The VSX-33TX from Pioneer's Elite line of receivers provides THX-Select Certified surround sound in your home. It provides three dimensional sound with full 5.1 channel input and output, and Dolby Digital and DTS decoding.
Strengths: I was lucky to run into this unit on craiglist, I was looking for Harmon Kardon stereo receiver, but was lucky when my wife suggested we look into home theater unit.
The receiver sound is terrific, I was into HK warm sound, this is best stereo fidelity I have heard thru my customized speaker. Warm but with quick attack when called for tight bass, just amazing. I am sensitive to minimal hiss on most units when no music is playing this unit is dead quiet. I am still exploring all the possible theater oriented features, I am more than satisfied with its sound, am sure we will enjoy it with DVD waching, it has THX but not sure what that is yet...
Weaknesses: it is huge and heavy, this is my weakness, likely reflects receiver's quality.
Similar Products Used: Harmon Kardon, Carver, Adcom
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Summary: I bought this receiver about 18 mo.s ago, after reading countless reviews of the Elite line of recievers. I love it. Music sounds terrific, but I mainly use it for DVD's. The DTS sounds unbelievable, I enjoy it slightly more than the available Dolby 5.1. I tend to enjoy the audio so much because my TV is 10 years old.
Strengths: Every feature/conection that you need at a price you can afford.
Weaknesses: None found so far.
Similar Products Used: Old Denon receiver, pre-Dolby.
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Summary: I originally bought a lower Pioneer Elite model (the VSX-25 I think), however the main controller baord blew up within 6mths. Pioneer were good about it - as it was an Elite product they wanted to replce the entire unit and not just the part. Although I had to ship it back to Hawaii and wait several months, I got this as a replacement.
This amp really is value for money. I would have to pay approx. US$1500 for an equivalent amp here in New Zealand.
Nice sound. Heaps of features. Sub-Woofer set up is limiting. Remote pretty basic.
This amp is huge. I had to buy a new cabinet! Nice looking though!
This is may 2nd home theatre amp (first one was the Dolby Pro Logic VSX-d503s) and the 2nd from Pioneer. I'll be going back.
Strengths: Features. Price. Sound quality. Front inputs. Nice looking.
Weaknesses: Basic remote. Set up.
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Rating Reviewed by: Ken (Unregistered User)
(Audio Enthusiast)
Review Date October 8, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 1.00 of 5,
2.00 votes
Review 5 of 16
Price Paid:
$400.00
from Magnolia HiFi Beaver
Summary: I purchased the VSX 33TX to replace my aging Pioneer VSX 557. I had been checking out the new receivers on Dealtime and noticed this pioneer elite unit offered THX post processing(THX Select) for under $500 and was immediately interest. In addition, I wanted to get DTS sound as well. So after reviewing the prices online I called Magnolia Hifi and they had a couple units in stock. In their sound room of course they had all the high Denon's, Yamaha's, and Pioneer Elites. I figured I needed a couple of DVD's to take with me to measure the sound on this unit. I took two THX certified movies with Zorro, and the phantom Menace(Star War). I played some of favorite scenes on the VSX 33TX, and then on a Yamaha(they don't offer THX),and Denon offering THX select at quite a higher price. Amazingly enough this unit sounded considerly better than both the units and is better built. The polished black finish on this unit gives it much more appeal. I have been using it everyday for the last 6 months and love it. I can't imagine any other unit out there by any manufacturer that can touch this unit at it's price. It sounds awesome hooked into my energy Encore Sats and Sub. I wondered what the top of the line VSX 49 sounds like? Kudo's to Pioneer for their Elite line of Recievers.
In my book their the best by far.
Strengths: Awesome sound, well built, THX, Great black polished look, Direct current MOSFET AMP, Remote, Setup, and Power.
Weaknesses: None at this price.
Similar Products Used: Pioneer VSX 557, Sony, Dennon, Yamaha,
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