Onkyo TX-SR608/ Pioneer VSX-1020-K

JCA
JCA Posts: 16
edited March 2011 in Electronics
Hi:



I am planning to upgrade my current setup from 5.1 to 7.1. My current receiver is an old Yamaha and I am planning to buy a receiver that is compatible with all the new digital formats and HDMI connections.
So far I have singled out the Onkyo TX-SR608 and the Pioneer VSX-1020-K.
I have read several reviews for both, but I would appreciate to read the comments of any users familiar with any (or both) of them.
I specially care about the quality of HT, I use it about 80% for that, and 20% for music.
My speakers are small satellites, procinema 800, with a psw111 sub.
I would like to know if any user has experienced problems with them and if has been able to obtain support from the dealers.
The ONKYO is THX Select 2 certified, so I wonder if that factor should be that relevant in my choice.
I like the specs of the Pioneer, the amount of connectivity, the ease to connect an iPod and the easy to follow GUI.

Any help is appreciated.
Post edited by JCA on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Duckman33
    Duckman33 Posts: 8
    edited March 2011
    I have had bad experience with Onkyo. (HDMI going out less than 6 months after purchase) I'd stick with another Yamaha. I have a HTR5063 and love it.

    I have heard from audiophile friends that the THX cert is all bells and whistles that do nothing but jack up the price of the receiver. Not sure how true that statement is though.
    Yamaha HTR-5063
    Center: CS2
    Fronts: Monitor 60
    Side Sur: Monitor 30
    Back Sur: Monitor 10 (soon to be Monitor 30)
    SUB: PSW 10
    Blu-Ray: 60G PS3
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pdxfj
    pdxfj Posts: 376
    edited March 2011
    I haven't had any issues with my 608 or even my 10+ year old Yamaha DD receiver.

    The 608 sounds good although I wish I would have stepped up to at least the 708 so I could have pre-outs and Multi-EQ (instead of 2EQ). As far as THX modes it all depends on the source material. Some things sound better in Dolby PLIIx, others direct decode, and some in THX.

    Take a look at the HT-RC270 as well as the SR-708 (or higher). Those add ethernet, USB, Pre-amp outs, and Audyssey Multi-EQ (which will give your Sub some EQ).

    I'm trying to see how to swing a SR-1008 and Emotiva amp ($).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • poyvoy
    poyvoy Posts: 8
    edited March 2011
    I have the Pioneer 1020 and while it is a good receiver, while I am in the midst of trying to upgrade my speakers, I am finding many shortcomings. No pre-outs being one of them.

    I also purchased it on the ease and convenience of having the iPod cable in the box and its ease of use. However, its not so easy to use actually. I have had some pains of finding songs as it scrolls one by one and is not the best layout. It actually disables the iPod controls.

    I would say wait a month or so for the Pioneer 1021 which addresses many of my concerns with the iPod controls.

    Otherwise I would say to look at the Onkyo or the Yamaha 667
    RTI A9 fronts
    Mirage Omnisat OS3s in series for Center (New CSI A6 won't fit in the space)
    Mirage MM8 Subwoofer
    Yamaha Aventage RX-A2000 Reciever
    Homebrew HTPC
    LG 47LE5400
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JCA
    JCA Posts: 16
    edited March 2011
    Thanks for the advice.

    I am also looking into the Yamaha RX-V667, I like the specs of that one, and my previous Yamaha has worked perfect for 11 years.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jack A
    Jack A Posts: 77
    edited March 2011
    JCA,

    I have the TX-SR 608 for over a year and I'm completely happy with the receiver.
    7.2
    Polk Vintage Monitor 10b's
    front Polk CS 20 center
    Surround Polk L/R TSi 100
    Back surround Polk TSi 100
    Subwoofers 2 Polk PSW 10
    Front wide Bose 201 Series II
    Samsung 50" DLP
    Clarajack
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited March 2011
    If you are willing to go used there is an Onkyo 707 at AVSForum (I saw the listing last evening) for $275.

    Has all the latest formats and PRE-OUTs for external amplification (the 608 lacks this).
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter