Fellow Outlaws,

I recently visited a local home-theater store where I listened to the B&K-307 and the Pioneer Elite VSX-49TX side-by-side. I wanted to share my experience and pose a question.

As I listened to the B&K after hearing the Pioneer, I was struck by the B&K's relative transparency. The Pioneer sounded sharper and more processed, whereas the B&K sounds softer and more natural.

I have read, in various threads, that the 950 has a "brighter" sound. If that is the case, I would imagine that its sound would be reminiscent of the Pioneer unit. Has anyone listened to the Pioneer VSX-49TX? Does it sound similar to the 950?

How would you describe the sound produced by the Rotel 1066 relative to the B&K 307 or the Ref 30? Are they similar as well? I will be listening to the Rotel next.

Your experience and observations are welcome.

Thank you,
Santa Clara Jim


[This message has been edited by santaclarajim (edited June 17, 2002).]

The 950 sounded bright to me, but not "processed". I have used Pioneer Elite products in the past (SP-99D DD processor), that sounded fine to me, but that was a while ago. I settled on a B&K Ref 30 with a B&K AMP. I think it sounds great and is much more flexible than the 950, but it also cost a lot more ($1725 on Audiogon). A lot of people are thrilled with the way their 950s sound, and it is an excellent bargain. I think you should download and read the 950 manual. If it has the right number of inputs and features for you it is defiantly worth it to take advantage of their 30 day trial offer and see how it sounds in your home with your setup. I don’t know how the B&K 307 sounds compared to the Ref 30. Some people claim they sound the same, others say the Ref 30 is slightly more detailed.

Adam,

Thank you for the reply.

According to the gentleman in the store, the 307 is basically a REF30 with an amplifier attached.

Regards,
Santa Clara Jim