Pioneer SC-57 vs Onkyo TXNR -5009?

RocketOCannon

Have a chance to purchase both at excellent prices with warranty.

I can save a few hundred dollars if I go with the Pioneer.

Any one have thoughts on the two? Is one better then the other? Strengths-weaknesses?

I will be powering LSiM 707s, 703s, 706c, Micropro 4000 or 3000 with a Parasound A51 which Im searching for currently. Will be getting the new Panasonic 65" plasma in March. Going to go the receiver way for now rather then pre/pro....can always go with a pre a year from now down the road when and if I decide to tweak or upgrade.

chumlie

You'll find the Pioneer sc series heavily favored around here. And for good reason. I have a Pioneer vsx-33. Never had a problem with it and hear nothing but good things about the sc's. Will not diss the Onkyo though as i've never had one.

tonyb

Both are great receivers, comes down to preference of their slightly different signature sound.

mantis

IMO the Pioneer as a preamp is much better sounding Musically and Theater. I've done a few now Elite vs Integra which is actually Onkyo's Flagship line and the get owned for sound quality. I was actually shocked how different these 2 sound.
Onkyo/Integra has a clear clean sound , not losing anything in the mix but doesn't have a good involvement. Pioneer has a warm natural sound with a tone that sucks you into what you are listening to. I would say that the Onkyo sounds like a typical receiver with that slightly noisy back ground and ruff response. The Pioneer sounds more like separates with a dead silent between the notes. Silky if you will.
When you look at these models on paper , they are both fully attractive. Features are not short on anyones list. The Onkyo/Integra's are stacked to the gill and IMO somewhat more attractive that Pioneer's offerings especially from a Custom Intergrators perspective. I think Onkyo/ Integra is overall the very best Pre on the market due to price , features and Champion in control and setup. But IMO where they lack is performance , not in the sense of a failure but in the comfort and warmth , the ability to really entertain. To pull you in and listen to the performance or be WOW'd. Most people would be tickled pink to own such a high level Onkyo / Integra as they are IMO better then the likes of Denon , Yamaha , Sony ES and even Marantz in many ways. They even IMO Beat out Pioneer Elite in certain areas by a long shot. But at the end of the day for me it's all about sound quality , dynamic range and I can't give that up for features , connections and control. I came from Rotel and B&k separates and really haven't lusted after going back down that road in years. Sound quality wise I think the SC models can hang with anything offered from NAD , Rotel and B&K of the past( hopefully we will see new models this year).

Honestly dude think about the importance in the last word in sound quality or features. The Pioneer will be a better sounding unit IMO especially as pre with the given speakers your going to use it with. The Onkyo will give you more flexibility and control and still some nice sound. it might sound like I hate the way it sounds , actually I think they sound pretty damn good. I wouldn't own one but they work for many kinds of speakers. I honestly don't think it's a good choice if your going LSIM's as they are very musical and I feel the Onkyo will hinder there abilities.
You also might want to consider not going with either and looking into NAD as a Receiver with no amps or Separates from NAD. NAD has as good or in some cases better sound quality then the mighty Elite SC models. I have heard both and I would strongly consider owning a NAD over my SC-07. A few things hold me back but one isn't sound quality.

begbie

Can't speak for the Pioneer but I recently picked up the Onkyo TXNR-1009 because it carries Audyssey calibaration for your speakers. I must say it has certainly breathed new life into my speakers.

The 5009 has got more balls than the 1009 and 3009 so I can only imagine how much better it could be!

RocketOCannon

Thanks guys...all great responses.

I am actually partial to Pioneer. I listened to both Pioneer and Onkyo at a Best Buy....I too liked the pioneer sound.
I also agree that you really can't go wrong with either one...just subtle differences that...well...make a difference.

you guys rock...you always respond and give sound insight and advice. I appreciate it as I re-learn the art of "The Rig" lol...

I just gotta be patient and try and track down a good deal on the A51. I will also snoop around the NAD equip as well...can't hurt to look and learn eh?! :>)

Mantis....Im in the Lehigh Valley. Let me know if you ever want to get together. My 707s are here. Once I get the remaining speakers and get set up you are more then welcome to come have at the LSI's for your listening pleasure! even if you wanted to bring your own gear and hook up...that would be fine by me...in return, I will continue to lean on folks like you to help educate me and get sound advice and opinions! Great crew of people on this site.

If you guys have any thoughts on Blue Ray...please advise. Not looking to spend a lot here but want to know what the key factors are in selection and the key watch outs.

Thanks again!
AHOY!

jbooker82

Audysse XT32's ability to EQ two subs would be a real sweet deal to have.

begbie

jbooker82 wrote: »

Audysse XT32's ability to EQ two subs would be a real sweet deal to have.

+1 on the Audyssey XT32 :cheesygrin:

mantis

RocketOCannon wrote: »

Thanks guys...all great responses.

I am actually partial to Pioneer. I listened to both Pioneer and Onkyo at a Best Buy....I too liked the pioneer sound.
I also agree that you really can't go wrong with either one...just subtle differences that...well...make a difference.

you guys rock...you always respond and give sound insight and advice. I appreciate it as I re-learn the art of "The Rig" lol...

I just gotta be patient and try and track down a good deal on the A51. I will also snoop around the NAD equip as well...can't hurt to look and learn eh?! :>)

Mantis....Im in the Lehigh Valley. Let me know if you ever want to get together. My 707s are here. Once I get the remaining speakers and get set up you are more then welcome to come have at the LSI's for your listening pleasure! even if you wanted to bring your own gear and hook up...that would be fine by me...in return, I will continue to lean on folks like you to help educate me and get sound advice and opinions! Great crew of people on this site.

If you guys have any thoughts on Blue Ray...please advise. Not looking to spend a lot here but want to know what the key factors are in selection and the key watch outs.

Thanks again!
AHOY!

Thanks for the offer , I may take you up on that. I haven't heard the 707s yet but had the 703's here at my house for about 2 weeks.

leroyjr1

Sound quality wise they're very close but feature wise the 5009 wins hands down. Pioneer needs to step their game up.

obieone

If you want to save some coin, the A52 will get you in the ballpark, with 225w @ 4 ohms.
As for BDP's, Id say Oppo BDP-93. If you're spending this much on a rig, there's no sense shoving a $60 LG from Walmart into the food chain.
JMO

B Run

I know they're different than the specific models you're asking about, but i had an Onkyo 3008 and after it broke went to a Pioneer SC-35. I think the Onkyo was a little more feature packed compared to the Pioneer and that Audyssey xt32 is slightly superior to Mcacc, but the Pioneer definitely has a smoother warmer sound and tons of clean power. I wouldn't trade back for an Onkyo, especially after mine broke in less than a month.

zingo

Just installed a SC-55 + BDP-93 for a friend and it's a great combination. If I want personally buying a new AVR, it would be the SC-55 for it's great features and class D power.