Hunting around for AV Receiver bargains and keep coming back to the Pioneer VSX-5 series.
Found that HN have the VSX-523 pretty much cheaper than anywhere else. Not necessarily a massive bargain but seems pretty good compared to competitors. Doesn't say if it's a sale or not but it seems pretty good price for a B&M store.
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still regret that I didn't purchase the VSX-521 with speakers set for $199?
at $99 it's a steal! what a bargain you have there…..
You were the guy who got one huh? I hate you. (jk)
Good bang for buck:
Pioneer 523 is a little limited in it’s connectivity options. The Pioneer VSX 523 incorporates 4 HDMI ports, 1 digital optical, 1 coaxial, 3 analog audio inputs, 2 analog video inputs and 1 subwoofer pre-out. The one connection type missing from this is a component connection.
For an entry level receiver the Pioneer 523 serves up a pretty extensive set of features. It supports the main HD audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. On the front of the receiver, you’ll find a USB port that allows you to plug in your Apple or USB device and play your MP3, WMA and AAC files directly thru the receiver. Something that’s surprising to find on the Pioneer VSX 523 is that it supports both 3D and 4K pass through. Most people know what 3D is, but 4K is something new. For those of you that aren’t aware, 4K is a resolution that is roughly 4x the resolution of the current HD standard (1080p).
The Pioneer VSX 523 is rated at 140 watts (1 kHz 1 % THD @ 6 Ohms 1ch Driven) or 80 Watts (20Hz-20kHz .08% THD @ 8 Ohms). The later number is probably more accurate for most real world applications. So all in all, 80 watts per channel is pretty good. Another surprising thing is that the Pioneer 523 includes MCACC room calibration. Many entry level receivers don’t include any type of calibration software so this is a big plus, especially for someone who is just starting to delve into the home theater world.
The 200inch 4K Projector I saw from Sony in Japan was breathtaking!
They need to put a sign outside to be careful and make sure you breathe!
I almost died in the theatre because I forgot to breathe, the scenic documentary they put on was so clear and so crisp you can see so much detail it was almost as if you were there!
Not surprised, I'm looking forward to seeing a 4k projector in action.
However, on conventional panel TVs, the difference between 4k and 1080p is all but nothing from a conventional viewing distance. 4 x the pixels is fine, only when you can see them though. It's got to the point now that resolution on anything smaller than 100 inch isn't as important as many other panel characteristics.
How much is this usually ?
It's $499 at JB HiFi and according to the Price Slice link, it went to $447 a HN just before Xmas.
3 year warranty is a plus
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Well played, sir/ma'am.
You rang?
My current cheapy yamaha has hdmi in and out, but it's purely for video switching. It won't actually take digital audio off the hdmi channels. I assume in this modern day and age I don't have to fear that with this one, and I'll get my digital audio over hdmi no problems?
No issues on my VSX521 in regards to taking audio from HDMI.
whats the main advantage vs the 323 and 324?
saw $299 in JB a week before christmas
Lucky I picked up my VSX-527 for $266 (display model) mid last year. Added extra 2 years warranty for 20 bux so that I have 3yrs peace of mind.
Not the best deal when you compare to the price for a 527 back then.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/111217
This deal has just been posted:
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/129639
Includes speaker/subwoofer set and dvd player for roughly the same price.
Great Receiver.
I was one of the lucky ones who got the VSX521 around 1 yr ago from Dicksmith for $99 when they were clearing out their stocks so they can bring in the VSX522.
Looked at the stats doesn't seem much has changed since VSX521.
Only complaint I have is that the Visual Configuration Menu only available through Component Output. However for that price, I didn't really care as my tv has component, just 1 additional cord.