guys i really need advises here.
the budget is floating at circa-RM3k-ish. max i could go without complaints is RM3.5k

considering to get the Pioneer S-MS800 speaker set with Pioneer S-RS3SW sub and either the Pioneer VSX-819 or the Yamaha RX-V465.
i can't get an audition up here. no demo sets. so have to order blind from shops and hope that it sounds great in my living room.

i don't need dts-ma and true-hd, but think i'm gonna get hd audio support anyway. currently will output from my htpc either through coax or optical. would be used mainly for movies and maybe a little bit of mp3 music and rm radio.

which of the AVR you guys think would complement the S-MS800 and S-RS3SW sub better? the VSX-819 or the V465?
would appreciate any recomendations, pros/cons to the setup. thanks guys

with this S-MS800 and S-RS3SW sub speaker package, i will just get myself a cheaper VSX-519, unless you're planning to get a better speaker in the future.

the speaker and sub isn't that good issit?

I have been using this setup of 819 for 4 months now. Is very good for me. I watch mostly BD movies

Im using vsx-1019 + S-MS800 + Boston XB6 Subwoofer + JBL Surround.. Results = Damn Awesome 7.1 setup and i really fully satisfied with it.. seriously..

you can actually test both sets at Harvey Norman in Queensbay Mall, Penang... Kedah to Penang is quite near.. why not make a day trip down and check 'em out?

I've tested the 819 and found it ok only.. I hear the Yamaha 465 is better but yet to check it out.

I didn't know Harvey Norman in Queensbay Mall, Penang, have audio audition room?

no room la but you can test their systems.. think only Senq has rooms. Forgot to add that I tested the Pioneer 819 system at Senq

then all the surround will be at the front on top of the floorstanders
i've auditioned both the vsx-519 and vsx-819 with the s-ms800 and s-rs3sw at eng hifi bukit mertajam. spent nearly 3 hours testing, retesting, calibrating, tweaking, auto-calibrating, turning the knob here and there, switching dvds in and out.

and walked away with the set and a vsx-519. vsx-819 is too much for the speaker and sub combo. vsx-819 sounds warmer though, but i kindda prefer the sound when the speaker paired with vsx-519 better.
excellent service from eng hifi. the don't bug me when i'm playing with the system. they just left me tweaking and listening until i'm satisfied.

Bro, how much u get this vsx-519?

RM3k for the whole set?

Sure you don't want to bitstream HD audio to your Amp? Maybe in future Blu-ray players might no longer do Decoding of HD Audio, then you would be left with an obselete AVR. But then by that time, I guess you would be buying a new Amp

the vsx-519 is at RM1050. but i got it together with the set. RM2350 including the speaker & sub

RM3k for vsx-819 paired with the speakers & sub.
only RM2350 for the pack with vsx-519


i'd be buying a new amp in the future. this is just a startup set.
my htpc don't even have a hdmi output. haha. right now i'm running vga cable to the tv.

Paskal, whats the difference between 518 and 519, other than the 519 support for HDMI switching?

Did you find other amps in the RM1K range?

I'm thinking of getting one too.

This post has been edited by azbro: Feb 9 2010, 11:01 AM

The 519 has HDMI but does not allow HD Audio bitstream . However it can at least allow decoded LPCM HD audio. Also it does not have the MCACC calibration feature.

As for 518 ???? That's a long obselete model.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Feb 9 2010, 11:36 AM

Well, then i better get the 518 cause I dun need LPCM HD audio.

But need to survey the price first, if not much difference can get the 519

This post has been edited by azbro: Feb 9 2010, 11:42 AM

If don't need HD Audio why not get the 818 (if you can still find it) ? It's older model than the 519 but it's cheaper + it's got MCACC.

Did some homework, prices I got.

518 = RM730 (Demo set)
519 = RM810
818 = RM990 (Demo set)
918 = RM1390 (Demo set)
1019 = RM1600 (Demo set)

Just maybe I settle for the 519

Still not made up my mind

This post has been edited by azbro: Feb 9 2010, 12:52 PM

Funny how the 519 price dropped below the 818 price.

This post has been edited by Ngto: Feb 9 2010, 01:21 PM

yup..519 usually Rm1299...

Grab it or what?