Pioneer VSX-920 vs Onkyo TX-SR608 vs Yamaha RX-V667

[admin_exported]

I am now replacing my current Yamaha AV Receiver as i am upgrading to a 3D TV so am considering the above amps. Anyone care to help me find which is the best one? I can get the Yamaha or Onkyo for £450 but the Pioneer for £379

I will be using 6.1 surround sound with my set up and will also use for my music needs with I-pod connection. Although i know all items are well rated i am struggling to narrow down further from this shortlist so thought it worthwhile seeing if anyone has any further views?

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

Cam6,

Although the Onkyo TX-SR608 won the Group Test, it was by a very small margin.

You would therefore be well advised to audition the Pioneer VSX-920 and the Yamaha RX-V667yourself to determine which sounds best to you.

Ronald

 

[Frank Harvey]

All of the sub £500 AV receivers are excellent - I'd go with the Yamaha seeing as you're familiar with their remotes and menu systems.

 

[Anonymous]

I love my Yamaha 667 but would of liked to audition the Onkyo

 

[kinda]

I demod the Pioneer, and though it had a convincing, detailed sound, the bass just seemed too flabby and without impact for my tastes.

Didn't demo the other two, but it may come down to taste and speakers they're pairing with rather than outright performance, so a demo is essential. They al have quite a different sound.

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

Cam6,

I had a demo with all three machines today and the Onkyo, in my opinion is the far superior machine between the three and I can understand why it was judged to be the best.

The 608 sounds like a 607 + 1910!

Ronald

 

[grdunn123]

Are you looking for a new amp Ronald??

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

Grdunn123,

No mate. Was just curious to listen to this trio for myself.

Ronald

 

[grdunn123]

You think that the Onkyo was a significant winner? How would it comare against your Onk?

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

Grdunn123,

The 608 sounds more refined than the 605/606/607 although some of the muscularity and sheer power and attack is lost in the process.

This is not necessarily a bad thing considering that some people may find the higher frequencies a little bit overbearing in extended listening sessions with the previous generation Onkyo amps.

Like I said before - it sounds like a 607/1910 hybrid! It is also a lot closer to sound quality to my 875, but without the extra power, control and finesse.

I am also currently testing a Denon AVR-2310 at home to see how this amp sounds like. I like testing as many as I can possibly buy/demo so I have 1st hand experience when I speak, rather than to rely on reviews or others - a nice hobby

Ronald

 

[grdunn123]

Nice hobby? Too right!

My '806 is on the ubiquitous auction site right now...it's so different compared to my new Pioneer, I do miss some of it's sheer muscle and control.....but I'm still trying to get to grips with the Pioneer which, for me, has too many set up options!

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

Grdunn123,

Onkyo amps are rather easy to set up compared to most, even Yamaha and Denon!

I saw your 806 on this auction site - hope it goes for a good price.

I've always loved the power and muscle of Onkyo amps and yes, the Pioneer is a maze but I think it will be worth it in the end - consider it a learning experience!

It is a very good amp. I would take it over a DSP-Z7 anyday.

Ronald

 

[Frank Harvey]

Too many options? Different maybe....

 

[grdunn123]

I'm gonna take the time and put the effort in to get the Pioneer singing! Had a listen to the Internet radio function today and streamed some stuff to it from my laptop! Dead easy! I'm already thinking that the MA RS5's might not be up to the job with this but there again my sub is needing upgraded......why did I start all this??? There's a recession on! I can't afford this.....at least if i lose my job I can sit in all day and just watch movies and listen to music.......

 

[Ronald Archiebald]

grdunn123:

why did I start all this??? There's a recession on! I can't afford this.....at least if i lose my job I can sit in all day and just watch movies and listen to music.......

Hahahaha....enjoy mate! I'm off to bed.....

 

[Frank Harvey]

grdunn123:I'm gonna take the time and put the effort in to get the Pioneer singing! it's worth it!