THX Certification, Inputs/Outputs, Versatile Remote, Reasonable DSP modes & GENUINE TAPE MONITOR LOOP!

Very deep - needs a deep shelf! Bass & Treble only work in Stereo mode.

I'm extremely happy with this unit! I was looking to upgrade to Dolby Digital & DTS now that I primarily watch DVD's on my home theater. In addition to the new decoders, I wanted a unit with (1) S-Video inputs & outputs for my S-VHS VCR & DVD player (component video switching would be even better, but its just too costly right now); (2) a genuine tape monitor loop for my 3-head tape deck and (3) a multi-brand remote for both audio and video components. Oh yeah, I also didn't want to spend more than $400!

I only identified three candidates (Yamaha 5250, Denon 2800/refurb & various Pioneer Receivers). The Technics models which have served me well in the past include the tape monitor but are very stingy on S-Video connectivity. Any vendor that was quoting the Yamaha for less than $400 "conveniently" did not have any in-stock. So when I saw this model at uBid I knew I had to have it.

The THX mode is awesome for watching movies - I use it more than any of the Advanced DSP modes or the standard AC-3 or DTS decoders. I do like to listen to music with the DSP modes - especially classical and live recordings. Don't let the power rating bother you (90 watts RMS per channel); you will NOT notice a significant increase in volume from other receivers unless they have upwards of 150 watts per channel (doubling amplifier power only produces 3dB more volume)!

I also like the way the unit remembers EVERYTHING about each source (preferred DSP mode, A or B speakers even whether a given tuner preset was listened to in stereo or mono)! I'm still getting used to it, but I do like it.

I recommend the Pioneer VSX-24TX to anyone on a mid-tier budget who wants to get a "taste" of the high end receivers. It sounds great and has even greater features!

Similar Products Used:

Older Pro-Logic based Receiver

I carefully researched many higher-end receivers before purchasing the Pioneer 24tx. My hotbuttons were: Preouts (I have a large 5 channel amp), DTS/5.1DD, programmable remote, Lots of Digital ins/a digital out, lots of Svideo inputs. I got the unit locally on a near match of a web price after much hashing over details on the unit w/ the sales man.
Got home and played with the 5 channel modes, I had just purchased a center speaker. The rest of my system is Polk 12a reference monitors from the 80's (still sound amazing), Polk 300 center, Carver 705x THX 125w x 5 power amp, sondy CD, audio control c-101 Eq for main speakers (use microphone and white noise to flatten room acoustics). I have shitty little outdoor speakers temporarily for surround. No sub yet, but mains are huge and well amp'd.

Anyway, I'm new to HT but was amazed how echo-ey the soundfields were. I found setup mostly easy, but the soundfields confusing. How can you get standard and not have the prologic light on? As a HT newby I was a bit confused but usually stuck to the least obtrusive settings. Even going to miniumum setting for "effect" I found them annoying and they made the TV hard to listen to clearly. But that's prob. the same for all AV rec. I loved the back panel and the hookups were a dream.

My problem was, and the reason I took the thing back, was that CD's (in stereo mode) sounded a bit "gritty" like subtle breakup in vocals. Seemed to be lacking bass sound - thin and weak - not firm, not deep, I can best describe as sounding like a 50w receiver would sound (compared to high quality separates). The soundstage also seemed to be very flat and close to the speakers. I double checked connections and used different patch cords. same. I really noticed it using Bonnie Rait's latest Cd. I wondered if I was hearing something, so I hooked up my old receiver using it's preouts - a older Carver 150 watt model. WOW! The sound with my old system was SO much better it was amazing. The bass had impact again, firm, deep, solid. And vocals seemed to come out of thin air instead of out of the speaker as it did with the Pioneer. And this was with the SAME amplifer, same tone settings(none), etc. Sales guy I called even suggested hooking to the speakeroutputs, and I did, and it sounded the same, exactly. like a cheap 50w receiver.

I REALLY wanted to love the 24tx, but instead opted for a quick divorce. Saleshack at store was incompetent and tried to test it hooked to a set of bose am5's that had lots of milage, and he couldn't hear the breakup I did. He said I may not hav liked the "pioneer sound". I like sound, not sure if I like pioneer sound or not, but since I was taking a trip soon I opted for cash.

Others say I may have gotten a bum unit. As this was a great one feature wise, I may take another one home and try that, or take some of my stuff upthere and check it out again. Maybe these Jap receivers are good on paper but not for serious listening to music on demanding speakers. If I get a good one, I'll post a followup.

I bought one from a dealer in New York. I am very dissapointed with the purchase because the dealer never told me it was 'B' stock. I ran in to quite few problems with the receiver. The sound wasn't all that good and I had serious trouble with the control knobs. Overall I would not recommend this reciever. Buyer beware!!!

Excellent sound, plenty of input/outputs

Remote backlighting doesn't stay on long enough, manual could be a little more detailed

This is my first digital receiver and I love it. I bought a Pioneer DV-525 DVD player and they work great together. I'm still using the cheap surround speakers that came with my previous Pro-Logic system, so I really haven't taken it anywhere close to its real potential. As this is my first REAL receiver, I could have used a little better documentation and instruction with the manual, but I'm figuring it out slowly but surely.

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Sony Pro-Logic rack system

everything

none that can be heard

Excellent for what its worth
Dont be fooled this reciever is really good and can be very comperable to the big models in todays audio video reciever.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 4800

THX Select,Great Sound, The ability to upgrade in the future

None so far!

I just received my new 24 today from Soundpros.com for $605.00...I highly recommend them for any audio and video purchases. I am having one problem; I'm using a Monster coxial video cable from my DVD to the Reciever and a Monster S-Video from the DVD to Receiver. The problem is I'm getting Video and "NO" audio...What gives... I had to set the DVD player up on the VCR2 mode just to get the audio...Can anyone tell me why I'm not getting any audio out of the DVD....Other than that the Receiver is great...

Equipment owned:
Pioneer Elite 24
Toshiba 3109
Sony Hifi VCR
Pioneer 101 Disc CD player
Bose front and rear speakers
Jamo Sw505e powered subwoofer

Thanks,

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX-D702s

Build, Learning Remote, Sound, Pre-outs, DTS, Digital,Pro-Logic

Honestly..none so far

The Sony 555ES was a very good receiver. The Pioneer VSX24-Tx is just that much better. For the money you can not beat the features it has. To top it off, unlike the Sony the Pioneer has THX Select.

The learning remote controls all my equipment, even my phillips Tivo. I have not had any problems with the remote.

The inputs this receiver has is excellent. I have over 7 audio equipment connected and still have several inputs available for more. It even has 6 channel input for future equipments like dvd audio.

Like always try the unit for yourself. The sound will convince you as wellas your wallet.

Similar Products Used:

Sony ES 555, Denon and Yamaha

DTS, THX, a/v inputs

lights on remote, swivel door

First just let me say that if ANYONE comes out with a new digital surround thing-a-ma-bob, I am going to throttle them. 'Nuf said.

Now that that's off my chest, I can't say enough good things about my Pioneer. I haven't had a moment's trouble with it beyond having to look at the remote REALLY quickly to see which button I'd pressed!

I run 90% DVD's, videos thru the Pioneer and I enjoy it greatly. The sound is more to my liking than my previous Denon unit (AVC-1000) which was very brash with the treble. The Pioneer is warm and smooth, which I know some people don't like, but I do. It has features up the wazoo, without the high price. I don't use it as a music system very often because I have another system for that. I've never used the radio on it either, so I can't comment on that.

I must say, though, that the swivel door on the front is not the best thing if you normally have something you want to plug into the front (i.e. the Nintendo 64) because it then just stays open and doesn't look as good. Otherwise this is a fine looking unit.

Now if only someone would come out with even MORE a/v inputs, I'd be ecstatic. I have 3 vcr's (vhs, super vhs and, er, beta hifi) laserdisc, dvd, the aforementioned Nintendo and that's already 1 too many. What if I wanted sattelite? No can do without going behind the unit and flipping inputs (I already have to do this when I want to dig out an old laserdisc) Of course, this is not Pioneer's fault - they already have 5 a/v inputs which is about as many as you can get in this price range. That's one reason I didn't buy the Onkyo or Denon or Marantz.

What was that you said? Give up the Beta Hi-Fi? Not likely, the picture is still better than vhs, so there.

Anyway, the Pioneer is working very well with my Home Theatre setup, Polk Audio fronts, centres and surrounds, and a Paradigm sub. DVD's sound fantastic, DTS is excellent, and I can open closet doors in my neighbour's house thanks to the subwoofer.

Very well worth your time when looking for Home Theatre!

Similar Products Used:

Denon Pro Logic, Sony Dolby Surround

Warm sound, Features, Looks, Strong bass

Has difficulty driving low impedence and/or low sensitivity speakers, front panel scratches too easily, connections are not gold plated, even the simplest features can't be set up without using on-screen menu. (I realize I am being a bit picky with a couple of these)

Overall, this is a fine receiver, especially considering the price I paid. I wanted to try the Elite line, so I found one of these factory refurbished and sealed on eBay. It had a few normal "B-stock" cosmetic blemishes, but functioned as it should.

As long as you can operate this unit within its limits, you should be very happy with it. Here are my observations-

1) It will not effectively drive low sensitivity/low impedence speakers to any appreciable volume- even in modest sized rooms in which it was designed (sans the Select logo from THX Labs). I expected more from the THX certification, but even with the unit switched to the 6ohm setting, the Pioneer became compressed and congested with audible clipping where my Newcastle 925 ($1000 MSRP as well) remained composed, refined, and clear with my Magnepan speakers. I'm not talking a subtle difference here...the Pioneer was a full 3-4 db's behind the 100 wpc Newcastle's (only 10 watts more than the VSX-24) output on all material. Turned down several notches, the Pioneer regained its composure. I can't really fault the Pioneer as Maggie's are extremely challenging for a lot of amps, let alone a receiver, but my Newcastle drives them with ease without the THX certification. If you will be expecting high output from this receiver, I would recommend at least 6 ohm speakers and at least 88 or 89 db sensitivity. The owner's manual doesn't advise against using a 4 ohm or low sesitivity speakers, so take note. The sound is warm and pleasing, but seemingly at the expense of some detail on some recordings. All and all, however, I can't fault the sound quality. The bass performance is quite good and was the first attribute that jumped out at me. For movies, the added punch enhances the effect. Some, however, may find the mid-bass bump to be a bit distracting on music, especially if their speakers are not tight and refined in this region. It is all a matter of taste, but my Magnepans handled the extra bass very well. Within its limits, the sound is better than most receivers with a MSRP of $1000.

Where this receiver offers the real bang-for-the-buck is in its features. I can't imagine needing more than this receiver has to offer unless you have an unusual amount components or want to utilize the new 6.1 and 7.1 channel formats that are now available. I only wish some of the more basic features, as with my Newcastle 925, could be set up without using the TV's on screen menu. I also expected gold-plated connections on an "elite" unit. While this isn't a major catastrophe, I feel that it would enhance the performance a bit.

The front panel is very attractive, but scratches and swirls easily...similar to an automobile's black, clearcoat finish. Take precautions when cleaning or dusting.

Like I said, overall this is a fine unit. If your use can fall within its capabilities, you will be happy with your purchase. They can be found readily on line for $400-500. At that price, I heartily recommend this receiver.

Similar Products Used:

"Hi-end" Yamaha, Sherwood Newcastle 925, Denon 3300, and upper-end Marantz receivers. Citation THX seperates (not really similar and definitely not a fair comparison)

THX cert, usable DSPS', 96/24 processing

BIG! runs hot

I purchased the 24tx by desperation. I paid for an open box 26tx that had to be shipped from another store(Bryn Mawr stereo). After nearly two weeks it had not arrived, so i purchased the 24tx at ahigher price ($849) and the 26tx was at clerance price ($600), so I got screwed. Thats' behind me now and I am enjoying this reciever so far. It took a little while to set up, but it worked really well after 6 hrs of tinkering. DD and DTS were outstanding and the Chuck Mangione 96/24 dvd audio was fantastic in music dvd mode. This dsp made it come in all chanels even though it was a stereo recording. This is an excellent reciever and can be thoroughlly enjoyed for music and movies.

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Sony ES