Pioneer's Elite VSX-80TXV, 81TXV, 82TXS, and 84TXSi receivers

Pioneer launched a slew of HDTV and home entertainment gear this week, not the least of which being their 1080p switching Elite receiver series. Models VSX-80TXV, VSX-81TXV, VSX-82TXS, and VSX-84TXSi have 1, 2, 3, and 4 HDMI source ports, the top two models featuring a Genesis DCDi Faroudja video scaler, iPod integration, XM Connect & Play, and even a USB port on the VSX-84TXSi. Expect to pay between $650 and $1,500, depending on your options and features.

[boe @ Jun 9th 2006 10:28AM]

Why would ANYONE buy a new receiver/preamp/processor now when TrueHD and DTS HD are being released? That is one of the only things preventing me from buying a new unit is waiting for the processors to be put on board.

[Chris Heinonen @ Jun 9th 2006 10:36AM]

boe,

Because nothing supports HDMI 1.3 (the spec isn't even final) which will support passing TrueHD and DTS HD. However, HD-DVD and BluRay players can do the processing of those signals themselves and pass it as 8 channels of uncompressed, PCM audio over HDMI 1.1 along with a 1080p signal, so you still get the full quality of the new sound formats. Anything with HDMI 1.3 is probably still a year away (HDMI 1.2 has been final since December and nothing supporting it is out yet), so you can wait, but HDMI 1.1 will do everything you really need.

[WareWolf @ Jun 9th 2006 10:51AM]

Mmmmm purty. Pioneer makes pretty reliable equipment too. I've had my crappy low-end surround sound receiver for about 12 or so years now, and it still keeps warming my desk nicely each time I hit the power button. The motorized volume knob stopped working about 5 yrs ago, but the volume can still be turned up and down if I can convince myself to get off the couch and walk up to the machine and use my hand to grasp, then gently spin the large-ish knob clockwise. I know this might sound amazing, but it's true, you can actually change settings too using your hands and touching the receiver itself in various places. They have handy labels to tell you what you're about to switch on or off. Anyways, i'd love one of these, so send me some to test & review, and I'll give em a home.

[Aaron @ Jun 9th 2006 11:28AM]

Damn, I just bought a Pioneer Elite 74TXVi two months ago. Its a VERY nice receiver, lots of really awesome features. The addition of the faroudja chip and 4 HDMI in makes me think of selling it and buying the 84TXSI. Hmmmm...

[Spirit Messingham @ Feb 15th 2007 10:32AM]

Hi, I am looking bewtween the newer Pioneer Elite VSX-81 or the 74, which you bought. Yours has more power at 140watts a channel vs 110. . . your thoughts? Thanks!
[e-mail]

[boe @ Jun 9th 2006 1:06PM]

Chris Heinonen,

Thanks for the response. I was thinking about that after I posted. I guess I would still wait for those on the next processor I buy but I guess if people want something now that makes sense.

[J @ Jun 9th 2006 1:13PM]

What is the source of this info? This is the first time I've seen any mention of an integrated Faroudja scaler. Unfortunately Pioneer's site seems to be down at the moment so I can't check there.

[NSidePioneer @ Jun 10th 2006 10:23AM]

Speaking from a position of knowledge to the upcoming Pioneer products, I can confirm the new Elite receivers will in fact contain Faroudja scalers. Having seen,heard and played with all of these, I can say that these are going to be great receivers for Pioneer. The website update is still in progress and hopefully the site will be back up and running by Monday

[Brian @ Jun 11th 2006 12:19PM]

NSidePioneer,

Is the 84TXSi receivers the replacement for the 59TXi? If not, do you know when the flagship will be available? I'm sure hoping they include a subwoofer EQ and and EQ that works for multiple locations (i.e. Denon).

Thanks!

-Brian

[NSidePioneer @ Jun 11th 2006 1:32PM]

Brian

The VSX-84 is the replacement for the current VSX-74. From what I understand, the flagship piece would be rolling out in 07...so we'll have to wait a little longer to get a replacement for the 59TXi...but the wait should definitely be worth it.

NSide

[Killer @ Jun 12th 2006 9:30AM]

Nside,
How long have you been a PS?
Concur on the next 59, I'm waiting......
Tell Russ to add Sirius sooner rather than later.

-ex further Nside

[J @ Jun 14th 2006 2:40PM]

Okay, Pioneer's site is back up but there's no information on the new receivers. Any idea when the updates are coming?

[panzer @ Jun 18th 2006 2:13AM]

I have a Pioneer Elite 43" Plasma tv and I'm looking at getting an Elite reciever. I know the VSX-72TXV has the HDMI connections and I was wondering if it is worth purchasing? I'm not a huge audio-file so I don't see spending 2k for the other models. Thanks for the 411.

[Need4speednj @ Jul 15th 2006 12:25PM]

I'm venturing into my first system. I know nothing about this stuff, but I was all set to get a Marantz sr7500 and then a friend lectured me about HDMI and being future proof.

The salesman I was dealing with said in that case, he would recommend the Pioneer VFX 82 TFX. Can someone help me make this decision by telling the pro's and con's of these 2 choices.

While on the subject..does anyone recommend B&W speakers?

[Need4speednj @ Jul 15th 2006 12:27PM]

vfx82 vs Mirantz sr7500....someone please tell me the pro's and con's...I'm a very uneducated consumer at present

[Spirit Messingham @ Feb 15th 2007 10:33AM]

HI, I am thinking about getting either the Pioneer Elite VSX-81 or the 74 model you got. I know yours has more power at 140 watts per channel vs 110. Would love to know your thoughts and etc before I buy and which you would get if you were to buy one today. THANKS!!! [e-mail]