Hello All,

I've been reading the various threads here for over a year. I finally got off the fence last week and took delivery of a new 950. After a few days of familiaring myself with it, I've come to the conclusion that I like the unit, but hate the remote control. Previously, I had a Marantz AV560, which came with a variation of the RC2000. Unfortunately, I sold it just before ordering the 950. I truly wish I had kept the remote. Although I have read and heard much about the SL-9000, I do not care for the bottom layout or the location of the tuner button. I have had a notion to buy another RC2000, but would like to update. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Mike

The MX-500 has worked well for several folks around here, although it is somewhat related to the SL-9000.

You might also want to scope out some of the reviews at Remote Central -- you might like the Sony RM-AV3000, or one of the Prontos. You should probably avoid the Pronto NEO, as several here have encountered trouble with the NEO learning properly from other remotes (including the 950's remote).

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I like the MX-500 since there's a set of buttons that can be renamed via an LCD panel for custom buttons. In combination with a cheap PC programmable remote with JP1 there's a lot of flexibility. If you're economizing, just stick with the One for all type remote and JP1. Check this thread.

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Home theater: the hobby the whole family can enjoy - whether they want to or not

[This message has been edited by tofufot (edited February 06, 2003).]

Guys,

Since yesterday, I have been reading all I can about the MX-500. It appears to look less complicated than the 950 remote. I want something that my wife and kids (teens) will feel comfortable in using. I know that my son (11) quickly picks up new technology. Its his mama and my daughter that concern me. For example, in the absence of seeing tuner on the 950 remote, they refused to use it. So, faced with that situation, I want a remote that is crystal clear in what device is being handled.

I got my MX-500 shortly after getting my 950 because the Outlaw remote is a pain. I love the MX-500 and my kids and wife can all use it without problem.

I would get a pronto...I have the tsu2000 and it is wonderful. The remote will only be as easy and clear to use as you program it. I have learned that more time on programming remote leads to a much happier woman (and other non-techies)!

Check out remotecentral.com for some examples. Mine is on there, but I have not updated remotecentral lately.

I have a Sony RM-VL900 which is very user friendly. I used it with my previous receiver and now with my 950. It isn't back lit, but it is not all cluttered up with tiny buttons either. I have it programmed for all the basics. If I need to get into the menu I just break out the 950 remote.

I first got a Pronto NEO, but didn't like it for various reasons. I traded it in for a MX-500. I have been very impressed with it. I purchased the package deal that included a One for All URC 8811 just in case there were discrete codes that the MX-500 could not handle. I have been able to "Learn" everything from the SL9000 Outlaw remote and every other remote that I have to the MX-500. I have never had to even retry a command for it to learn. It even works my Lutron Dimmer wall switch.

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MeanGene's Home

Another happy MX500 user.

I've been thinking about the 500 as well. Was there a code for the Outlaw, or did the 500 have to "learn" the commands from the 950 remote?

The MX500 will need to learn the commands for the 950. The general opinion seems to indicate that it's not all that big a deal to do so, though. (In other words, I haven't heard any real grumbling about the process from any of the growing number of 950+MX500 users... )

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I don't have first hand experience with it, but it looks like this gizmo will let you at least teach an MX-500 the whole set of 950 commands from someone else's remote, and possibly allow some programming from your PC.

An alternative (or supplement) to the MX-500 is a One-for-All remote and JP1 cable (about $40), and download Ellen's 950 remote file which has all the important 950 buttons programmed onto the One for all remote.

[This message has been edited by tofufot (edited February 12, 2003).]