Pioneer VSX-816-K or Onkyo TX-SR504?

frdranger
frdranger Posts: 110
edited August 2006 in Electronics
Hey gang - Thank you all for your help this far, you are truely a great community! I have one more question..

Would you prefer the Pioneer VSX-816-K or Onkyo TX-SR504? I am currently using a Yamaha HTR-5830; would I notice any difference in sound quality/clarity and any extra "oompphh" by purchasing either of these two receivers over the YAmaha HTR-5830 I own now? Thanks gang!!

-Tom
My Living Room 3.1 config:
Toshiba 40RV525U
Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR609
Center channel: Polk CS1
Front L/R: Paradigm Reference Studio 20
Subwoofer: Velodyne DPS-10
Rears: None

My Computer setup
Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 THX
Post edited by frdranger on
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Comments

  • Mike682
    Mike682 Posts: 2,074
    edited August 2006
    I think the Pioneer and the Yammie will sound similar to each other
    Receiver: harmankardon AVR235
    Mains: polk R30
    Center: polk CSi3
    Rear Surrounds: polk R20
    Subwoofer: polk PSW404
    DVD: Panasonic DVD-S29
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited August 2006
    Between the Pioneer and Onkyo: I'd take the Pioneer in a heartbeat. Imo it would sound better than either the Onkyo or your 6.1 yamaha.

    But remember, neither that Pioneer or particular Onkyo have Component Video switching or HDMI, much like your Yamaha.

    If you're actually going to do it and EXPECT a noticeable (not subtle) improvement, then i'd save up for a Denon, Marantz, Harman Kardon or Pioneer Elite avr.

    jmo.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • Mike682
    Mike682 Posts: 2,074
    edited August 2006
    Just to add

    If you are gonna go Pioneer, this is where to start. Basically an entry level elite:

    http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-125&menu=true&id=33276
    Receiver: harmankardon AVR235
    Mains: polk R30
    Center: polk CSi3
    Rear Surrounds: polk R20
    Subwoofer: polk PSW404
    DVD: Panasonic DVD-S29
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited August 2006
    Mike682 wrote:
    Just to add

    If you are gonna go Pioneer, this is where to start:

    http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-125&menu=true&id=33276

    Right on.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • Mike682
    Mike682 Posts: 2,074
    edited August 2006
    aaharvel wrote:
    Right on.



    :D:D
    Receiver: harmankardon AVR235
    Mains: polk R30
    Center: polk CSi3
    Rear Surrounds: polk R20
    Subwoofer: polk PSW404
    DVD: Panasonic DVD-S29
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited August 2006
    $415?

    I look at my avr-235 then I look at that, and I think to myself: That's not fair.
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • frdranger
    frdranger Posts: 110
    edited August 2006
    aaharvel wrote:
    Between the Pioneer and Onkyo: I'd take the Pioneer in a heartbeat. Imo it would sound better than either the Onkyo or your 6.1 yamaha.

    But remember, neither that Pioneer or particular Onkyo have Component Video switching or HDMI, much like your Yamaha.

    If you're actually going to do it and EXPECT a noticeable (not subtle) improvement, then i'd save up for a Denon, Marantz, Harman Kardon or Pioneer Elite avr.

    jmo.

    My current Yammie does not have an HDMI port. My DVD player does lol.
    My Living Room 3.1 config:
    Toshiba 40RV525U
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR609
    Center channel: Polk CS1
    Front L/R: Paradigm Reference Studio 20
    Subwoofer: Velodyne DPS-10
    Rears: None

    My Computer setup
    Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 THX
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  • frdranger
    frdranger Posts: 110
    edited August 2006
    Also, my circuit city has the HK AVR240 in stock for $399 - it's extremely tempting, but the wife would kill me...lol.
    My Living Room 3.1 config:
    Toshiba 40RV525U
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR609
    Center channel: Polk CS1
    Front L/R: Paradigm Reference Studio 20
    Subwoofer: Velodyne DPS-10
    Rears: None

    My Computer setup
    Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 THX
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  • aaharvel
    aaharvel Posts: 4,489
    edited August 2006
    speaking of H/K, i just read an article in HomeTheater Magazine that reviewed the avr-340. It's "rated" at 55x7 with all channels driven 20hz-20khz. But in their benchtests it actually measured at 73x7 at 0.1thd. and 96x5at 0.1thd, "all" channels driven 20hz-20khz.

    http://www.hometheatermag.com/completesystems/806system/index4.html

    So technically speaking, H/K is a dishonest company. :D

    (edited for correction)
    H/K Signature 2.1+235
    Jungson MagicBoat II
    Revel Performa M-20
    Velodyne cht-10 sub
    Rega P1 Turntable

    "People working at Polk Audio must sit around the office and just laugh their balls off reading many of these comments." -Lush
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  • frdranger
    frdranger Posts: 110
    edited August 2006
    aaharvel wrote:
    speaking of H/K, i just read an article in HomeTheater Magazine that reviewed the avr-340. It's "rated" at 55x7.

    It actually measured at 72x7 at .01thd. and 92x5 at .01thd.

    So technically speaking, H/K is a dishonest company. :D

    For the better of course =).
    My Living Room 3.1 config:
    Toshiba 40RV525U
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR609
    Center channel: Polk CS1
    Front L/R: Paradigm Reference Studio 20
    Subwoofer: Velodyne DPS-10
    Rears: None

    My Computer setup
    Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 THX
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mike682
    Mike682 Posts: 2,074
    edited August 2006
    aaharvel wrote:
    speaking of H/K, i just read an article in HomeTheater Magazine that reviewed the avr-340. It's "rated" at 55x7 with all channels driven 20hz-20khz. But in their benchtests it actually measured at 73x7 at 0.1thd. and 96x5at 0.1thd, "all" channels driven 20hz-20khz.

    http://www.hometheatermag.com/completesystems/806system/index4.html

    So technically speaking, H/K is a dishonest company. :D

    (edited for correction)

    Nice! Even hometheater mag commented on this.

    The ratings page says"Harman/Kardon's power specs are less fictional than most"

    http://www.hometheatermag.com/completesystems/806system/index3.html
    Receiver: harmankardon AVR235
    Mains: polk R30
    Center: polk CSi3
    Rear Surrounds: polk R20
    Subwoofer: polk PSW404
    DVD: Panasonic DVD-S29
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  • frdranger
    frdranger Posts: 110
    edited August 2006
    Oh - one last thing; does THX certification make a big deal/difference at all? Thanks! :)
    My Living Room 3.1 config:
    Toshiba 40RV525U
    Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR609
    Center channel: Polk CS1
    Front L/R: Paradigm Reference Studio 20
    Subwoofer: Velodyne DPS-10
    Rears: None

    My Computer setup
    Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 THX
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  • JDOGG
    JDOGG Posts: 433
    edited August 2006
    No, not really.
    Panasonic VIERA 46" 1080p plasma
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Klipsch RF-7(bi-amped)
    Klipsch RF-25
    Xbox 360 with HD DVD
    Playstation 3
    Cobalt Cable
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited August 2006
    THX cert. means the unit will reach certain sound/visual specs within a given room area. On entry gear its nice to have.

    These entry level receivers are kinda like vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, pick the one that pleases you most. The H&K has demonstrated an ability to meet/exceed specifications. I would make sure whichever unit you buy has pre-outs in case you ever want to add amplification, many do.

    RT1
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