Pioneer VSX-919AH-K

[Alienwho]

I decided to grab this receiver last night from Newegg for $329.99. Interestingly enough the checkout page knocked off an additional $30 for a promo code that I never entered and I got it for $299 shipped!

It's a fairly new receiver so there isn't much out on it yet. It has comparable features to an onkyo 606/607 and the audio quality is supposed to be splendid. CNet did a review on the 1019 (calling it the best budget receiver they have reviewed this year) which is supposed to be exactly the same as the 919 except for an additional HDMI port and 1080P upscaling.

Anybody have any experience? I'll post my impressions when I get it.

 

[mshan]

Have you read any comments on how it sounds (same or different) than Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K?

I think I read that internal circuitry (amp section) has been changed drastically from 1018 (?)

 

[Alienwho]

I have not seen anything on the 1018, only comparisons to the 1019 which everybody seems to love.

 

[mshan]

Any comments on whether it sounds very similar to previous non-Elite Pioneer AVRs (actually -01 and -03 are supposed to have same internal hardware), or more like Pioneer ICE based AVRs (-05 , -07)?

 

[Alienwho]

Cnet said the following in comparing the 1018 and 1019:

"The VSX-1019AH's sounds better than any $500 receiver we can think of. Looking over our notes for last year's Pioneer VSX-1018AH review, the two are similar, but the new receiver sounds like it has more guts and oomph, despite the fact that it weighs almost 10 pounds less. "

 

[s44]

Last year's 918 was significantly underpowered; I wonder what the bench tests will say about this one...

 

[mshan]

"The 1019 has these extra features (a) 1 additional HDMI input, (b) can upscale SD via HDMI, (c) zone 2 OSD for iPod. If you don't need any of those features the 919 will be a great unit and you can put an extra $100 toward speakers." Link

I am seriously thinking about buying the 919, too.

I am doing some preliminary google research, but are there any known problems, glitches, etc. with current production 919?

I only run two Hsu HB-1 mk. 2 speakers front left and right and a Hsu VTF-1 sub, no hdmi switching or upconversion I run a DVI->M2 cable from computer to Infocus 4805 for video. I also don't play at really loud levels because I live in a condo complex (main priority is clarity of soundtrack dialogue).

 

[mshan]

Just ordered the 919 and additional $30 promo code discount showed up at checkout.

Did Bing Newegg 2.5% cash back before placed order for additional $8.25 off.

Not bad, and seems like avr should fit my limited needs very well; thanks OP! :thumbsup:

 

[Alienwho]

Cool that the promo showed up for you. It's a pleasant surprise to save an additional $30 for no reason.

I ordered it last night off newegg and it still shows up as "charged". Not even in packaging yet. i wonder if they ran out of inventory or what's the hold up. Usually it ships within hours. Let me know when yours ships.

 

[mshan]

Will do (mine is also showing up as charged, too).

I printed out receipt showing $30 promo code discount applied just to be safe.

 

[mshan]

Just saw this deal listed at Fat Wallet, and looks like promo code is RECEIVER72X3.

 

[Alienwho]

I guess it just added that code in automatically then.

My receiver was marked as shipped late this afternoon. I didn't get an email or shipping confirmation number, however.

 

[NiNe]

I ordered 3 days too early. :-(

 

[s44]

The Egg also has the Onkyo RC-160 on sale for $350 right now. This is a slightly stripped-down 607. Almost certainly more real power than the Pioneer, but less advanced room correction (2EQ is the lowest-grade Audyssey).

 

[killmeister]

:beer:

 

[killmeister]

I am curious to learn how you like the 919 after these few months have passed. Any regrets or is it working fine? Thanks

 

[mshan]

I've been using one with two Hsu HB-1 Mk. 2 satellites and a Hsu VTF 1 sub.

My impression is that of very clean and low distortion circuitry. When combined with a Pioneer BDP-51 Blu-Ray player via HDMI, a rather pure and very crystal clear sound is what comes to mind.

I don't listen loud, and I only have a 2.1 setup, but from what I've read, real world power, for someone with a 5.1 setup who likes to listen loud, or has very inefficient speakers, may not be as good as say Onkyo of same nominal power.

When researching avrs for the Hsu, I think I remember reading that a comparable Onkyo (previous generation 606 vs Pioneer 1018) might be described as being slightly brighter and perhaps a little grainy, in comparison.

I am very happy with my purchase, because it suits my needs perfectly, and price is right.

 

[Alienwho]

I hooked up some old klipsch 5 surround speakers and a cheap sony 10" subwoofer and I am very pleased with the sound. It has great features as well and does exactly what I want it to.

One problem I had for a while was an HDMI handshaking issue between the HTPC and the receiver when I switched the input from TV to HDMI when the TV was already on. I wouldn't get sound from the speakers for some reason. I found I could fix the issue by either logging out/then back in on the computer, or I could completely turn off the TV and receiver, then turn on the TV first and then the receiver afterward.

Interestingly enough I haven't had these issues for the past month, I can switch the receiver throughout all inputs and the audio doesn't die anymore. I don't know what changed.

One thing that did piss me off is the stupid banana clips in the back. It seems like the wire needs to be JUST PERFECT to transmit audio to the speaker. It was a nightmare getting all the wires screwed in and getting audio to all the speakers without accidentally bumping a wire that is already screwed in and cutting the feed.