Video Asylum

Posted by Chefi on January 28, 2007 at 07:09:13

I have been in the market for a sub $500.00 receiver and had my list down to the Onkyo TX-SR604 ($450.00 at CC), the Pioneer VSX1016 ($450.00 at BB and CC), and the Yamaha RX-V659 ($469.00 at Myer-Emco). Well, last night I went to my local Tweeter store and noticed they only carry the Elite series on the Pioneer brand at significantly higher prices. I had a short conversation with what seemed to be knowledgeable associate about the superior sound processing on the Pioneer Elite VSX-80TX vs. the non-elite VSX-1016TX. After shelling out an extra $125.00 I came out the store with the “higher end”, svelte-looking Pio Elite VSX80 ($575.00). After doing research on the internet about the Elite VSX80 I noticed it has pretty much everything the VSX1016has, including the pass-through only HDMI switch. Did I just buy a glorified VSX1016? I still have the unopened box in my basement and I’m thinking about returning it to go to CC to get either the Onkyo TX-SR604 or the Pioneer VSX1016. I will appreciate any input on this decision.