Hi

I've been looking to get the 1050 to complete my new HT setup, but recently I read about the Pioneer VSXD-810S, which has 7.1 channel and DTS-ES capability for around $350.

Has anyone compared this to the 1050? I haven't heard both, so I'm depending on reviews to make my decision. The Pioneer seems like a pretty good value, but I'm not sure of the quality of their non-Elite series.

Thanks for any info.

Anyone??

My last experience with Pioneer was almost 10 years ago. I don't think any comment on that piece would be of any use to you. My only thought, though, is that many (just a guess) of the mass market items in that price range ($500 and under) could have lesser quality components. I can't imagine what the cost of a $350 unit would really be, but after marketing, distribution etc, I think that the mark-ups could make up a large portion of the price, making me think that things such as transformer size etc would be compromised.

Audioreview.com had 25 reviews and averaged 4.2 out of 5, so from the users who responded (be wary, sometimes) they seemed to think it was worth what they paid. I would seriously consider what speaker compliment you are going to be using (efficiency especially) and room size. I would imagine that the 1050 will have more punch, as everybody raves about that.

Wish I had some specific info to give you.

S.

Avalon,

Where are you getting your prices? I looked at the Pioneer model you mentioned at it list for $1399.00.

Are you sure that is the correct price? If so, where did you find it at these price?

Mark:

I saw this unit at Best Buy...check the link out.
http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11062760&m=1&cat=3&scat=4

It's retailing for $399 but I've seen it advertised for around $350. Maybe you were looking at an Elite model with a similar model designation.

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I saw it on audioreview as listed at $575, but most reviewers bought from a mass market store and got it between $300 and $400. I think there was an Elite part number similar to the one given. Maybe you looked at that one by accident or they have an error on the page you saw the price.

S.

Sorry Avalon, I was looking at an Australia web page. Don't I feel stupid!!!

No problem, Mark I think I've seen that Aussie web page too and it's easy to mistake that price for being in US dollars!

Mr Sandman:

Your point about the power delivery of the Pioneer is a good one. I think the specs are 100 watts per discrete channel, but the specs can be misleading. Otherwise, the unit seems to have a lot of features for the price.

My speakers are Sonus Faber Concertos for L/R and Sonus Faber Piccolo Solo for center. I haven't bought the rears yet. The SF's have 89dB efficiency.

[This message has been edited by Avalon (edited January 18, 2002).]

I purchased a pioneer thx select receiver a few years ago-i ended up returning it but it wasnt a bad receiver-the most notable downpoint was a poor tuner.while i havent heard the outlaw yet i definitely wouldnt recommend the pioneer over it unless youre using very inexpensive(average)speakers and will be using it mostly for home theater(not music)in which case it may give you more bang for the buck.I would suggest you check out the receivers from denon(1602)(1802)that have dolby pro logic 2.