For years I used a JVC 723, which was a good machine when it was introduced. I did not realize how bad it sounded until I upgraded to a Pioneer Elite. There is a substantial difference in the way units encode the data. The best way of comparing is by listening through the 5.1 direct input, and then switching to the optical. The difference is substantial on the JVC.
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Equipment; Outlaw 990; B&K 200.7; Pioneer Elite 79avi; DirecTIVO H-20; Axiom 80i v.2, QS8, (7.1 set up); Monster 2600; Apt Holman 2x150 for zone 2; Harmony 620 and HTM MX 700 remotes; Samsung DB-P2550 blu-ray.