Difficult receiver choice

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

johnnymunro:

Well the jury is out at the moment!

The Tannoy revolution signatures seem to get the vote at the moment with me along with the Monitor Audio RSW12 sub (opinion please The Home CinemaCentre)

Coming in with the wife's vote is the Monitor Audio Radius HD Package with the R270HD fronts,R250HD Centre and R90HD rears with the same sub in Piano Black (goes with the Pio 5090 she says!)_

Still hanging around in the background is the B & W MT 30 package with the PV1

Another consideration is if I went for either of the Style packages then I could always buy a new pair of speakers for the stereo requirements in an adjoining room

Decisions decisions.... at least I'm set on the Pio SC-LX81 Receiver..............I THINK

The RSW12 is a good sub and will easily work with the Tannoy's or any other speaker for that matter. We normally specify the Sunifre HRS12 in systems at this level as we do not deal with MA. That said the RSW12s we have installed have been very good indeed.

Another sytle speaker to consider is the Dali Motif http://www.dali.eu/uk/page288.aspx?sub=297&prod=780 They are a bit bigger than the Kef's and the B&W's but they really do perform at the next level. Our LX81 has been running the set in store with great results.

Nick

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

Sc00bied00:

I didn't note what your really into, and what you want to get out of the system your putting together, bolting on Best Buy's to each other may not be what you want to 'hear' when you start listening....

Pleasing the 'her in doors' errrr 'the boss' is always a difficult one. IMHO don't think that an AV amp/surround sound set up will ever match up to a standalone 'stereo' based system as 2 completely different presentations.

When it comes to aesthetics it's a whole new ball game getting the right balance, I've heard the 3005se and the non se KEF's unfortunately not in the same environment, delivery with the se and the pio is smooth and controlled, I think the pio can deliver more than the KEF's can offer IMO, but doesn't lack excitement when required. Haven't heard the B&W MT30's and only know what the reviews say here, If slightly edgy trebles don't please then may not be the way forward, still they could be tamed wilth appropriate cables and partnering equip.

The signature's seem to be the doggy's he haws, sub is a good choice (see my last paragraph), from the review of the Radius music is not it's real forte.

The guy's up here at TheHomeCinemaCenter are a great bunch, knowlegeable and helpful, they present valid arguments for partnering equipment. If you really are spending most of your time with movies/TV etc, invest in this, from your other post if only 10% is with good old hifi then upgrading there for the amout of listening/R&R time doesn't seem right IMO.

You need to get some good demo time not just an hour or so, can you not find a dealer that will allow home demo with some of your options, after all what looks good may not sound right at home, at this price point guestimates is dodgy... and for the missus, seeing/hearing the speakers at home should also help.

HTH - sc00bie

Thanks for your comments Sc00bied00, it is nice of you to say that.

 

[Anonymous]

Firstly let me say a big thanks to Scoobs and TheHomeCinemaCentre for their valued, unbiased and reasoned comments.

Sorry for not mentioning the music requirements, this really is not a major consideration because music does not have to be played through the amp and speakers but I like the idea of a little versatility and may use them from time to time.

Most genres however would be included but more Massive Attack,Elbow,Groove Armada, Underworld,Union of Knives and local Radio than anything else.

Just had another demo today which included the MA Radius HD and the RSW12 as described paired to a Onkyo 806 rather than the Pio 81 (which was too much trouble to disconnect to demo,which was pre booked I may add

)

This was demo'd against the B & W MT30

Both demos auditioned the new impressive Pio 08 Bluray player.

IMO I thought both systems sounded bright, probably the B & W more bright but there was'nt an awful lot to choose between them. I would expect that the floorstanding MA 270HD's would sound more accomplished with music than the B & W's although I would'nt put music through the B & W's anyway.

So for the record I only tested the MA 270HD 's as fronts in the radius set up not the R 90's

Overall not much to choose between them with cinema IMHO

I expect looks and cost would then need to be included before the decision making is done, that is of course If the choice was narrowed down to just these two

Not yet tested the Tannoys

 

[Sc00bied00]

Your are welcome

Sorry to hear the demo wasn't quite what was expected. Brightness...hmmmm ... cabling could help. If the top end is controlled well, the brightness maybe more listening to a different system than you are used to?

I believe your not convinced on speaker choice yet and IMHO believe you won't be happy till you have heard the Tannoys. Throwing the Onkyo in to the mix was an interesting choice - did you mean 906, it would have been beneficial to hear both amps one after the other, my take on things would be to get the amp choice sorted and partner via home demo for the speakers, your room and acoustics will be diff to the demo room.

Try thinking 'out of the box' and not restricting yourself to the existing speaker choice you have, Dali's and so forth may be alt options, bearing in mind the aesthetics.

sc00bie

 

[Anonymous]

My new 81 is now ready, calibrated and tested.
And I must say that so far I am not happy.
I am not happy that I cannot assign optical input for Audio when there is a HDMI connected(Only stereo output with Sky HD via HDMI)therfore not getting Dolby Digital.
So I used Component video instead so I could assign the optical input for sound. Problem is that after a while I loose the picture, until I select either a different channel or select the menu on Sky, then the picture comes back for a while then drops out again.
My other gripe is that there isn't any upscalling. When conneced with the HDMI to Sky and I set Sky to Auto then all I get on SD channels is Standard Definition, also when there is HD content it does not de-interlace from 1080i to 1080p.
I hope these can be fixed, otherwise I will have to use the HDMI switch box again.
What can I say but, Upset!
I haven't had time to play much regarding the sound, but did try the storm scene in Flight of the Pheonix on Bluray...Wow!

 

[Clare Newsome]

I'll need to check re the upscaling, but I know the Sky HD issue is about the Pioneer's 'HDMI Control' option- set that to off and all should be well with the HDMI/optical combo.

 

[Sc00bied00]

[EDITED BY MODS -PLEASE DO NOT DISCUSS MODERATION]

I have the manual downloaded and it is not clear at times from the set up what is enabled and disable via the various inputs.

sc00bie

 

[Sc00bied00]

Del - the amp apparently only upscales analogue inputs not HDMI as it looks like its more a pass through.

Maybe Clare will have more info....

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

It is quite common that there is no scaling on the HDMI inputs due to the video signals an HDMI cable passes. The top of the range LX90 doesnt offer it either.

As Claire has mentioned the optical assign issue can be solved, a quick call to your dealer should solve most of your issues.

Glad you like the sound though, it really is a winner

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:I'll need to check re the upscaling, but I know the Sky HD issue is about the Pioneer's 'HDMI Control' option- set that to off and all should be well with the HDMI/optical combo.

Thank you Clare,

I have tried this with allsorts of configurations and the HDMI keeps takeing over.
But by switching off the HDMI control strangely the component video does work much better but still drops out over time. Have now tried upscalling with component video and it does work with SD content and upto 1080p. It will not upscale 1080i to 1080p.
The problem is that I cannot enjoy Sky HD via the receiver, so have had to bypass the receiver using an HDMI switch box, which totally defeats the object.
I should be enjoying this receiver right now but the problems with the video processing/HDMI for the price has outweighed the audio benefits it has and am now thinking of getting my money back.
It just doesn't do what it says on the tin. I don't know if a firmware upgrade is possible.

 

[Clare Newsome]

I think you need to contact your retailer in case you've a damaged or defective model, as we've experienced none of these issues - our test team even went down to try and replicate some of these yesterday, and couldn't: Sky HD worked fine, for example.

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

You should speak to your dealer, they can talk you through this and get it working.

 

[Anonymous]

I am now the owner of a box containing the same amp

I picked it up from Peter Tyson in Carlisle yesterday ( a 300 and odd mile round trip)

I took them the details of this thread,an issue that they were not aware of with the amp.

They were happy for me to take it on the understanding that I could take it back if I was not happy with it

It seems now from reading your latest thread that it will be going back

Time to consider other options...

 

[Anonymous]

Clare Newsome:I think you need to contact your retailer in case you've a damaged or defective model, as we've experienced none of these issues - our test team even went down to try and replicate some of these yesterday, and couldn't: Sky HD worked fine, for example.

Thanks Clare for doing that, what a lovely thing to do.
I think you could be right, but before I send it back I need to figure out if it is definately a fault with the reciever or something to do with the Sky HD box.
I will plug in an optical cable to my BD player and see if it will let me bypass the HDMI for audio. Will also borrow my sons XBOX to try the component video from that. Does seem like a software bug though.

 

[Anonymous]

TheHomeCinemaCentre:You should speak to your dealer, they can talk you through this and get it working.

Thanks, I don't think my dealer could help I had to tell them they had the 81 in the first place, I may have to talk to Pioneer direct. I really don't think it's me, or something I've missed. There are only so many options in the set up to use and have tried them all. The optical sound works fine when in the set up menu as the receiver shows the configuration on the front panel led display, as soon as I exit the menu it shows Dolby digital for about 2 seconds then the red LED ligts up to say it's found the HDMI and then goes to STEREO.

 

[Sc00bied00]

Del, I read about making a choice via a button on the remote under the slide down cover or something, in the amp menu although you enable for the optical you still need to use the remote to get it to work. It cycles through options and choosing one of them kicks all into place. Again the manual is not clear on this, as there is so many options to get this amp working correctly Pioneer should be taking note of the difficulties that some are having and amend the documentation to make it more simple / understandable.

HTH - sc00bie

 

[Sc00bied00]

johnnymunro:

I am now the owner of a box containing the same amp

I picked it up from Peter Tyson in Carlisle yesterday ( a 300 and odd mile round trip)

It seems now from reading your latest thread that it will be going back

Time to consider other options...

Hi jonnymunro

wow! bit if a change of mind! The optical / HDMI issue should be resolveable as below, it's to do with the amp settings, am no guru, there are circumstances where lots of equip you can run out of options....or simply cannot configure using the amp solely. Hope once you've had a good listen it's up for the job and might change your mind....

sc00bie

 

[Anonymous]

Sc00bied00:
Del, I read about making a choice via a button on the remote under the slide down cover or something, in the amp menu although you enable for the optical you still need to use the remote to get it to work. It cycles through options and choosing one of them kicks all into place. Again the manual is not clear on this, as there is so many options to get this amp working correctly Pioneer should be taking note of the difficulties that some are having and amend the documentation to make it more simple / understandable.

HTH - sc00bie

YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE STAR xxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you so much, totaly easy fix, but bonkers...
If you can send me your details you have so got yourself a beer!

 

[Sc00bied00]

Hi Del, really pleased it has helped, hope you have a great Xmas and New Year. Will have a

on you but since I don't like to drink alone, here's one for you too

.

Have decided to take the plung and go for the LX81 and a Pio KRP500A

, just need to sort out speakers for surround, when I'm able.

Cheers - Sc00bie

 

[Anonymous]

Sc00bied00:
Hi Del, really pleased it has helped, hope you have a great Xmas and New Year. Will have a

on you but since I don't like to drink alone, here's one for you too

.

Have decided to take the plung and go for the LX81 and a Pio KRP500A

, just need to sort out speakers for surround, when I'm able.

Cheers - Sc00bie

It's all spend, I'm awaiting an Atacama Equinox unit as the 81 is way too big for my unit, have been using an eye sore of a unit for now.

Thanks again for the help, relieved hours of torment. I will put in a few bob next time I see a charity collecting at the supermarket.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys,

Firstly sorry for my ignorance here, but do I take it that we have a solution to the Sky HD problem with audio through an optical cable where the receiver now selects Dolby digital rather than tripping back to stereo

Del.... does your receiver now work as it should albeit without 1080P upscaling.

Mine still remains in it's box whilst I ponder my options

I wonder if anyone from the WHF team would wish to comment on the previous review of the amp and maybe consider a change to it's rating now that we know of the lack of upscaling.

Would the Yamaha 3900 now maybe steal the crown as this does upscale to 1080P!

 

[Clare Newsome]

All depends on what you want your AV amp to do - we make the Yamaha's upscaling credentials clear in the review, but still believe the Pioneer sounds superior. If you've a TV (such as the matching Pioneer Kuro) with superb upscaling, you don't need your AV amp to handle such duties.....

 

[Anonymous]

johnnymunro:
Hi Guys,

Firstly sorry for my ignorance here, but do I take it that we have a solution to the Sky HD problem with audio through an optical cable where the receiver now selects Dolby digital rather than tripping back to stereo

Del.... does your receiver now work as it should albeit without 1080P upscaling.

Mine still remains in it's box whilst I ponder my options

I wonder if anyone from the WHF team would wish to comment on the previous review of the amp and maybe consider a change to it's rating now that we know of the lack of upscaling.

Would the Yamaha 3900 now maybe steal the crown as this does upscale to 1080P!

Yes it works fine now, thanks to scoobie. I must say that the audio is brilliant, musically very nice as well, I'm very suprised how good the ipod sound is also. I've had to turn my sub down a bit because the house(and misses)didn't like it.(awesome bass!)
Now that the niggles have been sorted I am very happy indeed (been a naff week).
I'm not that bothered about the upscalling as I didn't buy it for that as all my kit now is HD, it took some time for me to get it right but I think it was worth it in the end.

A Lovely piece of kit...

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks to Clare Del and Scoobs for their assistance with this receiver issue

The comment of mine re the rating change was obviously tongue in cheek but still maybe worthy of consideration

Del is there any way that we can speak re your final set up please?

I don't particularly want a week of messing about with the settings especially over the Christmas period or I may find that my Christmas dinner ends up in the dog!

 

[Anonymous]

johnnymunro:
Thanks to Clare Del and Scoobs for their assistance with this receiver issue

The comment of mine re the rating change was obviously tongue in cheek but still maybe worthy of consideration

Del is there any way that we can speak re your final set up please?

I don't particularly want a week of messing about with the settings especially over the Christmas period or I may find that my Christmas dinner ends up in the dog!

I'm happy to talk you through it,as I can't post my details on here I think the only way is if one of the WHF team could email me your details then I can give you my number.
Clare would this be ok?