Pioneer VSX-49 TXi Review

renowilliams

Let me start by saying that, I was looking into purchasing a SC-05 or 07 , but I was unable to get one here in Canada for less than $1,700. Even if someone in this forum had been kind enough to get one and ship it to me, the taxes and duty at the border as well as shipping costs would have ended up costing me about the same anyway.

So with that in mind I decided to do some research on older Pioneer Elite receivers and opted to get the VSX-49TXi. I bought this unit for $ 800.00 cnd ($695.00 USD) and the individual who sold it to me shipped it overnight at his cost.

The box arrived and I opened it to find the receiver, remote, touch pen for remote , set up microphone power cord and manual. I proceeded to give myself a hernia lifting this 64lb beast out of the box. The first thing that stuck me was the beautiful high gloss piano black faceplate and rugged construction (side plates are just under 3/16” aluminum). It exudes an expensive and luxurious feel. The three knobs on the front are also milled out of aluminum and a door where lesser used controls are hidden.

Behind the door, left to right is Acoustic Cal, Midnight button,Tone,Digital NR, Tuner control, Listening CH Select,Multi-room & source. Row 2 left to right, Phones jack, SP System A/B, Signal Select,Video Select,Tape 2Monitor, Multi-Ch input, Setup Mic,Optical Digital input ,Front video jacks, S-video,composite, left right analog input.

One thing this receiver lacks is HDMI , and for a lot of you guys, that would be totally unacceptable. For me it is not an issue as I am more about the sound than the video.


The next thing I did was to hook up my speakers, DVD, optical and s-video from my computer, satellite receiver and my TV. This was relatively painless as I followed the instructions in the manual, which by the way was very well laid out and easy to follow. A far cry better than my Yamaha manual.

Next step was to go into speaker systems in the receiver menus and set up for the type and number of speakers. This was so easy compared to my Yamaha which I found a nightmare the first time I set it up. Then it was on to MCACC which I selected auto for and was also painless. This will be something that I will take time with later to tweak better.

I did all the set up using the remote, which is a combination of LCD and buttons. It is well laid out and easy to use. There is a stylus provided to use on its touch screen, which is backlit and easy to read. I like the remote so far.

I then had the pleasure of listening to this receiver. The sound is a quantum leap better than my Yammie. I put on a Floyd DVD and was struck by the difference in the quality of sound. My speakers came to life with smooth highs and the mids that were exquisite. My sub has never sounded so good.

I never realized how in the face the sound was on my Yammie till I heard this unit.

This receiver is a 2003 model lacking hdmi,which as I have already said, would not be for everyone. That said, If you want an absolutely beautiful receiver that has superb sound and considerable power, that originally sold for $4,500 and now may be found for a bargain, you might want to check it out.

mantis

I got my hands on the first released one. We got it in and I spent hours with it. It's a really great receiver. MCACC got it's start with it.

Dan

renowilliams

Here is a couple of pictures.

cnh

Hey Tim,

Nice review. That thing does look like a beast! Is that a two channel only receiver? Or a Surround receiver, because I saw a VSX49 on ebay that seems to be a stereo only? I guess it must be surround because you used the automated Pioneer speaker set up? Ok, I see this is a VSX 49TXI.

Enjoy....How many watts is that rated?

cnh

vijayl

If the VSX Elite receivers model doesn't end with TX, it is a stereo receiver. All non-TX receivers are older than year 2000.
TX models are Home theater receivers.

renowilliams

vijayl wrote: »

If the VSX Elite receivers model doesn't end with TX, it is a stereo receiver. All non-TX receivers are older than year 2000.
TX models are Home theater receivers.

Not sure what your saying here. You don't think I have the correct model number. If that is the case, check this link out;


http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/VSX-49TXi

vijayl

RenoW,
U do have the correct model number. I replied to cnh to clarify what he saw on eBay - VSX49.

kingtut

Renowilliams,

Which Yamaha receiver model did you owned?

renowilliams

kingtut wrote: »

Renowilliams,

Which Yamaha receiver model did you owned?

I had the RX-V861