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| Pioneer VSX-AX5i Home Cinema Receiver |
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|  Average Rating: 4 out of 5 No. of Reviews: 7 RRP: £949.99 Year: 2004 Description: AIR Studios Monitor receiver. 7ch MOSFET power amplifiers, 7 x 100W. Isolated chamber constructions. THX Select certified. Auto MCACC calibration with microphone, 192/24 DACs & Audio scaler. 7.1ch input & 7.1 pre-outs. Dolby Digital EX, Prologic II, DTS-ES, DTS 24/96, DTS NEO:6, THX post-processing. Virtual SB. Learning RCU (illuminated with LCD). Front channel bi-amp mode 5.1 systems. Triple-layer chassis and i-link digital input for DVD-A and SACD.
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|  | | Posted: 20/08/04 | | 'FOR THE MONEY, NOTHING TOUCHES THIS' | | Strengths:
Powerful & engaging soundstage in all formats, flexible, really enjoyble, even fun mid-range amplifier.
The 1st AV amp that I actually listen to 2 channel stereo on & not use 6 channel stereo or PLII to hide the misgivens of AV kit & I've owned some "musical" AV amps in the past (Marantz 7200 & 5200)
The iLink connection does make a significant difference to the sound quality as does HI-BIT processing.
The 1st time you see the amp recognise & display the source component, (i.e Pioneer's 868avi)on the facia is a highlight.
The MCACC is very useful, is easy to follow & makes set up easier. | | Weaknesses:
None of any major note although I'm finding the remote somewhat frustrating as I can't seem to switch function of the remote without switching over the function of the machine, quite annoying if you've spent the time programming it!! | | Overall:
Best Amp I've had & I'm still learning all it's functions, can't really think of anything it's missing or that I need that it doesn't have.
For it's overall powerful sound staging + it's flexibility & future proofing (well, for a couple of months at least) it's a great buy, in fact I'm off to have a play now!! |
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| | | | Performance | | 100% | | Build | | 100% | | Value | | 100% |
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| | | Posted: 30/09/04 | | 'CRACKIN' PIECE OF HARDWARE!!' | | Strengths:
Excellent build, this beauty weights a good 20KG, everything visually about the amp looks stunning. This is my first real venture into high-end a/v, after putting a few other competitors through their paces I was most satisfied overall with this kit. The sound is awesome, really complements the KEF2002.2 speakers I own. The speaker calibration is top notch and the process was both accurate and painless. The inclusion of ilink was a deciding factor as I own a 868avi DVD player, the connection definitely makes a difference. Another feature I really like is the USB port, I use a laptop plugged into my plasma, I can now stream music from the main computer directly through the amp in quality audio. If you have the time and expertise, this amp is begging to be explored. | | Weaknesses:
Not much really, the price tag can be expensive if buying through the high street, my retailer claimed Pioneer were starting to frown upon internet sites which sold their products at discounted prices and may not supply them in the future. | | Overall:
A great piece of kit for those with deep pockets!! |
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| | | | Performance | | 100% | | Build | | 100% | | Value | | 60% |
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| | | Posted: 06/02/05 | | 'SUPERB, MID-RANGE FOR BOTH MOVIES AND MUSIC' | | Strengths:
Overall using this amp there is far more detail at low volumes than previous amps I have used. Bass is full and using a 6.1 setup, surround effects are realistic.
There are a large number of inputs both for video (Best using the 2 Component, though up-scaling from S-Video sources gives another 4) and audio (3 x Optical (1 Front), 2 x Coaxial).
Although there are fewer DSP effects than other manufacturers systems (i.e. Yamaha), this is probably for the best. For movies I only use THX cinema mode.
Listening to Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells 2003 using both analogue 5.1 (Source A) and DTS+Neo:6 (Digital Coaxial, Source D). By switching between both (A) & (D) whilst playing. I was able to ascertain the following:
(A) Provided a richer sound with crystal clear bells and was more realistic.
(D) Provided a sound with more noticeable surround sound effects and is noticeably louder and more powerful than analogue.
Although this is probably due to the quality of the 5.1 audio leads I'm using.
Overall either source has its merits and demerits. | | Weaknesses:
Something I hadn't consider it is very large (Depth and height) and heavy (21.2Kg), I use an Apollo Aria Modular hi-fi rack (http://www.apollohifi.co.uk/modular.htm). I had to re-assemble the rack around the amp due to its height (188mm).
Low audible volume on analogue sources I now use around -20db. On digital I use around -30db for the same audible volume level.
Remote is functional though a little bulky and plastic, the remote I have with a Pioneer PDP-434 Plasma is what I expected with nice a metal finish. | | Overall:
Although I am not an audio expert, I have setup (IMHO) a decent sounding Home Cinema system, using mainly Pioneer, VSX-AX5Ai-S (Amp), DV-668 (DVD), PDP-434HDE (Plasma) on Mission m7s (Speakers) with an Atomic 8.2 sub (6.1 setup).
However to take full advantage of this amp I will be upgrading to the DV-868AVi (DVD) allowing I-Link (1394 firewire) for Digital Audio music. I will also be upgrading the sub.
Personally I think it's more than I needed, as now I will most probably be replacing all but the Plasma. However it has brought more out of the setup I have.
If you already have a budget setup (like me), it's a good upgrade. If you're starting out from scratch (perhaps on a budget) try the next model or so down Pioneer VSX-2014i-S or the 1014i-S. |
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| | | | Performance | | 100% | | Build | | 100% | | Value | | 80% |
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