Starting search for new AVR

rpf65

I actually thought this would be a fairly easy decision. I had pretty much narrrowed it down to the Yamaha 30xx or 20xx. Recently I've been reading a lot of good things about the updated Pioneer SC series Avr's. So sometime in the near future, I guess I'll have to do a side by side comparrison. Shouldn't be hard, the Best Buy 20 miles away has both products, and can use the same speakers for each.

I've spent some time comparing the features of the Pioneer SC-65, 67, and 68 AVRs. Using the MSRP, i pretty much eliminated the SC-65, so it would be between the other 2. Although the Yamaha's are still very much in the running, I have a question for those more knowledgable about such matters.

Reading the specs/features between the Pioneer SC-67 and SC-68, I noticed only 2 differences between them. Other than the $500 price differences. The first is 1 extra HDMI output, and the other is a USB DAC connection, for which I assume would be something along the lines of an SACD or PC. Could be wrong here, but that's why I ask.

So do you think these extras are worth $500?

B Run

Doing a side by side demo will be your best bet. I own an SC-35 and absolutely love it, but i've always loved/wanted a Yamaha Rxa 30xx as well. When I did a side by side, they had them hooked up to a pair of Studio 20's. I thought the Yamaha sounded more musical to me, and quite different than the class d amps of the SC. I went Pioneer because I liked it better for HT use and it seemed to have a much wider soundstage. Either way you'll have a very nice AVR.

I honestly haven't spent much time looking into the SC series after I bought mine so i'm sure someone with more knowledge (Mantis) can chime in and help you out.

rpf65

Between the SC-67 and 68, I would probably lean more toward the 67, providing it sounded better than the Yamaha. Just curious if the $500 extra should have me considering the 68 for the USB DAC. I really don't know if I would have a use for this feature at some point in the future, or if better options are out there.

TNHNDYMAN

A dedicated external DAC would be a better option in my opinion vs another feature in an AVR.

mantis

The SC-68 is a beast. I prefer it over all listed above. The Internal USB DAC is awesome. I've used it a few times now and think it's genius. I believe it's well worth the extra 500 just for that alone. But it's not the only thing you get over the SC-67 which is a beautiful receiver in it's own right.

Yamaha's Aventage Line is pretty cool. They offer a lot for your money but you have to be on the careful side with them as they tend to be slightly on the bright side. Very powerful top end they have. This is a very good or bad thing depending on your room and speakers. In a quite well treated room with laid back speakers , the Yamaha will breath life where life is needed. Clarity and power is what they strongly bring to the table. Dynamics are also a strong side of

The Pioneer SC models of Elite line are more on the warmer side with amazing dynamics and clarity. They are IMO the closest thing to the sound of separates a Japanese receiver offers. Very quite back ground like a good amp and pre gives you. It's damn close. I would compare to entry level separates especially for the price plus all the IC's you also have to buy to wire up the 2. The Pioneer Elite actually smokes them for value.

So basically tell me your speaker package and room layout and I can help you choose the right model for you. I do however will say if your going to get into computer music with High rez files and such , the Elite SC-68 is the perfect way to do so. It's so good I'm strongly considering it myself. I think the thing that taking it to the top of my list is the fact it drove a pair of Maggies 1.7's with ease and they sounded actually better then they do on a Peach Tree 200 x 2 amp with a Cambridge Pre. Both systems are wired with Cardas so thats pretty fair. The pioneer sounds better to me and a few others who have listened.

rpf65

The room size is about 14 x 16 ft. It's a double-wide, so accustics are pretty bad, but working on that also. Actually looking for large over stuffed couches in fabric to help. Also has vaulted cielings from about 8 ft to about 10 ft high, slope runs with narrow side, and ht system faces long side.

Speakers are:

RTI/a5 mains
CSI/a4 center, but plan on upgrading to CSI/a6
RTI/a1 for surrounds
DSWpro440wi for sub,plan on upgrading to Epik Empire.

Appreciate all the help/advice I can get.

Current system sounds pretty good, but can definately be better.

WagnerRC

I really enjoy the ARCAM AVR350.

rpf65

I'll most certainly check out the 2 above mentioned AVR's. Work won't start picking up until April, when we start breaking 90 degrees, so have plenty of time to look. I think it may be pretty hard to beat the Yamaha Aventage or Pioneer Elite series recievers. Will probably be doing that side by side soon.

Mikey081057

Take a look at the Marantz SR7007 perhaps the best processor in the bunch. If you ever decide to go sith a more powerful amp down the road, then the Marantz would still do a great job.