Items age is definitely showing now. These units have sound dropouts as the solder fails on them after 20 years. If you buy one, be ready to repair the output transistors as the often fail as these units get older and older. Not bad sound if you get one all fixed up.

THX-Ultra Certified THX Surround EX, component video switching, Dual 24-bit DSP, 5 & 7 Channel Stereo, 5.1 & 7.1 Acoustical Environment DSP

None

This is a receiver which was modified from the VSX-29TX. This unit resolved the known defect (faulty circuit board) from VSX-29TX and also added new features like THX Surround EX, component video switching, Dual 24-bit DSP, 5 & 7 Channel Stereo, 5.1 & 7.1 Acoustical Environment DSP etc. Sound quality is warm. 5 & 7 Channel Stereo is very beneficial when I watch regular broadcasting channels. Not to mention its power and detail from DTS processing. Copper Shielded Chassis, Rosewood Side Panels, gold plated in&out puts and a LCD remote make this unit an exceptional receiver..

Similar Products Used:

VSX-29TX

Everthing. Especially the 5 channel surround sound.

None whatsoever

I love this thing. I have it connected to my Energy Encore system and the whole thing just kicks ASS! The clarity in the 5 channel is just awesome. You cant go wrong with this product. The remote and the finish is unbelievable too.

Similar Products Used:

none

Ease of set up, flexibility, and slick remote.

There is a slight delay in activating the LCD remote. The new face and control panel door are much softer plastic and could be easily scratched.

This model replaced my 9 year old VSX-D1S, which I was very please with. The weaknesses that I mentioned may be a bit nit picky, but no receiver is perfect. This one is close.

Having older Pioneer components, I appreciate how they have maintained the continuity with their styling. I was slightly dissapointed with how Pioneer has chosen to utilize an off-board amp to power the multi-room/multi-source. The VSX-D1S utilized the rear channel amp for the multi-room/multi-source. I understand the reasoning, and I am pleased with the end result. Besides, you can pick up a matching auxiliary Elite Amp for $160 - the same one that you would use for the EX surrounds.

As for performance, the VSX-39TX is a vastly superior performer than it's contemporary. The sound is very smooth, warm and clean. It has ample power for the most demanding home theater applications as well as normal audio.

As for setup, it was a breeze. I recently helped a friend of mine set up an top of the line Sony receiver, which was difficult at best. This is where the LCD remot'e values shines. Using the remote, you can sit in your normal listening position and adjust the level of each individual speaker simply by pressing the icon matching the speaker that you wich to control.

The bottom line is that this receiver will run toe-to-toe with some of the best receivers on the market at several hundred or, in some cases, thousands less.

Similar Products Used:

Replaced a Pioneer VSX-D1S.
Powers Klipsch KLF-20s & matching Klipsch center, surrounds and 15" sub.

Don't have a EE.

Didn't buy it last year

OK OK so what can one really expect from an integrate A/V receive. Let me tell you EVERYTHING! This receiver has everything I have been looking for, and then something’s I never considered (what a remote)! I listened to all sorts of receivers in all price ranges, and this Pioneer did everything I could ask of it and more. And it looks so cool. I think I have finally discovered a system I can live with for a while. I wish I could give technical specifications and suggested tweaks, but damn it Jim I’m an attorney not an engineer! All I can say is call up JandR (elite authorized) and buy the best receiver out there for less than 4K.

SYSTEM:
Receiver Pioneer Elite VSX-39
Amp (surround back) Pioneer Elite -72
DVD – Pioneer Elite DV-09
CD player – Nakamichi MB1
Speakers Front – Klipsch Chorus IIs (not cutting edge but love the horns!)
Surrounds– Klipsch kg3.5 (need something else)
Surrounds Rear – Klipsch kg3.5 (need something else)
Subwoofer – BIC D1210R (not good)
Center – Nautilus HTM2 (great!)
Interconnects Nordost Solar Wind (great but why so expensive)
Speaker Wire – Nordost Solar Wind (see above)
TV – God I have to buy a new one!

Similar Products Used:

This and that

Good phone support, accurate volume from all speakers when switching between modes, solid sound, good manual, phono input, only one watt consumed with power off.

No separate record channel, for like when you want to copy that second DVD rental to S-VHS1 tape while watching another tape on VHS2. No external adapter ports to hook up copy guard remover box. My old pioneer had both these features and I miss them. Not enough audio inputs.

Installation went smoothly. I only used the Pioneer remote for setup since I love the MX-500 Home Theater Master Remote. I love a remote that I can operate in the dark with my eyes shut. Give me buttons over a touch screen any day. Plus you have to push too hard on their touch screen plus its light is too dim plus its ackward shape. Yuk. Fortunately once set up is over you never need its remote again.

The unit could use two more Audio inputs on the rear panel. Like were do I hook up my DMX and my Powerbook computers audio outputs. If I had a CD player separately from my DVD I could be up the proverbial creek. All my video/audio inputs are used.

I goofed during my hook up and accidentally pulled one of the wires out of my center speaker. Talk about getting a strange set of symptoms. All of sudden "Standard" surround doesn't seem to be working, very low volume and broken up sound, but of course stereo works. When you unplug any audio channel (left or right) then the other channel starts working. My engineers brain said all the in phase center channel information is gone, but why, it was working 5 minutes ago. Just slid that audio rack on wheels in and out one too many times. :-)

I have found reasonable work-arounds for the weaknesses mentioned above. Love the sound fields, the THX accuracy and the solid feel of the sound through my Audio Legacy speakers. My 8-year-old, top-of -the -line, pioneer that this replaces, always felt unrefined. This unit is refined.

Good sound, Good remote

none

Good, smooth sound. I have a THX system with JBL Synthesis Speakers. The sound is clear, never harsh, and will play LOUD.

Similar Products Used:

Sony 30ES

THX, DTS, Dolby Digital, Looks

Stereo playback a little muddy, requires separate amp to drive rear surrounds, useless DSP modes

I really have enjoyed my 39TX, however, I must be becoming an audiophile becasue lately I have found the sound a little muddy, especially in stereo mode. I want a strong, airy open sound stage and have decided to move up to the B&K AVR 307 which sounds awesome. The 39TX is a great unit but it has left me wanting more. For the price, it is a great movie machine but underperforms with stereo sources.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer Elite VSX-04, B&K AVR 307

Finish is superb. grea detail ad effort has gone into the exterior design of the unit.

Remote control lacks programable flexability

At the risk of being characterized as “difficult customer”, I fail to share the glowing reviews that are listed here on this model. I had great expectations when I opened the box to set up this receiver. I purchased the unit to replace my Pioneer VSX 39TX. The principle reason, and I freely admit vanity here, was I wanted to match the exterior of my gorgeous Elite DV 09. I first saw the new receiver last month at the CES show in Vegas, and I thought the exterior finish, programmable remote, and 7.1 features would make the purchase worthwhile. Having set the unit up, and listened to it, I am seriously considering sending it back.

To mollify those who did rave about the unit, I did find the remote somewhat nice, and easy to set up if you don’t demand much for it. The exterior is beautiful, and since this is about my 18th Pioneer product, the features are adequate, and the sound pleasant.

However, I feel greatly deceived by the claim Pioneer makes in literature and on the web page regarding the unit’s capability to produce Dolby 7.1. Yes, Virginia, it can produce the desired channel, if and only if, you purchase a separate amplifier. I guess I am the only person left in the world that still uses a Laser Disc, but I also have a nice DVD player. It would be oh so helpful if you could use the remote to control both items, without having to enter new information into the remote to switch back and forth. I also find the lack of a jog dial on the remote to be less than brilliant. For those of you that transcend the IQ barrier that Einstein shared, you probably figured out how to program a button on the remote to replicated this function, I would much rather had a jog dial on the main remote. I would have even settled for being able to program the arrow keys on the lower left, but those can’t be programmed. I still can’t figure out why the DVD and LD divisions at Pioneer never set down with the receiver boys and compared remotes in the first place. I also take great umbrage that Pioneer can’t see to hire a proofreader and a technical writer that can produce a owners manual that could pass a 11th grade student’s review. I found several references to be vague, especially on how to switch between LD and DVD functions. I can go on, and on, but am pretty soured on this receiver.

The unit does produce great sound, and the commitment to the THX nuances is commendable. But at this price level, I should have expected more than just a pretty face, which is ironic, because that is why I bought it in the first place.

Similar Products Used:

Unit replaced my trusty VCX 07TX

Dolby Digital & DTS Decoding,. Multi-Channel Digital Noise Reduction

I got it 2 months ago and have been very pleased. Of course it is a Pioneer so what would you expect. I got a good buy on mine as well. I used YourInsider.com to find me one!