Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
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..

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

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
VSX-29TX

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from ebay

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

Strengths:
Good sound, Good remote

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Sony 30ES

Price Paid:  $1400.00 from online

Summary:
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.

Strengths:
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.

Weaknesses:
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.

Price Paid:  $1600.00 from Rock Dreams, Hamilton, NJ

Summary:
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.

Strengths:
THX, DTS, Dolby Digital, Looks

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

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer Elite VSX-04, B&K AVR 307

Price Paid:  $1600.00 from JandR (check out this authorized delaer!)

Summary:
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!

Strengths:
Don't have a EE.

Weaknesses:
Didn't buy it last year

Similar Products Used:
This and that