Pioneer VS Onkyo

sageleo

I'm currently looking for a new avr for my HT set up. I think I have narrowed down my selection. I'm debating between the Pioneer Elite vsx23-txh and and an Onkyo 805. Mainly will be used for games and movies. Any and all help is appreciated.

bopicasso

Coming from someone who has owned a onkyo 805 and a pio 21txh, I prefer all the features and mcacc on the pio to the onk's features. Plus the sound of the onkyo is more bright while the pio is more neutral. With you RTI's I would definitely go with the more neutral receiver since they are already on the bright side. I didnt use the amp section in either amp so I cant comment on the difference there.

Basically I was unhappy with the onk 805 and wanted something different. Now with the pio 21txh Im completely satisfied. Fills all my needs. Plus MCACC seems to be alot more detailed with its speaker setup compared to the Audyssey. Audyssey never setup my subwoofer properly while the MCACC blends it perfectly.

dvran

Onkyo 805

disneyjoe7

bopicasso wrote: »

Coming from someone who has owned a onkyo 805 and a pio 21txh, I prefer all the features and mcacc on the pio to the onk's features. Plus the sound of the onkyo is more bright while the pio is more neutral. With you RTI's I would definitely go with the more neutral receiver since they are already on the bright side. I didnt use the amp section in either amp so I cant comment on the difference there.

Basically I was unhappy with the onk 805 and wanted something different. Now with the pio 21txh Im completely satisfied. Fills all my needs. Plus MCACC seems to be alot more detailed with its speaker setup compared to the Audyssey. Audyssey never setup my subwoofer properly while the MCACC blends it perfectly.

Agree, I like Pioneer Elite avr over an Onkyo. MCACC wins.

billbillw

If you are planning on using the receiver alone (no external amps), the Onkyo 805 is a much more robust, powerful receiver and I don't think it is bright at all (once setup properly with correct implementation of Audyssey). Consider this: the Onkyo weighs 20lbs more than the Pioneer. Everyone who knows anything about amps knows that power requires heavy transformers, big cooling fins, big caps, etc. That is where your extra 20lbs is.

I also think there are a lot of people who are not using Audyssey correctly. 1st of all, you have to use ALL of the available test locations (8 total) when doing room setup and you have to be careful of avoiding locations that will pick up reflections (ie: too close to tables, corners, etc). The locations should be close to where you listen and set close to ear height; you must use a tripod; the room has to be extremely quiet; and Audyssey pretty much always requires you to go back and change the subwoofer crossover point (and the xover for each speaker) and adjust the sub level with a sound meter. Audyssey admits that this is required for proper setup. Audyssey lets the OEM decide how to handle bass management (x-over points) and this doesn't always match with what the end user wants or require.

I've heard similar setups with Pioneer Elite and I think my Onkyo 805 wins, hands down.

Of course, I'm biased, but you can't argue about the extra power that the Onkyo has.

bopicasso

I guess im just not a fan of onkyo due to my experiences, and it was because I owned a 605 and 805 and they both didnt satisfy my audio needs. Also my dad has a 806 that is a huge step down from the 805.

Pioneer imo makes better quality products, that produce more realistic sound. Onkyo alters the sound to much for my taste. If your looking to cook something, the onkyo makes for a great heat source also! I did a side by side test from a rotel pre and the onkyo 805 and it was night and day the onkyo was ALOT more harsh or bright as they say.
Audyssey is very easy to use and I have set up many many onkyos with it. Dont get me wrong it works, but not to the extent that the MCACC does.

The only advantage the 805 has is a more powerful amp which really shouldnt be a reason to pick a reciever because if your looking for good quality watts you should buy a external amp. I would still choose the pio just for sound quality alone.

My friend works at bestbuy in the magnolia dept and says the most returned problematic receivers are onkyo hands down. He says there junk! He hasnt seen one pio returned since he started working there.

billbillw

Well, your BestBuy friend aside, there are thousands of happy SR805 users over at AVSforum. I've not had a single problem in over 2 years and I push mine pretty hard at times. Perhaps their newer models are not as well built, I don't know. I'm strictly speaking of the SR805. As far as amp power, I think that is something the original poster is concerned about seeing that he is trying to sell off his separate 5-channel amp and preamp.

bopicasso

I had no problems with my 805 either, had it for 1 year.

jrgoswick

Outside input is a GREAT way to make a choice in this type of matter. I prefer the Onk-as someone else said though-EXTERNAL POWER! Really what it comes down to is what you like and can afford.

Midnite Mick

I think he wants it to be a standalone receiver. if someone just wants to use it as a preamp then why get a receiver at all...just get a pre/pro.

WilliamM2

Midnite Mick wrote: »

if someone just wants to use it as a preamp then why get a receiver at all...just get a pre/pro.

These days most the surround pre-amps are buggy as hell, don't have the features of the latest recievers, and cost twice as much, I think a reciever as pre is really the only way to go right now.

bopicasso

Completely agree WilliamM2
Afordable used preamplifiers are out dated.

mantis

I have setup and used both products many times and prefer the Pioneer Elite receivers over the Onkyo models for sound quality. There is nothing wrong with either unit and I'm sure they would make you happy. The Elite models from the vsx21txh to the mighty SC-09tx all share a sonic signature thats warm and comfortable yet powerful and dynamic. Without going separates Pioneer in my opinion makes the finest sounding receiver lines.

Personally I went from owning Rotel separates to a SC-07 which says a lot about Pioneer Elite.

emoxley

I also say the Onkyo. I love my 805! If you don't close it in, or sit something on top of it, heat shouldn't be a problem. Mine is on the bottom shelf of my tv stand, and barely gets warm, after almost 18 hrs. of use, a day. And I'm driving three 4 ohm speakers, without an external amp. My other four speakers are all 8 ohm.

billbillw

Well, it sounds like a divided camp, which really only means that they are both great products.

tbui2007

i love my onkyo 805

AsSiMiLaTeD

I agree with mantis that dollar for dollar the pioneer receivers are as good as it gets. From the bottom all the way up to 2K I think they're very hard to beat

wutadumsn23

I am an Onkyo man myself and love my 806, but the Pioneers get a lot of good press from some very well respected members here. I have not heard the new Pio's so I can't offer any advice on those, but the Onkyo's are very good units as well. I have owned two myself and have been very pleased with both. Good luck.

-Jeff

cnh

I've heard the Elite 21 and it is a nice receiver...but it's not in the Onkyo 805 league. I agree with billbillw above the 805 does NOT sound 'bright'. The Burr Brown Dacs and the extra power actually give it quite an authoritative sound. It sounds wonderful with M70s...Rtis are generally brighter---period.

The Wolfson DACs in the 21 are also nice.

The lower Pioneer models, IMO cannot hold their own against the lower Onkyos like the 60x and 70x series. More features....more power, better surround sound.

Now if we're going to start talking about ICE Pioneer Elite amps...I would have to rethink my discussion above. But no ICE amp can be had for the price of an 805?

Therefore, the VALUE pick is the 805 hands down!

cnh

AGUERRA

i've only had onkyo so i cant compare the two but what i can say is the 805 is a beast as most say and has been reviewed by many and has a strong following. if u can try to listen to the two and let your ears decide for you

tboo72

Onkyo

ryanjoachim

If it matters any, i've been "happy" with my onk 605 for the past 2 years, and am looking to upgrade to the 805. The feature set and expandability sold me.

concealer404

I haven't had my ears on the higher end Oinker receivers. I've had the 50x, 60x, and 70x models.

My last two Pioneers had no problems blowing them away in almost every department. (VSX D850s and VSX-50 Elite)

They sounded warmer, had an air of "effortless power" about them.

Now... the 805 from all accounts seems to be an entirely different ball game. So i don't really know which is the "right" answer. Me personally? I'm more loyal to Pioneer at this point, and like the "house sound" better than that of Onkyo, so that's probably where i woudl go.

Montoya

The pioneer is a great unit I use to be an onkyo fan but my last two have been pioneer. Elite 82, and now elite 94 I still have found no reason to upgrade and probably won't for many years.

cnh

I'll grant you that the new Elites are great AVRs, I've heard the older mid-tier Elites and I really don't see what the fuss is about, sorry?

I stand by my early remarks. I've owned non-Elite Pioneers and I prefer my Onkyos in that price range. The exception this year might be the Pio 9040 since it's more or less a VSX-21 Elite clone!

Onkyos have always had more power than an equivalent priced (non-ELITE) Pioneer model! I had a Pioneer 700 and an 800 series that weren't clean at all!! The 1000 series was usually, like the 9040 a clone of the entry level Elite and usually a GOOD BUY!

But I do like the ICE Elites fine. These are the BEST AVRs Pioneer has made in years. It's put them back in the GAME! A game they were falling behind in for a while!

cnh

sageleo

I think I'm going to be going with the Pioneer. Most likely the VSX23txh, unless I manage to sell my current set up before I make my purchase. I have decided to go with Pioneer because I keep hearing that Onkyo seems to be on the bright side. If I do sell my current set up then I will be upgrading to the SC-25.
Thanks for all the input,
Dirk

cnh

The SC-25 is an 'excellent choice' you'll enjoy it! And that coming from an Onkyo man? Those Elites are wonderful receivers and newer tech than the 805 (I have one of those--which I actually like quite a bit but it's getting 'old'--tech wise!).

cnh

disneyjoe7

I had a high end Onkyo 898 one time, I replaced it with a Pioneer 84 Elite AVR. Between those two avr I love the Pioneer Elite 84 vs the Onkyo 898. I think I'm talking about 1500.00 AVR's so not sure about mid <$1000.00 AVR vs Pioneer and Onkyo but I think Onkyo would win over that.

jimsvm

My 9040 is pron to over heating when pushed.Love the sound,Go ICE power,or a seperate with a 9040 or equivilant.IMO



i

Slinger182

jimsvm wrote: »

My 9040 is pron to over heating when pushed.Love the sound,Go ICE power,or a seperate with a 9040 or equivilant.IMO



i

Does it get so hot that it turns off? My onkyo runs really hot but in never stopped working or anything bad happened. I finally got a fan pretty much just for piece of mind. It seems it is quite common with the oinkers to run hot.

I've been interested in the 9040 because it has pre outs and it plays nice with my iphone. But where did it come from? It seems to have come out of no where and it's not on Pio's main page just in the for sale area.

digitalvideo

I never understood why people settle for the VSX line of Pio recievers? Why not just buy a Pioneer Elite SC-05 that you can get off ebay or audiogon or videogon for a good price? It's worth the $300 more.