Denon 988/2808 to Pioneer Elite VSX-92 Worth It?
superotaku78
Posts: 6
Hi all,
I've got a bit of a dilemma on my hands. I just got a Denon 2808/988 on sale for $600+tax up here in Canada, but now see that I can get a refurbished Pioneer Elite vsx-92 for only $150 more with taxes and shipping. I'm coming from a Pioneer vsx-1017 and am wondering if it's sound is similar to the Elite's? I know the 3808 is more on the Elite's level, but is there really much of a sq difference between them and the 2808/988. Basically, is it worth the extra coin and the slight risk with the refurbished Elite?
I'm running:
Polk Audio
RTi10's Front
CSi5's Centre
RTi6's Rear
JBL L8400 P Sub
Any opinions are greatly appreciated, as I have to make a decision in the next couple of days. Thanks.
I've got a bit of a dilemma on my hands. I just got a Denon 2808/988 on sale for $600+tax up here in Canada, but now see that I can get a refurbished Pioneer Elite vsx-92 for only $150 more with taxes and shipping. I'm coming from a Pioneer vsx-1017 and am wondering if it's sound is similar to the Elite's? I know the 3808 is more on the Elite's level, but is there really much of a sq difference between them and the 2808/988. Basically, is it worth the extra coin and the slight risk with the refurbished Elite?
I'm running:
Polk Audio
RTi10's Front
CSi5's Centre
RTi6's Rear
JBL L8400 P Sub
Any opinions are greatly appreciated, as I have to make a decision in the next couple of days. Thanks.
Post edited by superotaku78 on
Comments
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With your speaker package I believe getting the Elite is the right choice. Now this is a personal opnion and I feel the Elite sounds better not to mention it's more dynamic. The 2808 is a fine receiver but I perfer Pioneer. Standard vs Elite there is a sound quality difference. You will notice it.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
I think both units will give you great amount of pleasure. If you demo both side by side, that would be the best way to find out. Look to see what features each has and pick the one that meets your needs.
engtazengtaz
I love how music can brighten up a bad day. -
i have denon 988 also i didnt open the box yet i bought it in futureshop for 599plus taxes but i dont know if it is worth it for upscaling. i got polk 6700, is there a denon 988 to any member using to their polk audio? how about the upscaling
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I would assume you are talking about the 2808CI and not just the original 2008 which came out with HDMI v1.1. Still, even against the CI I would personally (it's all personal, isn't it) chose the Elite for a couple of reasons. Those reasons may not matter to you and I do agree with the other poster that either one would be a very nice receiver.
The Elite has considerably more power, is THX certified, and has 3 HDMI v1.3 inputs versus 2 for the Denon. The Elite weighs 10 pounds more which doesn't really prove anything but in my opinion it is an indicator of build quality. On the other hand, it would have to be factory refurbished and carry the 2 year warranty.Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
Processor = NAD T747
Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
TT = Audio Technica -
i have denon 988 also i didnt open the box yet i bought it in futureshop for 599plus taxes but i dont know if it is worth it for upscaling. i got polk 6700, is there a denon 988 to any member using to their polk audio? how about the upscaling
The upscaling is really good imo. I have everything going up to 1080p and my cable box is setup not to upconvert. I thought Discovery Channel looked good before, but now it's almost 3D. Very happy with it. You should open it up and play around with it because Future Shop's 30 day return policy is amazingly good. You could drag that thing behind your car and they'd still take it back. I've seen some pretty hurtin' returns there. -
With your speaker package I believe getting the Elite is the right choice. Now this is a personal opnion and I feel the Elite sounds better not to mention it's more dynamic. The 2808 is a fine receiver but I perfer Pioneer. Standard vs Elite there is a sound quality difference. You will notice it.
Yeah, I'm a little concerned with the power capabilites of the Denon and the RTi's. It's not like they're quiet, but it seems to be missing something. I found the same thing with the 1017. I have the 10's bi-amped using the rear surround channels which helps a bit, but it still seems a little weak in the impact department. Movies are solid but music is missing something.
As for the warranty, it is a factory refurb, but unfortunately there's no warranty for us up her in Canada. I've had pretty good luck with electronics (knock on wood!!) so it's not the biggest concern, as long as I take care of it.
The way I look at it, it will cost me just under $200 bucks to upgrade. I got the Denon for half the Canadian list price, and the Pioneer will also be about half.
Decisions, decisions. Thanks for the info guys. Please keep it coming!:D -
I think both units will give you great amount of pleasure. If you demo both side by side, that would be the best way to find out. Look to see what features each has and pick the one that meets your needs.
engtaz
Unfortunately I can't get my hands on an Elite with a good return policy to test it out. It all comes down to the opinions of you guys;) -
I'm running the 2808ci to Rti10's (bi-amped) and love the combo so far. I went from a Denon 3300 to the 2808 mostly because I was already familiar w/ denon products. I would think both are good choices but if you already have had an Elite, and are happy with it you may want to stay with Pioneer to keep the learning curve in check. Does that justify a $200 difference? I don't know...HT-- Denon avr-2808ci,Emotiva UPA-1s, RTi 10's, CSi A6, ERD-1 surrounds, Vizio P50, Yamaha yst-sw300, DVR hr21, 40g PS3, APC-h15
Downstairs-- Denon avr-3300,Emotiva UPA-2, Toshiba 50" rear projection, Denon 2200 sacd, Emotiva ERM-1s, small Yamaha sub -
Well, I pulled the trigger on the 92 and will be eagerly waiting it's arrival! Hopefully I won't be disappointed. Now to take back the Denon and add it to the long list of Future Shop returns:eek:
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Well...I finally got my vsx-92..ended up getting a local deal with over 2 years factory warranty. I absolutely love the sound so far, but am a little disappointed that it doesn't upscale hdmi. Oh well...guess I'll have to find other ways to do that. Thanks to all for your advice.
