denon 2311 or pioneer vsx 1121 help please

I can't say anything about the Denon other than I know they are well regarded. I have the Pioneer vsx-1120, and am very happy with it. If it had been in the budget or had known about 2 channel setups, I would have gotten an elite with a preout to hook up to another amp. But for me that is down the road anyway. The calibration mic works much better than I had imagined, although you will wind up changing it to your liking. It is very versatile, and the owner's manual is a book.

I would say if they are basically identical for what your needs are, I would go with more power.

AndrewReefer559 wrote: »

looking at these 2 receivers. The 1121 is now 499 on new egg, so im somewhat sold on this unit already ha! then why post? i have a few questions. Is the denon going to be more powerful? Is there any difference in visual qualities between these units? My local CL has a denon 2309 for 300, looks good doesnt have airplay or 3d but not a huge deal, any input?
thanks

According to recent tests by Home Theater Magazine this is the tested power into 5-channels at .1 distortion:

Denon 2311 - 83 watts
Pioneer 1021 - 46 watts (sorry, don't have the 1121 numbers)

AndrewReefer559 wrote: »

wow marty thanks for those #'s

Glad I could help. There seems to be an obsession with "watts" on most forums so when I see test results I usually write them down. I realize they may not have anything to do with sound quality and certainly don't really speak to features, price, etc. Generalizations are dangerous but I have noticed an emerging trend in the 15 reviews from this past year.

It seems that NAD. Cambridge, Arcam, and Pioneer Elite usually give you more into 5-channels; Sony, Denon, Integra, and Onkyo (very model dependant) get somewhat close (80% range); and Marantz (73%), Pioneer, and Yamaha bring up the rear. Of course if you're using external amps I guess it doesn't matter.

rebuy wrote: »

I think H-K would fall into the first group as far as power goes.

Sorry, I should have included HK in the first group (forgot, Duh). You don't usually get too much more like with NAD, Cambridge, and Arcam but you definitely get what was advertised into all channels driven. My mistake, although there aren't many reviews of HK that appear in the press.