Pioneer VSX-49TXi 7.1 Channels Receiver
Out of stock |
Similar in Receivers
- Surround Sound: DTS ES® THX EX® Dolby Pro Logic II
- THX Certification: Ultra
- Number of Channels: 7.1 Channels
- Type: Receiver
- Surround Mode Power: 130 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.09%
- Stereo Mode Power: 160 Watt @ 6 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.09%
- Overview
-
Reviews
-
Compare Prices
User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Out of date, No HDMI, No AC-3 HD, Still a Great receiver.
Pros
Incredible build quality, ease of use, and setup, remote is very good.
Cons
expensive when new, a bargain now. shop carefully. Remote quality is a let down.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Yes this receiver has been "Sunsetted" and replaced 3 times over, but this receiver is incredible. Build,sonics,ease of use.
We live in a world of persistent out of date technology as soon as we take home the newest latest A/V receiver, it has been replaced with the new for 2008..2009 model year.
The VSX-84TSX-i is the "current" flagship of the Pioneer Elite line up. At $1500.00 it is easily reachable for most careful shoppers. Seems a $1000.00 is the median price for a very good A/V receiver. Check out www.pioneerelectronics.com for the low down on the latest.
Well, this review is about the 2002/2003 VSX-49tx. Firstly lets get this thing out of the box. NOT an easy task, at over 64 lbs net. Pioneer has a inner sleeve with handle cut outs to pull up the receiver out of the box. Good idea to have a friend or relative around to help you place this big receiver on your A/V station. Once placed take some time to admire the fit and finish. Beautiful gloss piano black face plate and three dominant knobs with the volume, and input select being the big lower left and right ones milled out of aluminum. The small surround mode knob above the volume knob is 1/4 size of the volume knob. A door conceals the lesser used controls keeping the front panel clean and simple.
Behind the door, left to right is Acoustic Cal, Midnight button,Tone,Digital NR, Tuner control, Listening CH Select,Multi-room & source. Row 2 left to right, Phones jack, SP System A/B, Signal Select,Video Select,Tape 2Monitor, Multi-Ch input, Setup Mic,Optical Digital input ,Front video jacks, S-video,composite, left right analog input.
Sculpted aluminum side plates almost 1/2 inch thick remind me of the expensive AX-10 universal player Pioneer made. It was around $5000.00. It exudes a luxurious and expensive feel to the VSX-49tx that other receiver seldom do. I still think the Marantz SR-16,18 are my favorite in the looks and finish department, but the Pioneer gives up nothing to the Marantz. Think Lexus build, and you get the idea. The 49tx is even made in Japan. Most current Pioneer receivers are made in Malaysia. 17-5/16 x 8' x 18-3/16' width, height, and depth for you measuring types out there worried this beast isn't going to fit. The Denon AVR-5805 has to be the biggest beast on the block at over 95 lbs. just for reference. It is taller deeper and by a wide shot.
update:
Actually the side panels are about a little less than 3/16" thick aluminum. Still very impressive they use such thick stock.
What is in the box?? Antennas for fm/am, the Remote control, touch pen,cushion for remote, microphone,U-shaped connectors on receiver, operating instructions, and power cord detachable IEC type.
Connections??? 3 Component in, 1 Component Monitor out. By the way, up converting to Component out makes install to your monitor easy. High def 40mhz support here as well. 6 S-video inputs, and 6 composite inputs. 7 standard digital inputs with the front panel making 8. 4 Coaxial and 4 Optical Toslink. Full discrete pre-out in case you want to incorporate vacuum tube stages, bigger power amplifiers, etc. Full Multi-room and mult-source support too. Multi way binding posts, but not friendly to spade connectors. Use bananas pins, or bare wire. FM coax connector and Am connector finish off the gang here, along with the requisite analog connectors for the respective inputs and outputs. Video outs for all types of video, and 100w switched AC outlet.
Setup and listening and life with the VSX-49tx. Running my Sota time domains up front, and the Energy Veritas center, and the NHT SB-1 for surrounds and the HSU 12 sub with 400watt amp may seem like a Mutt system, but it works well with the 49. I may get some Energy Veritas fronts with integrated subs since the 49tx has dual Subwoofer pre-outs.
The Romote is a LCD button combo affair that you use a stylus with on the LCD to navigate. It is an intelligent remote and its design is well done. Best out of the box remote with an LCD I have seen. I like the Universal Remotes brand only better though. Script is large and easy to read, the backlight is adequate for the task of reading in the dark. The battery door plate creaks a bit while in use. A bit of a let down since the receiver is so well constructed.
Intuitive is a cautious word I use about remotes, but this one deserves that discription. It will run just about all your gear, and you custom this one to your own taste.
Menus for setup simul-casted on the LED display panel, and my TV make setup a breeze. Easiest ever. The MCAAC audio system calibration let the 49tx do all the work. Naturally you may delve in and do it yourself if you like. Even THX EQ is here for your consideration. A nice consideration since the 49tx is THX Ultra 2 certified. Employing the mic in my room at ear level, the MCAAC did the deed in about 10 minutes or so. Not the fastest, but it works well. I still tweaked a bit to get the just right response.
Update. When purchased the incorrect mic was issued and that is what took the long time to setup. With the correct mic, 6 minutes setup time is more typical, and the end result was closer to correct though some adjustment was still necessary.
Input assignement and function rename was so easy. I was waiting for nested menu after nested menu to get where I need to be. Nope, the Pioneer makes one main directory and your pick what you want to go, and you get there. Nothing hidden. Thank you Pioneer. The up converting to Component Video out is a very welcome addition too, since my Loewe handles all the Pre-processing chores best with that connection.
Sonics are the best treat. I have never heard such a smooth operator like this before. The Marantz is close, but I like the mids and midbass better here. Highs are smooth not "theater" etched and forward like most other receivers out there. Good staging in 2 channel with nice layering and depth. Excellent surround performance with quiet surround S/N unlike my Sony. Lots of muscle when you need it, and finesse and ease when you don't. I would have never expected Pioneer to put together such a good sounding piece like this. I have been a 2 channel high end audio guy, though I confess on the cheap. I just love giant killers. This Pioneer is a bit short on the NAD muscle front, but it never gets harsh or hard sounding. It may blur and get the details less as it is driven to non sensible levels which I never do. My hearing is too valuable for that. I like running standard surround without all that extra processing. Advanced Cinema is fine, but the THX Cinema and the other modes are situational at best. Give them a try and see if you like them, and go from there.
Update: Replaced that stock power cord with a decent quality power cord. I used my Raymond Audio cable I bought on Ebay for $70.00 plus shipping. Big surprise to me how good this cable is for the money. My Virtual Dynamics Audition is better still, the Audition is over eight times the Raymond's price. Smoother highs, tighter bass, and the strings and pianos sound much more real, less synthetic. Vocals are richer. Best part is it pushes back the forward tendency that A/V receivers have when it comes to sonics, and as much as I like the Pioneer, it has a bit of that pushy sound to it.
This power cable sets the balance right. As always please experiment, as my combination may/may not suit your needs or audio preference. Next upgrade will be to upgrade the stock jumpers to the Audioquest Jumpers to further wake up the sonics, and remove the mild smearing that stock jumpers do. Not a big deal, but everything helps. About $60.00 for that slight but still meaningful easy fix.
Final words. If you are not totally convinced or ready for HDMI, Blue Ray, DVD-hd etc. and have a nice DVD player or even some vinyl, yes the 49tx even has a phono stage I forgot to mention. Moving Magnet support so don't be shy. I like and enjoy the 49tx very much. Is it for everybody?? No, but if you love high quality build, sound, ease of use, and made in Japan is not a bad thing either, the VSX-49tx should be on your short list. Besides since it is discontinued, and by all counts today, a "dinosaur", by the way it performs,
I'll take this T-REX any day. Happy listening, and be careful not to listen too loud. We want you listening for life. Thank you for reading my review. V.C.
The VSX-84TSX-i is the "current" flagship of the Pioneer Elite line up. At $1500.00 it is easily reachable for most careful shoppers. Seems a $1000.00 is the median price for a very good A/V receiver. Check out www.pioneerelectronics.com for the low down on the latest.
Well, this review is about the 2002/2003 VSX-49tx. Firstly lets get this thing out of the box. NOT an easy task, at over 64 lbs net. Pioneer has a inner sleeve with handle cut outs to pull up the receiver out of the box. Good idea to have a friend or relative around to help you place this big receiver on your A/V station. Once placed take some time to admire the fit and finish. Beautiful gloss piano black face plate and three dominant knobs with the volume, and input select being the big lower left and right ones milled out of aluminum. The small surround mode knob above the volume knob is 1/4 size of the volume knob. A door conceals the lesser used controls keeping the front panel clean and simple.
Behind the door, left to right is Acoustic Cal, Midnight button,Tone,Digital NR, Tuner control, Listening CH Select,Multi-room & source. Row 2 left to right, Phones jack, SP System A/B, Signal Select,Video Select,Tape 2Monitor, Multi-Ch input, Setup Mic,Optical Digital input ,Front video jacks, S-video,composite, left right analog input.
Sculpted aluminum side plates almost 1/2 inch thick remind me of the expensive AX-10 universal player Pioneer made. It was around $5000.00. It exudes a luxurious and expensive feel to the VSX-49tx that other receiver seldom do. I still think the Marantz SR-16,18 are my favorite in the looks and finish department, but the Pioneer gives up nothing to the Marantz. Think Lexus build, and you get the idea. The 49tx is even made in Japan. Most current Pioneer receivers are made in Malaysia. 17-5/16 x 8' x 18-3/16' width, height, and depth for you measuring types out there worried this beast isn't going to fit. The Denon AVR-5805 has to be the biggest beast on the block at over 95 lbs. just for reference. It is taller deeper and by a wide shot.
update:
Actually the side panels are about a little less than 3/16" thick aluminum. Still very impressive they use such thick stock.
What is in the box?? Antennas for fm/am, the Remote control, touch pen,cushion for remote, microphone,U-shaped connectors on receiver, operating instructions, and power cord detachable IEC type.
Connections??? 3 Component in, 1 Component Monitor out. By the way, up converting to Component out makes install to your monitor easy. High def 40mhz support here as well. 6 S-video inputs, and 6 composite inputs. 7 standard digital inputs with the front panel making 8. 4 Coaxial and 4 Optical Toslink. Full discrete pre-out in case you want to incorporate vacuum tube stages, bigger power amplifiers, etc. Full Multi-room and mult-source support too. Multi way binding posts, but not friendly to spade connectors. Use bananas pins, or bare wire. FM coax connector and Am connector finish off the gang here, along with the requisite analog connectors for the respective inputs and outputs. Video outs for all types of video, and 100w switched AC outlet.
Setup and listening and life with the VSX-49tx. Running my Sota time domains up front, and the Energy Veritas center, and the NHT SB-1 for surrounds and the HSU 12 sub with 400watt amp may seem like a Mutt system, but it works well with the 49. I may get some Energy Veritas fronts with integrated subs since the 49tx has dual Subwoofer pre-outs.
The Romote is a LCD button combo affair that you use a stylus with on the LCD to navigate. It is an intelligent remote and its design is well done. Best out of the box remote with an LCD I have seen. I like the Universal Remotes brand only better though. Script is large and easy to read, the backlight is adequate for the task of reading in the dark. The battery door plate creaks a bit while in use. A bit of a let down since the receiver is so well constructed.
Intuitive is a cautious word I use about remotes, but this one deserves that discription. It will run just about all your gear, and you custom this one to your own taste.
Menus for setup simul-casted on the LED display panel, and my TV make setup a breeze. Easiest ever. The MCAAC audio system calibration let the 49tx do all the work. Naturally you may delve in and do it yourself if you like. Even THX EQ is here for your consideration. A nice consideration since the 49tx is THX Ultra 2 certified. Employing the mic in my room at ear level, the MCAAC did the deed in about 10 minutes or so. Not the fastest, but it works well. I still tweaked a bit to get the just right response.
Update. When purchased the incorrect mic was issued and that is what took the long time to setup. With the correct mic, 6 minutes setup time is more typical, and the end result was closer to correct though some adjustment was still necessary.
Input assignement and function rename was so easy. I was waiting for nested menu after nested menu to get where I need to be. Nope, the Pioneer makes one main directory and your pick what you want to go, and you get there. Nothing hidden. Thank you Pioneer. The up converting to Component Video out is a very welcome addition too, since my Loewe handles all the Pre-processing chores best with that connection.
Sonics are the best treat. I have never heard such a smooth operator like this before. The Marantz is close, but I like the mids and midbass better here. Highs are smooth not "theater" etched and forward like most other receivers out there. Good staging in 2 channel with nice layering and depth. Excellent surround performance with quiet surround S/N unlike my Sony. Lots of muscle when you need it, and finesse and ease when you don't. I would have never expected Pioneer to put together such a good sounding piece like this. I have been a 2 channel high end audio guy, though I confess on the cheap. I just love giant killers. This Pioneer is a bit short on the NAD muscle front, but it never gets harsh or hard sounding. It may blur and get the details less as it is driven to non sensible levels which I never do. My hearing is too valuable for that. I like running standard surround without all that extra processing. Advanced Cinema is fine, but the THX Cinema and the other modes are situational at best. Give them a try and see if you like them, and go from there.
Update: Replaced that stock power cord with a decent quality power cord. I used my Raymond Audio cable I bought on Ebay for $70.00 plus shipping. Big surprise to me how good this cable is for the money. My Virtual Dynamics Audition is better still, the Audition is over eight times the Raymond's price. Smoother highs, tighter bass, and the strings and pianos sound much more real, less synthetic. Vocals are richer. Best part is it pushes back the forward tendency that A/V receivers have when it comes to sonics, and as much as I like the Pioneer, it has a bit of that pushy sound to it.
This power cable sets the balance right. As always please experiment, as my combination may/may not suit your needs or audio preference. Next upgrade will be to upgrade the stock jumpers to the Audioquest Jumpers to further wake up the sonics, and remove the mild smearing that stock jumpers do. Not a big deal, but everything helps. About $60.00 for that slight but still meaningful easy fix.
Final words. If you are not totally convinced or ready for HDMI, Blue Ray, DVD-hd etc. and have a nice DVD player or even some vinyl, yes the 49tx even has a phono stage I forgot to mention. Moving Magnet support so don't be shy. I like and enjoy the 49tx very much. Is it for everybody?? No, but if you love high quality build, sound, ease of use, and made in Japan is not a bad thing either, the VSX-49tx should be on your short list. Besides since it is discontinued, and by all counts today, a "dinosaur", by the way it performs,
I'll take this T-REX any day. Happy listening, and be careful not to listen too loud. We want you listening for life. Thank you for reading my review. V.C.
