Electronics Gadget Reviews

Pioneer Elite VSX 01TXH AV receiver 7 1 channel

Set your sights on the Elite VSX-01TXH 7.1-channel receiver and experience a home theater command center unlike anything you’ve ever imagined before. With unprecedented audio and video performance from this incredible multi-channel surround sound receiver, enter a dimension of sight and sound.Brace yourself for 110 Watts x 7 of high-power direct energy amplification for big, bold beautiful sound. Awaken your senses to high-definition home-theater surround sound from Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD master audio decoders, processed with THX Select2 Plus Processing and Certification. Discover a world designed with optimal sound tuning capabilities from Pioneer’s innovative Advanced MCACC room calibration and Phase Control technology to ensure the audio arrives at your listening position in complete synchronization.Enjoy your digital music like never before with iPod digital USB, USB memory audio playback, and both XM and SIRIUS satellite radio ready inputs; all fully integrated, ready and waiting for you to turn them on. And now access to all your devices can be easily set up and the devices controlled using an on-screen display and a multi-zone remote control.Enter a realm beyond imagination with a receiver that is fully custom-installation-ready and offers a discrete 2 Room Multi-zone A/V output plus independent zone control from a remote that enables you to enjoy all of your A/V entertainment throughout your home.Discover a receiver that delivers audio and video so rich, so pure, so powerful and so completely different – how you think about home entertainment will be forever changed.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Fully featured and great Pioneer quality and value
I replaced a Yamaha unit that was just a few years old with this receiver after purchasing a large Pioneer plasma display. My wife is constantly frustrated with audio-video equipment control and after reading about the synergy between Pioneer components I decided to muster up some faith, sell all of my non-Pioneer components (everything but the plasma I’d just purchased) and hope for the best. I have not been completely disappointed, nor completely wowed. The components do seem to work better together, but I am unsure if that would be true for any HDMI interfaced equipment. The common remotes is nice but I already had a good universal remote that does the trick.

The receiver looks nice, has lots of lights that have impressively obscure acronyms for the average owner, and it has large knobs. I’m sure those are great features but I just want it to switch to the right input, have sufficient volume, take advantage of the best sound option from any media I’m using, and generally be easy to operate with a Blu-Ray player and television attached. It is meeting my minimum expectations so far. Could it be better? Absolutely. I’d like to eliminate the input choices that I don’t use. I’d like it to remember the volume level for each input. I’d like it to be able to turn on automatically at the same time on weekdays and weekends. But all in all it does the basic job for which it was purchased and I have no major complaints.

3 Stars Great receiver, don’t buy from this seller…
I got my vs01 yesterday, ordered from this very page.

Pros:

*Reasonably fast shipping considering it went coast to coast.(Brooklyn to Pasadena in a week)

*Great sounding receiver, does everything a modern home theater receiver should do. 7 powered channels, decodes all the HD sound formats, etc.

*Lightweight.

*Runs cool.

*Although unit feels cheap, it is actually very rugged and well-made.

Cons:

*Price. You can find this receiver for $100 less on other sites.

Build quality feels kind of cheap, lots of plastic. (especially compared to the old HK AVR-520 it replaced)

*Packaging. When I found the shipping box on my doorstep yesterday it looked like someone had worked it over with a baseball bat. A baseball bat with nails through it. Then whoever beat it up had second thoughts and tried to make amends with 3 rolls of packing tape. Then they got angry and grabbed the nail-bat again. The fact that this thing actually powered up and worked is a MIRACLE and a true testament to the quality of this unit.

Overall I am very happy with the product but wish I had bought it somewhere else.

5 Stars pioneer elite vsx-01txh
this is my first pioneer receiver ever i have had all the other brands. this receiver has a unique sound. i could hear sounds in movies i did not hear with other brands.i am giving this unit 5 stars because it is spectacular. video processor on board is incredible.bottom line is this unit will make you pay attention.

5 Stars amazing sound and quality!!!
had this reciever for two weeks now and it is amazing!! it replaced a onyko 606 that burned up in a week!! i am very happy with the purchase!! easy setup awesome power!!

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Onkyo HT S5200 7 1 Channel Home Entertainment Receiver Speaker Package with Dock for the iPod Black

If you want an idea of where Onkyo’s home theater packages are heading, the HT-S5200 is well worth checking out. Like previous Onkyo 7.1-channel receiver/speaker packages, the HT-S5200 delivers reassuringly hefty amounts of power and all-round performance. And in line with other recent offerings, it’s also perfectly suited for high-definition entertainment in the home: 1080p video takes center stage from sources such as Blu-ray Disc, DVD, HD broadcasting, and gaming. The emphasis is still on Onkyo’s audio prowess, so the HT-S5200 is equipped with three groundbreaking Audyssey technologies that will give you the edge in terms of surround sound. It also features some exciting innovations from Onkyo: a dedicated port that connects the iPod via the Dock for the iPod and DSP modes specifically designed for gaming. Includes dedicated RI iPod dock (UP-A1L) Audyssey 2EQ to Correct Room Acoustic Problems DOLBY Decoder – PLIIx, DD, DD-EX; DTS Decoder – DTS, ES, NEO6, 96/24 AM/FM 30 stations Preset Memory SIRIUS Radio Ready 4 Digital Inputs (2 Optical/ 2 Coaxial) 4 HDMI Inputs and 1 HDMI Output 6 Audio Inputs and 2 Audio Outputs 2 Components Input and 1 Component Output Front-Panel Portable input (stereo mini jack) Front – 2-way, bass reflex speakers (5 cone woofer and 1 balanced-dome tweeter) Center – 2-way, bass reflex speakers (3 1/4 cone woofer and 1 balanced-dome tweeter) Surround/Surround Back – Full-range, acoustic-suspension (3 cone) Woofer – Bass reflex (10 cone) Front Speaker – Dimensions – 6 1/8 W x 14 5/8 H x 7 13/16 D; Weight – 6.4 lbs. Center Speaker – Dimensions – 17 3/16 W x 4 1/8 H x 5 3/16 D; Weight – 5.7 lbs. Surround/ Surround Back – Dimensions – 5 5/16 W x 10 11/16 H x 3 3/4 D; Weight – 2.86 lbs. Subwoofer – Dimensions – 11 1/8 W x 19 5/8 H x 15 11/16 D; Weight – 25.4 lbs.

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Onkyo HT S3200 5 1 Channel Home Entertainment Receiver Speaker Package

Progress is constant with Onkyo packaged home theater. That’s just what you’ll find with the HT-S3200 5.1-channel receiver/speaker package, which offers more breakthrough technology than ever before at the entry level. With HDMI pass-thru for high-definition video, this is a convenient solution that allows you to enjoy Blu-ray Disc, DVD, broadcast, and gaming sources. You can partner this package with whichever display suits your budget and achieve truly performance-driven home theater. Enjoy the benefits of tailored audio performance via a full suite of Audyssey technologies, including Audyssey EQ, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, and Audyssey Dynamic Volume. You can even integrate an iPod or MP3 player via a front-panel input, or take advantage of Onkyo’s new DSP modes for gaming: Rock, Sports, Action, or Role Playing Game (RPG). DOLBY Decoder – PLIIx, DD; DTS Decoder – DTS, NEO6, 96/24 iPod Ready 3 Digital Inputs (2 Optical/ 1 Coaxial) 3 HDMI Inputs and 1 HDMI Output 6 Audio Inputs and 2 Audio Outputs 2 Components Input and 1 Component Output Front-Panel Portable input (stereo mini jack) Front/Center – 2-way, bass reflex speakers (3 1/4 cone woofer and 3/4 ceramic tweeter) Surround – Full-range, bass reflex (3 1/4 cone) Subwoofer – Bass reflex, passive (8 cone) Front/Center Speaker – Dimensions – 4 W x 10 3/4 H x 4 3/4 D; Weight – 2.2 lbs. Surround Speaker – Dimensions – 10 3/4 W x 4 H x 4 3/16 D; Weight – 1.5 lbs. Subwoofer – Dimensions – 9 5/8 W x 16 1/8 H x 14 5/8 D; Weight – 14.6 lbs.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Great for the Price, but some limitations
Great price, fast delivery and rather easy set-up. I still have to run an optical because I cannot get sound to pass-through. Overall sounds great with using default settings, remote is easy to use, though not anything to be in “wow” of.

Overall, sounds good, it works and great price.

4 Stars Excellent Systems and great sound quality
I purchased this system about a month ago. It is a great system for the price. The sound is clean, crisp unlike the sony and panasonic systems that I also have. The subwoofer level is deep and vibrates the entire living room. I love the Audessey feature, it modulates the sound so that there is no super highs. It maintins sound level when watching both a movie or even playing a video game.

The biggest con is the HDMI pass through. I was under the impression that HDMI passes through both Audio and Video, but this system has a video only pass through. You have to run a seperate optical cable from the source into the receiver seperately. Oh well, you can’t get everything for such a cheap price.

Overall an excellent sound system. Recommended this system to all my friends who are on a budget.

4 Stars Great for the Price
Bought this system because I needed a reciever with more than one HDMI in and an HDMI out. Good for what the price is. I am able to plug my PS3 into it and then run out into my t.v. Can also connect my T.V. to it so I get T.V. sound out of my speakers. The HDMI doesn’t prodce sound though, only video, and for sound you have to buy an optical cable for it, but it’s easy to hook up.

4 Stars Great sound quality. HDMI didn’t work.
I’ve had this sound system for a little over 3 weeks now. The sound quality is very impressive for the price. It is very crisp and clear. The subwoofer will shake your house down if you set it to the maximum level. My biggest disappointment with this product was that the HDMI passthrough did not work. I did some research online and found others have had an issue with the HDMI feature. However, it wasn’t a big deal for me since I was looking more into sound quality.

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Denon AVR 1609 7 1 Channel Multi Zone Home Theater Receiver

Affordability and versatility are the hallmarks of the AVR-1609, which features a powerful 7 channel amplifier section to drive a 7.1 multi-channel speaker system, along with the latest extended surround decoders, including Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS ES. Equipped with the latest HDMI v1.3a digital video signal pass-through technology, the AVR-1609 provides 2 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output, allowing a single HDMI cable run to your HDTV display.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Disappointed in Virginia
I received the Denon AVR from Amazon at a great price, but it was not all it was advertised to be. Supposed to be HDMI in and out but when I read the instructions the fine print said the receiver only transfers the video portion of the HDMI and I would have to use a separate digital cable from each component to the AVR. Thats old technology! Do not buy this item. Go for one that is HDMI compatible.

4 Stars Denon AVR-1609 7.1 Channel Receiver
This is an awesome receiver. I have paired it up with the Mirage 5 NanoSAT speakers and a Klipsch 8in subwoofer and the sound quality is very good. For the purchase price of $204 (USD) you cannot go wrong. The only downside is the HDMI does not carry the sound – you have to use the optical connection. Not a big deal unless you need more optical inputs – then you have to upgrade to a more expensive receiver. I use this in a 13 x 22 inch bonus room so I am not sure if the power would be sufficient for larger areas. I plan to add two more Mirage speakers for the full 7.1 experience. I was able to get my Direct TV remote to control the volume pretty easily. Also commercial volume can automatically be calibrated to the level of what you are watching. This is a major plus for a reciever in this price range. Setting up the reciever requires time. Read the manual carefully and do not be in a rush. It will be worth it.

5 Stars avr-1609 review
I am very very pleased with the Denon AVR-1609. I have nothing but good things to say. It is a budget receiver with a lot of functionality. I would definitely recommend it for the money.

5 Stars Excellent product
The primary reason that I selected this product was the automatic sound leveling. It does that job very well. There are so many options that it is a little difficult to setup but once done, it works flawlessly. I am very satisfied with it.

3 Stars Great sound, horrible interface
I have been using this receiver for a few weeks. I love the sound, which is far better than my previous Onkyo when used with my BA speakers for music (I don’t use the 7.1). However, my big complaint is that the interface is a train wreck. If I had 3 or fewer inputs (including radio) the ‘Quick’ 1-3 buttons might be OK once configured — though I’d prefer a UI that allowed me to label them for my wife’s sake if not my own — but as is it’s a pain. I have other minor issues, like the double-sided remote (two sides that don’t work with my Bravia!), the lack of an analog passthrough, and a horrible manual, but usability is the big one.

I am planning on exchaging this, probably for the Sony 820 or 920.

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Polk Audio RM6752 Center Channel Speaker Single Black

bass-reflex * video-shielded * frequency response 120-20,000 Hz (-3dB) * handles up to 100 watts * warranty: 5 years *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars I’m a new fan. And POLK is the big star!
For the money, for the adequate sound, small profile… I love my Polk center. Love my Polk sides and backs and Woofer too. What a smashing sound system for my medium to smaller sized living room. Music on my 7 polk satellite speakers plus woofer sound awesome too. Get them. The way things keep a changing these days, the money you spend will not make you feel wrong for the purchase. Match the center to the 6 others and blast ‘em! Save space in your room at the same time too.

4 Stars Good Purchase for the Money
This speaker is exactly what I was looking for in a small center speaker that can easily fit under my wall-mounted 46″ Samsung LCD TV. It sits right on the fireplace mantle and its 4″ height does not make the TV much higher than it already was with the base mount.

I am using this in combination with four Polk RC60i in-ceiling speakers that all feed into my ONKYO 7.1-channel receiver. All produce great sound, at least to this novice listener, and make the overall purchase fantastic. I did a lot of looking around and spent hours reviewing thousands of comments on this site and many others and I could not be any happier with the purchase. So overall I spent about around $600 for the 4 in-ceiling speakers, this center channel speaker and the receiver (the products were valued around $1,000) and got a great system.

5 Stars Review – Polk Audio RM6752 Center Channel Speaker
The Polk Audio RM6752 Center Speaker I ordered was exactly as described in WholeSaleAV’s advertisement. For use as a center speaker for a large screen TV and 5 speaker surround sound system for those of us that are not high end audiophiles, this is an outstanding buy that functions as specified. It was well packaged therefore delivered intact and much quicker than I had expected.

3 Stars Small Sound from a Small Speaker
Due to the purchase of a new LCD TV and stand, I had to replace my center speaker with one that would fit under the TV, a space about 5″ tall. The rest of my surround speakers are Polk, so I chose the 4″ tall Polk RM6752 center speaker. Unfortunately, the sound from this speaker is very tinny when compared to CS300 it replaced. After a month, I’ve become used to the difference in sound quality, but I know I’ve compromised. And, for the $75 price tag, I paid a premium for the privilege.

5 Stars Excelent Sound, Great Speaker
Having a nice heft to it, this speaker provides a balanced center sound making any home theater complete.

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