THX Ultra Upgrade / Downgrade Dilemma

[THX1139]

I have a lovely Pioneer VSA-E07 THX Ultra AV Receiver, circa 2001. But it has developed the common DSP-IC fault (no sound output from any source in any mode). The "official" authorised Pioneer AV / Hi-Fi repairers recommended by Pioneer all get terrible service quality reviews. Plus half of them state they can no longer source parts for it. Though Pioneer themselves think they MAY have parts, but not 100% sure. So, my dilemma is do I potentially waste a month and £250+ just shipping a 20kg amp back and forth to second rate repairers and get charged diagnostic fees only to be told it's beyond repair. If I'm REALLY lucky someone might actually fix it and maybe without scratching the absolutely mint aluminimum gold-silver case, and it MIGHT continue to work for another few months, or a year. But I'll probably be £500-£800 lighter for the pleasure. Or do I just bite the bullet and spend that on a replacement amp which has HDMI and some more modern features? However I can't justify the cost of another THX Ultra2 amp currently, so am looking at the new Marantz SR6009. Question is, I currently don't use any video pass-thru the AV amp (routes audio sources only, from turntable (Technics SL1210 Mk2), through tape deck, FM tuner, to CD, DVD players, iPod, Blu-Ray player and Sky Box). So HDMI, web radio streaming et al are nice but nothing I really covet. Would a new 2014, mid-range, similar power (at 8 ohm) and THD %, but non-THX certified AV receiver such as the Marantz SR6009 perform as well and sound as good as my old top-end THX Ultra Pioneer, which would have cost about £2000 in todays money? Appreciate any thoughts. Cheers THX1139 (the one that didn't get away ;-)

 

[Glacialpath]

Hi there.

I used to have the Pioneer VSX 909 RDS THX cetified AVR. I now have a Pioneer SC LX73 also THX certified. The LX73 is much better.

An Onkyo may be what you are looking for. You don't need to get a 2014 model, my LX73 was an ex demo unit and a newer version had already come out. The 83 I think.

Have a look through the archives of the various brands and find one that meets your spec requirements the most.

I think all AVR have functions that don't get used. I have my BD player and Sky box going though mine the I have the blutooth adaptor that came with it connected so I can stream Spotify from my phone. There are many more functions on the amp.

Second hand should be a safe bet. I find people on ebay selling their AVR that is a few years old because they want the new funky thing the new one does look after them and should be like new. Of course, make sure there are plenty of good clear pictures and the seller has a high seller rating.

Gumtree might be better as you can try before you commit to buying. Preloved is another site too if you don't know.

 

[THX1139]

Thanks for the tips Glacial, and nice to know the latest Pioneers are still top quality. I'm definitely leaning toward replacement versus fix now, having been comparing further repair estimates vs new purchase costs. But I do want brand new, not second-hand, so will surf around and compare the main competition to the SR6009.

Cheers

T

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Here you can get a Pioneer 83 THX ultra for £600, and at a shop so probably comes with warranty too:

http://www.themovierooms.co.uk/special-offers/second-hand/pioneer-sc-lx83-used-av-amplifier.html

 

[Glacialpath]

You're welcome THX1139 (did someone already have 1138? Awesome film BTW)

It seems gel is on the ball finding that AVR for you. Seems a good price too.

I understand not wanting second hand though I have to say it's almost like buying new these days as long as people have kept the box, manuals and all accessorise.

Good luck. I hope you find what you want.

What part of the world you in. If your in the UK get yourself down to the Bristol Sound and Vision show in February 2015 and snap up a brand new old AVR for cheap and maybe straingt from Pioneer themselves. There is usually an extra 15% off show price on most things too.

That show is how I've managed to get a lot of my kit for new but much cheaper than I would from a shop and straight from the manufacturer too.

There are show's like the Bristol show in other parts of the world too and I imagine the rules are the same.

 

[THX1139]

Thanks for the further tips and links Gel and Glacial. Much appreciated. Will peruse that Pioneer 83 tonight. Amazing price.

Didn't know about the Bristol show Glacial, thanks for the heads-up. Might go next year to see if any bargain 3D HD projectors to be had!

As for my forum ID. I just wanted to be a bit irreverant with the next digit "human" along from the eponymous character in Lucas's second best ever film. (American Graffiti was by far th best movie he ever made. Star Wars 1 (or Ep iV as it's now called) was great in terms of genre defining, re-booting sci-fi which was a dirty word in the 70s and kicking off the entire SPFX industry. But the dialogue and some of the acting was poor in parts - Lucas was never much good with actors and dialogue).

"Empire" was, and still is - as we all know - by a country mile the greatest of the entire first trilogy - the less said about the next 3 the better. Maybe JJ Abrahams can do better with #7.

But "THX1138-4EB" (to give it, it's full title) was a superb, flawed almost masterpiece. A bit more time, budget (it was produced by Coppola who really had Lucas on tight reigns), and it could have been truly great. Still a cult classic in the same league as DarkStar mind.