guys, I currently in dilemma of choosing either one of 2 Pioneer HT and need your expert opinion.

Option 1
Pioneer VSX-819H-K receiver
Pioneer S-MS800 speaker system
Pioneer S-RS3SW active subwoofer

Option 2
Pioneer VSX-818V-K receiver
Pioneer S-MS800 speaker system
Pioneer S-RS3SW active subwoofer

Which one is better if i wanna use it for movie and music? Actually its the AV receiver model different only la
Also, howmuch is the market price for these two sets? and is this consider HTiB (Home Theater in a Box)?


This post has been edited by jonathan82: Sep 2 2009, 11:22 AM

I am currently using option 1 as home theather with Plasma TV and Blu-Ray. I like it very much.

Can I check where are you guys getting the Pioneer HT from?

How much would the option 1 cost?

As a price reference, Option 1 can get at Harvey Norman Sunway Pyramid.

Current Price RM3,499/-. Last time I asked, if you don't want extended warranty you can get it cheaper , maybe RM3,299/-. (You still get 1 yr warranty). This you have to ask and confirm yourself.

Above is just for reference. Try other places for better prices (if they have the set yet) because it's very new.

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Added on September 3, 2009, 3:22 amThe main diff between 818 and 819 is the 818 is obselete model which can't even accept HD audio over the HDMI (not even decoded LPCM). The HDMI is for show only to allow passthrough, not to playback the HD sound.

The 819 is the new model where it accept both LPCM and also has the DD TrueHD and DTS-MA decoders for bitstreamed HD audio .

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 3 2009, 03:32 AM

http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/pione...7-33490576.html



IT ONLY ~ $US270.00

This post has been edited by formalin: Sep 3 2009, 10:24 AM

For goodness sake read the first post what the package includes and what I was referring to when talking about Option 1.

You are comparing the overseas price for just the AVR to the local price which includes the AVR plus a full set of 5.1 Pioneer Speakers (Tall Front Speakers mind you and a Big Sub-Woofer).

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 3 2009, 10:52 AM

bro, howmuch u buy ur full set of option 1? and where u get it? i've just ask a shop which is willing to offer me at RM2900nett after days of bargaining from RM3100....

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Added on September 3, 2009, 8:27 pmthanks bro, i was thinking of buying 2 Monster M1000 HDMI cables for this HT set. Would have wasted one good HDMI cable if you didnt tell me the difference.

If i buy 819, i can use the first HDMI cable from bluray to tis 819 and another HDMI cable from this 819 to LCD rite? Like this i will get the best picture quality and best sound quality rite?

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Added on September 3, 2009, 8:29 pmYou can get this HT set from most of the big electrical shop...but for this option 1, i've try to bargain a few days then they only willing to sell at RM2900 (with 2 pioneer HDMI cables and two speaker stand).

This post has been edited by jonathan82: Sep 3 2009, 08:29 PM

You can infact input 3 HDMI devices to this AVR and then output to TV. Actually just get a decent quality hdmi cable (good enough for HDMI Ver 1.3) will do. No need for those fancy stuff. The output quality will be the same.

For my info can you pls let me know where you are getting at RM2,900/-? Do be careful, they are also selling the VSX-519 model with the same speaker set , so check carefully they didn't quote you for the wrong set.

For your info, the 519 don't have the HD audio decoders. But it can input decoded LPCM from your Blu-ray player through HDMI.

I'm getting this deal in penang island. u wanna buy too? if buy togather maybe can get cheaper leh.
yup they are selling it with VSX-819, not VSX-519...so u think RM2900 (include 2 pioneer HDMI cable n 2 pioneer speaker stands) is a good deal?

Unfortunately I am not fr Penang. I think RM2,900/- is an extremely good deal (espc with the free HDMI cables and stands for the surrounds). The speaker system is the one made of wood right and not the black ugly ones?

Which electrical shop did you buy from, maybe they have a branch over here where I can check out.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 4 2009, 08:08 AM

Yeah, the S-MS800 speaker set is wood one, not the todoroki ugly set :P

i actually not yet buy just asking the price around first. The shop name is CSH which sell all panasonic things one (strange that they can sell pioneer to me) and my friend know the manager there so i guess that's y they can give me this RM2900 deal. I'm going to PISA today coz i heard there is fair there and my friend intro me another manager there and he might give me other good deal

Lucky you I know no one and no one knows me

anyone know how the price tag for pioneer avr vsx-1019?

Wah, high end already. Over RM3K I guess.

other forumer said this pioneer vsx-1019 has the same spec with denon avr-1910......maybe....

aiseh.........if i am in penang sure would like to go and c... ...

wonder if i can get the price here....

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Added on September 4, 2009, 9:04 amdoes anyone knows how much is VSX-919?

This post has been edited by andy_lhc: Sep 4 2009, 09:04 AM

Hi Guys,

Need some advice here from the sifus.
I'm actually comtemplating of getting everything from option 1. Just that my receiver is the 519v-k. This is to another option i have which is to get the pioneer hiTB lx61.

One looks sexier, and another well, definately much more worth the money. is the 519v-k any good for an entry system? or should i just get the hiTB, cause in terms of connectivity, everything is the same. just that i don't know what is inside the hitb amp and the 519.

please advice, many thanks!

[quote=jonathan82,Sep 3 2009, 08:21 PM]
bro, howmuch u buy ur full set of option 1? and where u get it? i've just ask a shop which is willing to offer me at RM2900nett after days of bargaining from RM3100....

I actually got mine from Harvey Norman for RM3499 for 3 years warranty on the amp and 5 years warranty for the speakers and subwoofer. Got free 2 x HDMI cables.

If you have space in your home, better get the big set. The AVR has lots more functions, better power and has a 5 band calibration equaliser compared to only 3 in the HiTB set. Furthermore the small sub-woofer of the LX61 is only a passive sub (from what I read). Anything goes wrong, the speakers and sub-woofer will have problems fitting into a new system later.

With the big set, all components can still be used with future change or upgrades.

But then again if you like things small and compact you know what to get

The S-MS800 speakers are much warmer than the fugly black todoroki speakers (which has been arnd 3 yrs back). However, both sets uses the same 12in active subs (means it needs its own power supply), as opposed to the HTiB that are passive subs (draws its power from the all-in-one control set).

I would go for the V819 AVR, as this AVR can decode HD audio from bluray players or PS3s.

And this is not a HTiB, this is a full fledge AVR + 5.1 speakers set, which u can upgrade piece by piece (unlike HTiBs).

PS. I am using the S-MS800 speakers with an upgraded Yammy AVR.

Thanks for the reply guys, yeap, I actually took the AVR set, the
vsx-519v-k , full set 5 speaker s-ms800 and the srs3sw.

I've tried tuning everything, and for me, the sound is good enough. Except for the SW. I can't seem to generate a great deal of bass. even If i've tuned up the volumn on the SW, its still too low.

Even my previous hitb packs a bigger punch on bass. Is there any settings I missed? The manual really sucks big time. All I can tune is the db of speaker, distance and the size of the speaker. Are there any hidden configs that will make the bass better?

maybe u can try putting the sub at different locations in ur room n see which location is best...

if all else fails, get a 'real' sub

I sincerely doubt is the positioning, as when I was testing it in the showroom, it really hits like at least 100 times harder than this, in a middle volumn set.

I suspect it might be some settings.
Whats a 'real' sub btw..

erm not sure which model are you using
on my pioneer (4 yrs old ) there is this 2 options called midnight mode and power bass mode try turn both of them on?

This post has been edited by jaya_pc87: Sep 9 2009, 11:02 AM

1. Is yr subs powered with the green LED light on? This is an active sub that needs its own power.
2. Is yr Front Speakers set to LARGE? Set it to SMALL so that the AVR sends all bass frequencies to the subs and not to the fronts.
3. Is yr crossover on the sub set too high? Turn it towards the middle (lowest is 50, highest is 200, set it towards 100, if memory serves me right). Check the knobs at the back of the sub.
4. Is yr sub crossover frequency on the AVR set too high? Same as above, set it to 100. (lowest recommended is 80 if i read it right somewhere).
5. Is the phases output to yr subs mixed? Ensure that the phase is exactly the same on the AVR and the subs (usually at 0). Again, check on of the knobs at the back.
6. Is the output level on yr AVR too low?? I think u have this covered, but check again after then above.
7. Position yr subs 1 ft away from the walls, esp if its in a corner. This may help.

I have the exact same subs, and it shakes my whole living room whenever the LFE kicks in.... there is definately something wrong with yr setting.

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Added on September 9, 2009, 10:20 amThe Pioneer sub is a 30cm active powered sub...... so what's a real sub arr???

This post has been edited by Poadster: Sep 9 2009, 10:27 AM

He meant something like this!

Marty Mc Fly in Back To The Future!!

we all know what happened a few seconds later

Is your SW power connector 2 pins plug?

I was going to suggest to you to use the MCACC (Auto-calibration) feature of the AVR to automatically tune the sound of your speakers and to enable your sub-woofer to match the phase.

But then I just realised that the 519 does not come with the MCACC

Sorry I gave the wrong info earlier. Only the 819 set comes with MCACC, which somehow I thought was the set you mentioned.

You have to really play around with the AVR settings manually. It might take quite a bit of tweaking espc the sub. I somehow feel the sub which was taken from the earlier Todoroki packages does not match very well with the newer speakers set.

1. Yes its on.
2. Its already set to small.
3. Yeap its at the 9'o'clock position.
4.100.
5. 0 , and yes there is an option for 180, but mine's at 0.
6. output level as in the db settings? i've got it at 10db.
7. I'll give that a shot.

In the manual, it says that you can tune the subs speaker from yes, plus to no. Mine is just stuck at yes. Anyone knows how to switch it to Plus? apparently its better for bass.

Its a vsx-519 btw.

This is all really helpful. Wonderfull forum this! Cheers!

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Added on September 9, 2009, 1:07 pmYeah thats what I am afraid of actually. Been tuning like a mad dog. But at least this forum is helpful.
So thanks!


This post has been edited by van_dyke: Sep 9 2009, 01:07 PM

Try setting your front speakers to large. Maybe the sub is too large for your room and there are a lot of objects around that affect the bass of the sub.

Adjusting the phase of the sub is very important too but too bad you do not have the MCACC to help out.

I actually saw the Harvey Norman demo sets had their sub placed facing sideways because the MCACC (refering to the 819 set) couldn't configure them properly when facing front.

You have try every different way you can think of. Good luck

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 9 2009, 01:34 PM

I have nvr used a 519 before, but assumes that it will be the similar. Yr settings are all ok, so final question (sorry that i left it out)...

1. What is the volume output u set on the knob at the back?? Turn it up to the level you want it to be.

Mine is set at 50% and the bass is truly earth shattering (my AVR is at +10db too). I seriously hope that you didnt get a faulty sub, as the Pioneer AVR + Speakers are well matched.

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Added on September 9, 2009, 4:11 pmNope, it uses a RCA to RCA connector.

This post has been edited by Poadster: Sep 9 2009, 04:11 PM

You use RCA to RCA cable to power up your SW?
First time I heard.

I think its the phase? I tuned the phase, up and down, and play different sources, and now it seems its better?
Well dunno what the heck am I doing anyways, you use the same system? maybe I can pm you for some settings?
Thanks anyways!

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Added on September 9, 2009, 4:56 pmNot to power up, just to connect the sub to the avr.

This post has been edited by van_dyke: Sep 9 2009, 04:56 PM

Same here:

Opps.... there goes my fingers moving faster than my eyes can read and my brains can decipher...

Sorry, the power is the regular 2 pin type. I see where you are driving at but reversing that affect the phase??

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Added on September 9, 2009, 10:35 pmOnce it sound good to you, keep it.

Oh yeah... u need to allow yr amp to "burn-in", it will sound much better later....

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Added on September 9, 2009, 10:39 pmMacaulay!! Great video...

MJ, RIP.

This post has been edited by Poadster: Sep 9 2009, 10:39 PM

I don't know what is the theory behind, but reversing the power pin works for me.

let me try it out!

I think that where the phase control comes into play, something to do with the way electric flows... positives and negatives.... forjot liao.....

Try it, it could work.

How long to wait for the amp to burn in so that the sound will be optimum ?

I'm thinking to get the 519 for RM1190... is it good enough for novice like me.. I need it just to decode DTS/Dolby Digital from HD movies played from WDTV....

This post has been edited by entaro: Sep 16 2009, 02:18 PM

It depends in what type of amp you have, usually they will sound a better after one month of regular use.

I am basing this on my personal experience and am not any sifu of any kind, ok??

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Added on September 16, 2009, 6:33 pmThen it will suit you nicely, but then again, the even cheaper V518 will work ask well, as u can connect yr WDTV using the optical out.

Desa may still have a couple units lying there, last i saw it was RM699 (surely it will be cheaper by now).

This post has been edited by Poadster: Sep 16 2009, 06:33 PM

I'm looking for V819. Anyone know where i can get this amp and the price range.

Quite easily available. Try Desa Home Theatre. Negotiate the price, if possible RM1,600/- or cheaper.

wow 518 so cheap..

I got the 515, must be worth 200bucks by now..

One guy Johannes was selling vsx-818 clearance stocks (New sets) at RM699/- recently. By now all sold out already.

818 for rm699.. damn cheap man.... where's the link, i need to see it to believe it or could it be 518?

819 selling for 1590

This post has been edited by entaro: Sep 17 2009, 03:06 PM

If you do a search at the right sections, I believe you will find quite a lot of seperate thread posted on the same sale by Johannes.

But I think I read it one of his very recent postings that all have been sold out.

----------------------------------

Here, let me do the search for you :-

http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopic=1089499&hl=vsx

His last posting on Sep 6 indicated all have been sold out.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 17 2009, 06:39 PM

Yesterday go to Desa home...but the sales guy say 819 is selling 1699...and he say this is discounted price. Btw, he is asking me to pair this amp with Boston Acoustic 5.1 set that sell for 1899. He say that MS-800 not so good. Is it true? Actually what is the best speakers to pair with 819?

Desa ... Just go there if they are throwing prices, no need to listen to their sales people, they know nuts.

Erm..luckily i just go there to survey the price 1st and get the feedback from all the sifus here.

I agree, only go there when they have offers and sales, and even then compare their prices. Still, i think the V819 is priced arnd 1600 region, as is the Yammy V465 (similar spec-ed).

I think that a Pioneer AVR will be best matched with a Pioneer speakers, no?? Obviously he is wanting to sell u the other speakers he have in stock. Ask him how much for the MS800 speakers (without the sub) is, was told by several places that the MS800 speakers alone = RM1999, yes, even at Desa.

U can get the V819 + MS800 5.1 set (aka RS70) for RM2999 in Harvey Norman.

My personal feelings is I do agree the Pioneer sub not quite suit the overall sound of the speakers. Ask Desa HT to try out both Pioneer and Boston speaker sets for you. Listen for yourself and let your ears decide.

Altrenately you can just listen to the Complete 819 set at Harvey Norman Sunway and see if it suits your ears. They already have a set-up there and supossedly calibrated by a Pioneer rep. It should sound better here than at Desa HT.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 18 2009, 12:51 PM

Currently, was playing around with my budget of 3K+. Definately will buy V819 as my AVR but speaker wise, still considering

1. Boston 5.1 speaker
2. MS-800 5.1 set
3. Paradigm 5.1 set

Will visit a few more AV shops before decide.

I am currently using 819 pairing with MS-800. The sound is satisfying for me. I watch Blu Ray movie with this amp.

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Added on September 18, 2009, 5:56 pmRM2999 does it include the active sub ?

This post has been edited by sonerin: Sep 18 2009, 05:56 PM

YAMAHA AMP RX-V365
PIONEER SPK MS-500
ROGER 10" ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
PIONEER DVD 310S
ONLY RM 2999

The price (including active sub) ranges from RM2,900/- to RM3,299/- with 1 yr warranty. Someone in Penang bought for RM2,900/-. Over in KL unless you are very good negotiator, mostly around RM3K/-.

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Added on September 18, 2009, 10:21 pmLet us know how the 3 diff speakers sound combined with the 819. I would like to know your observations.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 18 2009, 10:30 PM

REAL PRICE

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Added on September 18, 2009, 10:25 pm
BEST DEAL IN TOWN

This post has been edited by lancicai: Sep 18 2009, 10:25 PM

Desa Home advertised recently for RM3599 or installment (12X299.92) for this:

Pioneer VSX-819H-K receiver
Pioneer S-MS800 speaker system
Pioneer S-RS3SW active subwoofer

dunno where can get better offer??

Harvey Norman price is without the sub RM2999,
any other hifi shop might sale cheaper?

This post has been edited by alvinnhw: Sep 21 2009, 01:31 AM

There's no black color for S-MS800?

Any of you guys use HTP-RS7 set?

Between those 2 model, which one is the best in term of performance. What's the price for HTP-RS7?

This post has been edited by Sairenji: Sep 21 2009, 08:19 AM

Aiyo, how any times got to say this. Read lah post #4.

Harvey Norman price

1. Whole set (WITH Sub-Woofer)- 5 yrs warranty = RM3,499/-.

2. Whole set (WITH Sub-Woofer -1 yr warranty = RM3,299/-.

If shop around other places maybe can negotiate cheaper.

If you think Desa HT RM3,599 is best offer then be the water Fish

Thanks bro for the clarification, the only problem dunno where to shop around for the hifi system cause i am newbie!!!

where do you recommend that i could possibly get better offer beside Desa and Harvey?

if the receiver change to VSX-519v-k dunno what is the offer like, any advice?

Court's warehouse sale with the following price RM1799:-

Pioneer VSX-519v-k
Pioneer SR-S3SW subwoofer
Pioneer S-RS3TB (urgly black box)

but don't ready like todoroki...

This post has been edited by alvinnhw: Sep 21 2009, 11:45 PM

Just go to Desa HT and negotiate with them for RM3,000/-. If they can't offer you the price than just say someone in Penang bought for only RM2,900 with speaker stands and free HDMI cable. Walk away if they can't lower the price to your satisfaction. Can always go back another day if you change your mind

I don't recommend you to get the 519 since you are newbie. It doesn't have MCACC (Auto Calibration) and HD audio decoders. The MCACC found in the 819 will help you to calibrate the sound to suit your room acoustics.

One guy here bought the 519 and is having a hard time getting the Sub-woofer into the correct phase and balance with the speakers. This particular Pioneer sub-woofer is quite difficult to match with the current MS-800 speakers since it actually came from the Todoroki set.

Anyway please go to Harvey Norman and listen to the set which is on display. Ask them to play some music and movies on the set before you decide anything. Most important is you must like the sound.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 22 2009, 01:13 AM

thanks for the sifu's advice, tomorrow must go and try it out, dunno is available at Harvey Norman ikano or no? else sunway H.N. is a little far lar...

why not try the yamaha set first?

the setup is not available there. went there yesterday. they do have 819 there though, hooked up to other sets of speakers.

i thk the h.n and the ds stil expensive with the av sys bro.go check the other av shop fis

Just curious, what speakers did they hooked up to? Might go and have a listen when have the time.

Hi guys,
I have the set with 818. Loving it! The MCACC calibration really help out with the surround and the overall of the sound quality.

However, i am thinking of upgrading to yamaha amp and am thinking of selling of my 818. Bought it in April.

Please pm me if you are interested.

Bought from authorised dealer with warranty??

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 24 2009, 02:14 PM

that would be me!
anyways, i changed the cable, from the 1 rca cable to a dual rca on 1 side and another 1 on the other end.
In and out on the sub and pre out on the AVR. Apparently it sounds better...?
Sales guy from pioneer told me, something about recycling the signal? i don't get it. But it works.. so....

hi all, I'm newbie in HT. I came across this 'Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (D.C.A.C)' from Sony HT, may I know is this the same thing as MCACC by Pioneer?

Yes. Each brand got it's own name.

All the same thing. Auto Calibration.

Thks for the info.
I found this HTiB (HTZ585DVD)from Pioneer website, here is the spec
HTZ585DVD
Any comment on this model, I saw the price from Senheng is RM1699.

Please advise.

If this question is for me: Then YES! bought from Ban Hin Bee with warranty.

Where else can you buy from without warranty?

Bro,

Any pic to show what you mean here??? Interested to try the effect.... even if my set is well calibrated.

Everyone have their own method of calibrating. Pioneer call theirs MCACC, Sony D.C.A.C , yamaha YPAO etc.

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Added on September 24, 2009, 11:52 pmYes, there was someone clearing stocks of 818 for a Dealer (new unopened sets according to him) for RM699/- but without warranty from Pioneer. Only few mths of warranty from dealer. Quite a number of people of people bought from him.

That's why I asked, no need to raise your voice. Even if I am interested in your set before , I am no longer now

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 24 2009, 11:52 PM

Ngto.. sorry if i did raise my voice.. but did i? sometimes ppl can get over sensitive...

Typing YES! in Caps is considered shouting

This post has been edited by Ngto: Sep 25 2009, 12:22 AM

Bro,

Don't know how the heck to post a pic on this forum, but the cable looks something like this.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...t%3D36%26um%3D1

So the dual end is to the in and out on the sub, while the single rca goes to the AVR.
Hope this helps.

cheers!

OK.... how does connect a RCA to the "out" of the sub affects the sound?? This is where i dont see the connection

Coz the AVR RCA is also "out" and it does not receives and signal back from the sub ma...

Anyway, will try to get a cheapo cable to try it out.... how much and where did u get the cable??

Beats me man... that what i do not get at all...
anyways.... I got the cables from the sales guy actually.

Went to Desa Theater Kepong today. They have a package below:
Pioneer VSX-819H-K + Wharfedale Vardus 400 + WH-2 + WH-2 + VR-10 = RM4299

I think WH-2 might be wrong spelling.
Any comment about this package? Or any recommendation of other models?

How much the standalone Pioneer S-MS800 speaker system+
Pioneer S-RS3SW active subwoofer if minus out the v819k?
Im interest to get this combination with other avr if possible.

I got a question to all the expert on pioneer. I am using S-MS800 speaker system + v819k. During movie the sound from the center speaker is too soft. Sometimes cannot hear the conversation. How do I adjust this ?

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