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Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K

*Est. $500

Reviewed August 2009
Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K

Best 7.1 home theater receiver

pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Good video processing
  • Built-in support for iPods and iPhone
  • Helpful graphical user interface
cons
  • Works best with efficient speakers
  • Manual can be confusing
  • Analog audio input only accepts 5.1 channels
 
 
Where to Buy
  • Vanns.com

    for $499.98

  • eBay

    for $499.99

  • dbuys.com

    for $435.00

 
 
 

Critics and users praise the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K for its nearly unbeatable blend of performance and value. Sound quality is excellent and video processing, while not flawless, is better than what many competing receivers have to offer. The VSX-1019AH-K is also blessed with an abundance of features. iPod and iPhone support is built-in, and the VSX-1019AH-K ships with the required iPod cable. The graphical user interface (GUI) lets you navigate your music collection -- but not photos or videos -- via the receiver's remote control.

Audio support is good, and the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K includes decoders for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, the high-def audio formats used on Blu-ray Discs. The four HDMI inputs and multichannel analog audio input is sufficient to handle even complex home theater setups. One oddity is that the multichannel analog audio input in this 7.1-channel receiver will only accept 5.1 channels of audio, disregarding the two rear surround channels that are the difference between 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. Ease of use is enhanced by a good speaker setup system and the helpful GUI, but hindered by a manual that some find confusing. The rated 120 watts per channel should provide more than enough volume for most home theaters, but some find that the VSX-1019AH-K struggles when asked to drive large or inefficient speakers or to fill large spaces.

The Onkyo TX-SR607 (*Est. $430) is another consideration in this price category. Pluses compared to the VSX-1019AH-K include support for Dolby Pro Logic IIz (which adds height channels to the standard seven channels for an even more impressive surround sound), an extra subwoofer output and a lower price tag. However, video performance is decidedly weaker, multichannel analog audio support is missing altogether and, while easy to use, the TX-SR607 lacks the sophisticated GUI found in the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K.

CNET is the first out of the gate with a testing-based review that covers the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K in-depth. A good selection of user reviews are beginning to accumulate at Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, along with a small handful at Newegg.com.

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Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
Vanns.comVanns.com rated 4.50 (549 reviews)549 store reviewsIn Stock. New$499.98
eBayeBay rated 4.00 (1176 reviews)1176 store reviewsIn Stock. $499.99
dbuys.comdbuys.com rated 4.50 (3053 reviews)3053 store reviewsIn Stock. Brand New$435.00
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CNET

While CNET stops just short of naming the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K an Editors' Choice, the reviewers say it is the most impressive home theater receiver they have tested this year. Quibbles are few -- a confusing manual, for example -- and praise is extensive. Discussion is satisfying without being overwhelming.

Review: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K, Matthew Moskovciak and Steve Guttenberg, June 16, 2009

2. Amazon.com

A decent selection of user reviews for the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K can be found here, and most paint a very attractive picture. One user complains that there's not enough power to drive his old set of speakers, but everyone else is mostly or completely pleased.

Review: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K, Contributors to Amazon.com

3. BestBuy.com

Though there are fewer reviews here than at Amazon.com, comments and satisfaction follow a similar pattern. One user complains of insufficient power to drive large speakers (though he adds that it should be fine for more typical home theater setups). Everyone else rates the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K either four or five stars out of five.

Review: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K, Contributors to BestBuy.com

4. NewEgg.com

There are only a few reviews of the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K here, but all are mostly to completely pleased with the receivers. One advantage of this site is that most contributors have a higher than average level of technical knowledge.

Review: Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K, Contributors to Newegg.com

5. Electronic House Magazine

This article recommends five home theater receivers based on their brand's popularity with home theater installers. Though the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K is included, the recommendation carries little weight since no testing is done.

Review: 5 Popular A/V Receivers, Robert Archer, July 14, 2009

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2 picks by top review sites.

     
 
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