Receiver for Monitor 70

cascius

I guys, I've had my speakers in a storage for 6 months now, and I'm finally moving to a new bigger place and will be unpacking them next week end. I'm super excited and want to upgrade the cheap Onkyo receiver I currently own.

My speakers are the usual Monitor Series: 2x70s, 2x40s, 1xCS2.

When I last checked, people seem to recommend the Pioneers VSX 1020k/1120k. I see that now there are VSX 1121k. The price seems right around what I want to pay ($550ish). Is this still the best choice? I've seen the VSX 52 for the same price and the VSX 53 for a bit more ($650ish). Would those be better options? What about other brands?

My usage is: 75% Movies, 25% music.
Some of the functionality I would like: up-convert everything to HDMI so that I don't need to run more than 1 cable to the TV.
PreAmp outputs for future upgrades.
Airplay would be nice, (not a must).

Also, I'm going to order the PSW 505. That's still the best bang for the buck right?

Thanks in advance,

- Olivier

cascius

Also, I see the VSX 1120k going for about $400 refurbished. Would that be a good deal? What's the difference with the 1121k?

cascius

Just about to pull the trigger on the 1121k. Anyone has any comments?

Thanks,

- Olivier

B Run

Go for it, Pioneer makes great stuff with tons of features. The 70's aren't too difficult to drive, but if you can swing $750 you could get an elite SC-35 which uses Class D ICE amps. It puts out a lot more power and would really wake those 70's up.

cascius

Thanks B Run. I did go for it. I figured I could always get a separate amp down the line to drive the 2 front speakers.

B Run

I had the 1120 for a long time and was happy with it. I added an Adcom amp later and it really woke my speakers up. I ended up ditching the amp and going with the SC and honestly either one is more than enough for what I need. Post pics when you get it all setup!