible. I've changed mine with just the swap of cables. Once you find a synergy in your system, you know it. I use a tube hybrid amp and that also changed the overall sound of the receiver.