New Pioneer VSX-820-K

vague_notion
vague_notion Posts: 11
edited May 2010 in Electronics
I think I will buy a new Pioneer VSX-820-K (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/PioneerReceivers/ci.VSX-820-K.Kuro) for my home theater set up. I don't listen to music very often but watch lots of TV and movies.

My current setup
Fronts: Monitor 70s
Center: CS2
Rears: Monitor 30s
Sub: PSW505
Denon AVR-650 (15 years old)
Fairly new Samsung 1080p TV

I appreciate any comments that more experienced people can offer about this choice. I'm a novice and there is a lot to know. :)
Post edited by vague_notion on
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Comments

  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited May 2010
    Actually with those speakers that's not a bad choice. Others will tell you to spend more and get a higher model, but honestly with those speakers that receiver will be just fine.

    I actually have an 819 (last years' model) that I paired with my RTi10 and honestly it didn't sound bad at all, was quite impressive given the price. If you have extra cash to spend then check out the 9040 or 21 txh, but at the price you're looking at I doub't you'll find a better receiver.
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    I have the 816 model that I really like, not sure if the 820 has pre-outs but I would certainly consider one of the models that do if I were you. Just my .02.

    David
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited May 2010
    The 820 is not going to have pre-outs, but again with that speaker setup I wouldn't worry about it too much. Chances are if you upgrade speakers you'll want to upgrade receivers anyway.

    If you like your current speakers and plan to keep them for a while, I think the 820 is a good choice. For a few extra bucks the 920 does add some nice features like upconverting of all source over the HDMI output via an Anchor Bay chip.
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  • Knucklehead
    Knucklehead Posts: 3,602
    edited May 2010
    Assimilated, dont you think those M70's would really come alive with some power to them? I know my R50's certainly did with 150watts from my Rotel.
    Polk Audio Surround Bar 360
    Mirage PS-12
    LG BDP-550
    Motorola HD FIOS DVR
    Panasonic 42" Plasma
    XBOX 360[/SIZE]

    Office stuff

    Allied 395 receiver
    Pioneer CDP PD-M430
    RT8t's & Wharfedale Diamond II's[/SIZE]

    Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music. ~Ronald Reagan
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  • vague_notion
    vague_notion Posts: 11
    edited May 2010
    Thanks for the replies. It sounds like there aren't any objections to this choice. I will have to think about the upscaling chip since it would be nice to have the Wii hooked up without needing to switch inputs on the TV.

    I also have some reservations about all the "works with iphone" and apple branding on the official website. I don't have any apple products and I don't plan to. Am I paying anything extra for these "features"? Or are they cheap marketing?
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