A feature packed receiver at a decent price. Part of JB's mad Wednesday sales. Limited stock
All the technical details and specifications can be found here http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/products/VSX-527/print.html
Pioneer VSX-527 5.1ch 3D Networkable Home Theatre Receiver with Airplay $279.20 @ JB Hi-Fi
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I don't think a proper defined audiophile would buy a low range amp, but IMHO it's pretty good for the price - discussed across multiple threads: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/search/node/Pioneer+vsx-527
They'd be too busy arguing about AVR vs Pre+pro setups.
This is pretty good deal, does DTS-MA, 130w at 6 ohms (may struggle and clip with bigger floorstanders), Discrete Amplification Type.
Very interested in the audiophile's take on this. Anyone?
It's just a shame that it has no pre-outs for the front speakers, adding emotiva amps to this would've made one hell of a high end system for cheap. But Pioneer knew people would do that so no pre-out for the fronts.
Good entry level amp. Does everything you want, DTS-MA, Lossless playback through usb/LAN, 192/24 DAC, idevice support.
You're not missing much really, compared to higher end models which have 2 hdmi outputs, multiple zones that can blast all 9.1 channels at the same time with different signals, auto calibration with a mic + audyssey.
Possible downs: lack of power and no pre outs: Choose your speakers well, should work fine with most bookshelves but for floorstanders make sure they're quite sensitive, you can't add power amps to this AVR. Pre outs are for turning this into a 7.1 with the help of a 2ch amp, but it would be cheaper to just buy a 7.1 avr to begin with.
I am using the VSX 520 with Accusound 8.6XD floorstanding speakers they are powerful enough.
They also have MCACC auto calibration
I have an old 5.1 Marantz Amp and im honestly wondering if theres a point to upgrade for hdmi functionality?
There's a bunch of new receivers coming out ATM, so good runout deals.
The best, most feature packed unit on the market imo is the Onkyo 818 - http://www.eastwoodhifi.com.au/specials.html
Especially if you're using it for HT (audyssey xt32).
Of course this all depends on your speakers. No point getting a cheap amp for quality speakers and vice versa.
The specs page doesnt show any Total Harmonic Distortion percentages… which tells me it's a figure they dont want people to easily find.
Go look at the cheapest amp available at say Yahama's website, and you'll see THD% is listed, as are Signal to Noise Ratios (which is also worryingly omitted from the Pioneer specs page).
Those two figures alone will definitely highlight how clear and accurate an amp is at doing's its job. RMS is also important, but this figure is often 'tampered with' in marketing to disguise it's true power. Ignore any peak figures they throw at you, as well as any figures that add the total of all channels together. Look at each channel (left, right, rear, sub etc) as a separate figure.
In a nutshell, THD- lower the better, SNR- higher the better, RMS- higher the better (with caveats).
That'll narrow down your list for "auditions", then it's up to your ears to pick what you like best.
Obviously, it's better to buy each component separately (amp, speakers, sub etc) and test them, but for all in one setups, compare specs that are available and listen to each setup in an environment that you'll most likely use it in (if possible).
As already mentioned, this amp is good for the price… but a little extra 'investment' will get you more (as always), and that extra is what audiophiles are prepared to pay for. I'm not rich or a pro, but my limit was 10k for my setup, and I spent ages researching and listening to different parts to make sure I got exactly what I was looking for. Mind you, 10k wouldnt buy just the speakers for true audiophiles ;). Lucky people.
Edited: Found the THD% for this amp…. 1%! Ouch. It 'should' be a figure starting with 2 zeros at least (ie 0.0xxx%). There are a lot of cheap amps out there with 3 zeros, but this one from Pioneer doesnt even have 1 ;).
Hi UFO, you sound like you know what your talking about.
If your old man said here's 2k to buy me a new stereo system that has the same "large looking speakers" (~400x800) and bassy sound he had in the 70/80's what would you get him?
Currently my standard car stereo in my nissan sounds better than what I have in the lounge room (as listed below).
I'm tempted to get this amp and keep or preferably get some bigger better speakers but don't wanna get sold some crap like I have now due to biggest profit margin etc from a salesman.
2.1 is fine for now but later option for 7.1 would be nice. Could perhaps use the LS-V30's as the rears?
I'm in WA. Cheers!
Happy to give some advice, but lets do the rest via PM or email… there's going to have to be a bit of questioning to and fro.
Do they also have the 7.1 model?
VSX522 should be only $199 if you don't need extra features.
Any idea if you can control the volume on the center speaker for either this model or the vsx522 ?
My VSX 520 can set individual speaker db level so I think they should be fine.
Download the user manual have a look.
Thanks mate my only concern now is to have louder vocal then background noise when I watch a movie.
Is this worth upgrading from my $99 Vsx-521 ?
No
Of course not, at least not unless its broken. 3D? Networkable? Not really things you need in an amp!!
MY 520 can do 3D, 521 should not have problem.
Yeah cheers, 521 does 3D so might hold on for a 7.1 system down the line.
Btw you were right about the Wharfedale Crystals bought them - not very good.I end up bought Accusound 8.6XD although not perfect but still better than Crystals.
I have these speakers which are 8 ohms, http://store.sony.com/p/SS-B3000/en/p/SSB3000#specifications
the specs on this receiver say that the "Impedance at Output Level" is 6 ohms, does that mean it won't work correctly with my speakers?
They'll work fine. This amp is putting out 130W at 6 Ohm, it'll just put out less power at 8 Ohm (approx 100W) using W = V^2 / R
Do you know if the VSX522 can handle 4 ohms 50w speakers?
I am using 8 ohms Accusound speaker no problem.
Its good value from a good brand.
No point worrying about specifics
if you are on a budget , then this looks like a great start to
your home theatre future.Hi
I got this Kenwood RV6000 a couple of yrs back - http://au.kenwood.com/Home_Entertainment/Components/RV-6000
Kenwood SW40HT Sub (in blk) - http://www.kenwood.eu/products/home/speakers/SW-40HT/details…
Kenwood LS-V30 fronts which re 120w 8omhs
Can't find a link for the speakers but believe this is the packaged system (which doesn't say much) http://au.kenwood.com/Home_Entertainment/Home_Theatre_System…I'm a 48yr old used to the simple old days with only a few nobs to turn, so a noob when comes to setting all this modern new stuff up, currently just running 2xfronts, center & sub. The amp doesn't come with one of those mics to set it up properly etc.
Would this Amp be better suited for me with current speakers or should I look at total new system?
Cheers!
I'm a n00b too and want to get something decent.
I would have bought this if only it had the audyssey (auto MCACC) which is exactly what you're looking for.
A feature that detects how far each speaker is and automatically adjusts volumes for each one.As I said, $1199 for the Onkyo 818 is by FAR the cheapest you can get audyssey xt32. Most other receivers that have it are 2.5k+. This is of course still a lot more expensive than this pioneer deal.
My VSX 520 had auto MCACC.
Current speakers look fine mate
Looks like it has a MIC for seting up (MCACC see specs below)
so it should setup your 3.1 and set it up for you (page 23)
http://docs.pioneer.eu/Manuals/VSX_527_S_ARB7471_manual/?Pag…If you're searching for a different sound, change your speakers - AVR's and amps are made to be transparent, the sound will still vary between brands but not as much as changing your actual speakers.
If you need to update connectivity/features, get a new amp. If you're running out of inputs to plug things in your receiver then go for a new avr. You should only do this like once every 2-4 years since that's when major features are updated eg. From analog inputs to HDMI to 3D passthrough to 4k support etc
The only benefit I see is you get new HD audio formats. Since you don't have rear speakers, I don't think this is worth the upgrade. This doesn't come with a mic and setup software so you're still going to have to draw a pentagram + measure speaker distances and fiddle with the settings.
I keep finding myself trying to justify replacing my old pre-HDMI Yamaha $400 Home Theatre in a Box.
But with my PS3 going directly to my 3D TV and the HTPC being my network player I always talk myself out of it.Very frustrating.
That's why I won't buy home theatre all in one anymore they are not flexible enough.
My Yamaha is just a receiver and speaker kit which isn't so bad. Bought it back in 05/06 so has been excellent value for money.
And guess what I've just been looking at, the VSX-827. Part of my brain's going "do it, it comes with bonus Bluray player"
At least he didn't buy logitechs for his ps3 like I did.
I should add that both the PS3 and HTPC do go to my Yamaha but via optical and co-ax digital.
What Logitech device did you get for your PS3 ?
x540? Forgot the model, it was on sale for like $40. It doesn't have digital inputs so the 5.1 was emulated from 2.1 signal… lol
Unless you need to play movies from your pc via HDMI, there really is no need to upgrade. People looking at 192/24 or HD audio usually all have $4k+ worth of speakers invested, you won't notice the difference if your speakers are the weak link.
I do have a HT setup that i used for a while with the ps3… wasn't worth keeping it connected since it drank more power than the ps3 itself. Moved it back to the logitechs and stopped caring.
No need to upgrade is dead right. I would continue to use my bundled Yamaha speakers so HD audio would not be appreciated fully. My HTPC already overcomes the additions a networked amp adds. PS3/HTPC already use HDMI to the TV.
Despite a million reasons I still struggle putting it to bed.
Checked out your logitech. While it looks to have 5.1 Analog In it's been a while since I've seen anything put out analog channels lol
Sounds like the typical upgrade itch. Happens to me when I feel the need to buy mono block amps, I know it's gonna have little to no improvement, but the itch comes up every now and then.
Gotta find that reason why you appreciate your system right now lol
Couldn't help myself. Went with the VSK-922 for $550.
No WiFi
You're not going to get one with wifi in this pricerange. Even my aventage doesn't have it, and its a top tier amp.
Buy a $20 router and bridge it.
Is it worth getting this on its own and getting speakers or getting a complete kit like this already http://www.jbhifi.com.au/home-theatre/pioneer/600-watt-5-1-c… ??
Those speaker are no good, get the receiver and get a better speaker.
What budget you have?
Thanks for that, umm about $400-600
Just for the speaker or with the receiver?
with receiver, i'm not sure if how much decent speakers go for though
I have Accusound 8.6XD with it and very happy with the setup although not perfect.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SPEAKERS-NEW-CARTON-DAMAGED-ACCUS…
For $400-$600 a bit hard to get good speaker with receiver may be you have to consider used from eBay.
holy crap they're massive speakers. Any other recommendations as the room is not that big to fit speakers of that size.
OK you can try to start with a pair of bookshelf 8.6XD $119
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ACCUSOUND-SPEAKERS-8-6XD-6-200W-2…
Rear speakers and centre speaker for $99.90
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SPEAKERS-CENTRE-REAR-PACK-NEW-HOM…
Think about subwoofer later if you are not happy with the bass, they should be good with the pioneer since they both are not high end but OK for me.
For day to day stuff for the average user it should be quite adequate.
I'd had a Yamaha equivalent for about 7 years and I've been perfectly happy with it for movies and music. I'm looking at a VSX-728 at the moment and will carry over my Yamaha speakers if I end up getting it.
I've an yamaha rx v559,
http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amp…
How does this stack up?Just saw the latest catalogue and JB are selling the newer model (VSX-528) for $622 so good price for clear out model.
Everywhere out of stock. How can I buy this?
My local store in Mandurah WA said the sale is on until Sunday, they have plenty in stock and if they run out can get more..
Perhaps talk to someone who enjoys their job enough to service you properly ;-)
Personally after a lot of research I'm almost certain I'm gunna get a Denon 1713 some have reported getting it from $300 to $450 but having trouble finding one for under $500.
Highly recommended on a few forums including WP http://whrl.pl/RdDZA6.For Speakers,
these https://www.digitalcinema.com.au/Jamo-S506HCS6-5-1-Home-Cine…
or these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SPEAKERS-NEW-CARTON-DAMAGED-ACCUS…
seem to be the go for all up <2k
I picked one up at JB's today, Bargain!!
No stock anywhere in Sydney. Only display models.
Going for a display model @ $266, should still be a bargain I guess.if I have speakers with bare wires, could I still hook up to these AV Receiver?
I look at most of them and they have something like "RCA" connectors…..which can't "clip-on" the bare wires…..
They are not RCA connectors just standard copper speaker cable.
Some said can use banana plugs
http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimed…
awww… all gone. I kinda wanted one, talked myself into it, now TOO LATE!
Actually would have preferred a deal that also included a set of speakers.
oh well.
Very interested in the audiophile's take on this. Anyone?