Pioneer SC-LX72 versus 82, Onkyo 808/1008, Denon 3311

[admin_exported]

Hi

Does anyone have any recommendations as to which one of the above amps (or comparable ones) would be recommendable? I am aware that the Onkyo and Denons have HDMI 1.4, whilst the Pioneers do not. However, 3D TV is not such a big deal for me, so I am more concerned about sound quality (in Stereo as well as Surround modes) and picture quality.

For now the speakers will be the B&W MT30 (i.e. M1 speakers with the PV1 sub), but I am thinking of either using my B&W 601 S3 or getting some System Audio SA1750 or System Audio Mantra 60 as the stereo speakers.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

You would do well with the 1008 - we set ours up at the weekend and it is a beast. The SC-LX72 is now a 73 and will give you LX82 sound with 1.4 etc. The Pio may be a better bet with the B&W's , try to arrange a listen if you can.

 

[Clare Newsome]

And we've got a group test coming up of amps at this price point in our November issue - which, despite its title, goes on sale on 17th September...

We've also got a First Test review of the Pioneer SC-LX73 in our next, October issue - on sale August 24th.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies! After deliberating for a little while I went for the Pioneer LX-82. Not only did I get it for a good price I think (just north of £900, which after all is some £500 less than the LX73 of the Onkyo 1008) but I also tested its ability to pass through a 3D signal from a Samsung bluray player to a Samsung 3D TV which seemed to work just fine. I guess I will have to do without Audio return though 🙂

I have not had a chance to hook things up yet, but I am quite eager to hear what the B1's sound like with the new toy. And I am still curious about the System Audio floorstanders - or perhaps you have some other recommendations for great (mainly stereo) speakers which are somewhat "girlfriend friendly" in their design, i.e. sleek and modern. Ideally up to some £1000 for the pair, perhaps a little more if it makes a big difference.

Cheers!

PS: I look forward to reading your upcoming test!! Whilst hoping that the new gear will be great, I keep my fingers crossed that there will be no regrets from my side.... 🙂

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Clare Newsome:

And we've got a group test coming up of amps at this price point in our November issue - which, despite its title, goes on sale on 17th September...

We've also got a First Test review of the Pioneer SC-LX73 in our next, October issue - on sale August 24th.

That will be interesting

that will be the first review since the 71 should be good to see if you think things have changed much.

 

[leenorm1]

I have just bought the onkyo 808 and i am extremely impressed. The sound is not typical onkyo,it has fantastic balanced treble a nice solid attack that stays controlled without being overpowering and for the first time in onkyo history, a fantastic mid range. I am using mordaunt short aviano 8 front aviano 5 centre aviano 6 rears and a teufel thx sub.

 

[Frank Harvey]

MrRookie: Thanks for the replies! After deliberating for a little while I went for the Pioneer LX-82. Not only did I get it for a good price I think (just north of £900, which after all is some £500 less than the LX73 of the Onkyo 1008) but I also tested its ability to pass through a 3D signal from a Samsung bluray player to a Samsung 3D TV which seemed to work just fine. I guess I will have to do without Audio return though 🙂

I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the LX82 - it's a cracking amplifier.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

FrankHarveyHiFi:

MrRookie: Thanks for the replies! After deliberating for a little while I went for the Pioneer LX-82. Not only did I get it for a good price I think (just north of £900, which after all is some £500 less than the LX73 of the Onkyo 1008) but I also tested its ability to pass through a 3D signal from a Samsung bluray player to a Samsung 3D TV which seemed to work just fine. I guess I will have to do without Audio return though 🙂

I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the LX82 - it's a cracking amplifier.

How are you getting on with yours David?

Thanks

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Clare Newsome:

And we've got a group test coming up of amps at this price point in our November issue - which, despite its title, goes on sale on 17th September...

We've also got a First Test review of the Pioneer SC-LX73 in our next, October issue - on sale August 24th.

Clare did you mean the 53? or did you get the wrong month?

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Clare,

I just purchased the October issue - however I only saw a review of the Pioneer LC53 - did I miss something?

Cheers,

Ross

 

[Anonymous]

Mr Rookie,

I'm in similar predicament - can I enquire where you got the LC82 for north of £900?

Cheers,

Ross

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Ross,

Indeed, I settled for the LX82 in the end, around £950 - after some negotiating I have to admit... they wanted £1,300 for it!

I have not had a chance to set things up properly yet, as I am still trying to get the flat sorted out. But I can hardly wait!!

Cheers