Pioneer VSX-01 vs. VSX-03

polkapolka

What is the difference between these two. I have been reading a lot of posts, and doing a good deal of research, but specs only tell you part of the story, as you all know.

So, I am looking for some practical advantages, if any, in the 03 vs. the 01. Please don't recommend the 05, as I am not willing to spend that much.
I simply would like to get input from some of you who have listened to, or owned both.

How do they compare?
Are the DACs the same?
What about resale value?

There is only a $50 difference from the 01 to the 03 on Audiogon: 01 $449 vs. 03 $499. But, I don't just want to waste the $50 either.

My goals are to get the most I can out of the speaker system I have. I listen to HT 70%, music 30%, but would like to listen to more music if I can achieve more musicality in my system than the onkyo HTIB amp is providing.

Also, I am not interested in going separates, or otherwise. I have spent a few months researching and finally made the decision to go with either the 01 or 03.

Thanks for your input!

Matt

polkapolka

The 03 does include jitter reduction. I know this is cool, but does it make a difference in people's experience with it?
Also, it has 2 remotes vs. the 01's single remote. There are a few input differences that are irrelevant to me.

I see that they both share the same DACs: 192 kHz / 24-bit DAC Wolfson WM8728 DAC.

I will assume the sound differences, if any, will be minor.

The biggest difference that I have found is the weight difference: 01weighs in at 29 lbs.13 oz; and the 03weighs in at a staggering 37 lbs. 48 oz.!

I have been unable to find the reason for the 8 pound difference in weight between the two amps. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller???

Thanks again for your help,
Matt

messiah

it's more than 8 pounds. 48oz = 3 pounds (16 oz to a pound). So closer to 10 pounds more. I'm guessing a better amp section. And I know you said not to, but the 05 can be had for a steal and SMOKES the 01 or 03. If you don't get it now, you will be wishing you did every time you listen to it!!

polkapolka

messiah wrote: »

it's more than 8 pounds. 48oz = 3 pounds (16 oz to a pound). So closer to 10 pounds more. I'm guessing a better amp section. And I know you said not to, but the 05 can be had for a steal and SMOKES the 01 or 03. If you don't get it now, you will be wishing you did every time you listen to it!!

One thing that I have noticed on many of these forums, is that most people always want more, more, more. No matter what they are discontent with what they have. I am not talking about your average upgrade either, I'm talking about never being happy with what you have.

I am thrilled to be able to buy an Elite receiver at all! I have been waiting for months and months. It is so easy to overbuy. That is one thing that I am trying not to do. Although, it is very tempting. That's why they call it practicing contentment.

So, in response to your post, I won't be wishing for anything more every time I turn it on. I will simply be thankful with what I have.

Falcon01

Polkapolka, well said.

polkapolka

Falcon01 wrote: »

Polkapolka, well said.

That no one wants to chime in on this post.

No one has any experience with these?

Falcon01

I just bought the VSX-01 a couple of weeks ago. They tried to sell me the VSX-03 but the difference was NOT worth the extra $150 CAN for me. I would rather step up to the SC-05 but its crazy exepnsive up here.

Sonically you won't hear much of a difference between the two receivers. I think you get an extra digital connection in the back and maybe another connection of some type but it just wasn't worth the extra cash.

polkapolka

Falcon01 wrote: »

I just bought the VSX-01 a couple of weeks ago. They tried to sell me the VSX-03 but the difference was NOT worth the extra $150 CAN for me. I would rather step up to the SC-05 but its crazy exepnsive up here.

Sonically you won't hear much of a difference between the two receivers. I think you get an extra digital connection in the back and maybe another connection of some type but it just wasn't worth the extra cash.

Thanks Falcon01. Yes, from what I understand the differences in sound between the 01 & 03 are nill. On Pioneer's website, they show the same DACs for each.

You are right about the differences, and the $150 CAN is just wild. On Audiogon they have both for sale; $449 plus about $49 ship. and 3% paypal/cc fees, and the 03 at $499 plus ship and 3%.

So, with a difference of only $50 for the 03, it may well be worth it to me, as it does also have the 2nd zone remote, and offers their proprietary PQLS(?) jitter reduction.

I am looking for someone to chime in on the jitter reduction and any experience they have had with it. I don't know how important it is, if at all.

Pedler

Put it this way I went from the 1018 to the SC due to the sound differance.
When I listened there wasn't much differance between -01 and to be honnest I felt it was no better than my 1018.. but they were using a better
cd/DVD player than what I have. so I may have been hearing the better sound from the player. ( They had it hooked up by HDMI.

I give my vote not worth the extra cost going from 01-03 Your better off going to the SC-05/07 for the step up in quality of sound.

polkapolka

Pedler wrote: »

Put it this way I went from the 1018 to the SC due to the sound differance.
When I listened there wasn't much differance between -01 and to be honnest I felt it was no better than my 1018.. but they were using a better
cd/DVD player than what I have. so I may have been hearing the better sound from the player. ( They had it hooked up by HDMI.

I give my vote not worth the extra cost going from 01-03 Your better off going to the SC-05/07 for the step up in quality of sound.

Thanks Pedler. I am going this week, I hope, depends on tax return arrival, to demo them. They have the 03, 05, & 07 hooked up for demo. I know if $ were no issue, well then, it would be a different story for us all-no?

The least I will get will be the 03. If I want to upgrade later, I will ad an emo, or rotel. Something along those lines. It seems to me, and correct me if I'm wrong, but many that buy the 05 & 07 love them, but are adding a power amp if they want more, rather than buying a new, or higher-end integrated.

I can appreciate people's excitement and following for the ICE powered amps. But, in my case, I have a limited budget, and feel blessed to simply buy an Elite at all. As you can see from my sig, I have a very modest system, but I like it. My upgrades will come over time, as I save my pennies!

Thanks for the input,
Matt

leroyjr1

Polkapolka

Where are you located?

leroyjr1

Polkapolka

Where are you located?

polkapolka

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Polkapolka

Where are you located?

Fond du Lac. North on 41 about an hour, depending on what part of Milw. you live in.

I worked at 4200 N. Holton as a P.O. At that time in lived down by the airport.

Matt