Topic: Pioneer VSX 329 or VSX 523?

[Jude]

The 329 is newer and cheaper but weaker, the 523 is older but more powerful but also uses up a LOT more electricity. Any opinions? Thanks

[Nicadraus]

My 521 only lasted three years (2013-2016). My daughter was playing her PS3 which was connected via HDMI into it then it  just went off. Tried resetting and restarting but nothing. I opened it up to check the power supply and the fuse. Both are ok but the unit just own't turn on anymore. Brought it to the service center. They said the board has to be replaced which was very costly (they were charging 8k for the board). I searched in other forums and a lot have encountered the same problem with Pioneer receivers. I never had it fixed and instead, bought an Yamaha. Never had a problem since and sounds a lot better too.

If you're to buy, go for either Yamaha or Onkyo.

[Jude]

Thanks, still using an old Yamaha AVR with no HDMI or high-res audio so itching to upgrade, but it's never quit on me yet. And I've tried comparing the HD to base DTS/DD tracks on Blurays via direct PCM connection and I honestly can't really hear that big a difference. Saw these on sale kasi, but haven't read any good reviews about them yet.

[Nicadraus]

Thanks, still using an old Yamaha AVR with no HDMI or high-res audio so itching to upgrade, but it's never quit on me yet. And I've tried comparing the HD to base DTS/DD tracks on Blurays via direct PCM connection and I honestly can't really hear that big a difference. Saw these on sale kasi, but haven't read any good reviews about them yet.

Stick with Yamaha (or Onkyo or Sony).

[mhacman]

Thanks, still using an old Yamaha AVR with no HDMI or high-res audio so itching to upgrade, but it's never quit on me yet. And I've tried comparing the HD to base DTS/DD tracks on Blurays via direct PCM connection and I honestly can't really hear that big a difference. Saw these on sale kasi, but haven't read any good reviews about them yet.

try Denon as well =))

if you play DD/DTS on PCM mode, you'll never really maximize the audio decoding potential.  use S/PDIF cable (or HDMI when you finally upgrade) and use the AVR's audio decoding function...

[Jude]

I'm using S/PDIF normally, just tried direct PCM for the blu-ray tracks with hires audio (Dolby true HD, dts HD Master) that my AVR can't decode.