Customer Reviews

Pioneer VSX-26TX - AV receiver - 5.1 channel - black

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This receiver has so many features it takes a while to set it up. However, once you have it set up, its truly fantastic. It has the highest THX certification (with a good set of speakers you'll swear your living room sounds as good as a theater), assignable digital inputs for flexibility, and more S-video inputs than you'll probably ever need. Perhaps best of all, its learning remote is so good I can finally control my TV, Receiver, DVD, CD, VCR, Tape and Cable with just one controller. This receiver isn't inexpensive. However, in my opinion its by far the best receiver for the money.

I have been a fan of the Pioneer Elite brand for some time now.As a satisfied owner of the Elite 300 disc CD player and Pioneers top Elite tape deck,this reciever now joins the group. The components used in this and all Elite products are of high-grade audiophile quality.The THX certification(Ulta),also makes this player one of the best value THX recievers on the market.After you have set up this unit properly and are (I hope),using good to better grade speakers,your ears will be treated to a wonderful listening experience.This unit has all the features you could possibly want and more.Though its bigger brother has a little more power,and elegant cherry side panels,both units are equal in performance,and at half the price,I would recomend this model unless you have a very large theater room.

I've had Pioneer receivers for 15 years with no problems. The Power switch went bad just over a year-I guess they figure you will use the remote and skimp on quality. Other receivers in this price category have better overall build quality and seem to be rated higher by the experts. Denon, Yamaha, H&K, etc.. in the over 1000.00 category have better build quality. Setup was easy - and there are plenty of features. I have a Harmon Kardon as well and it's not as user friendly but has great sound and appears to be built better overall. I guess I just expected more from the Elite. (mostly, that it would not need repairs in less than two years)

Although on paper this receiver is great value for the money, it demonstrates the same flaw as a lower-end Pioneer receiver that I own -- namely that there's a quiet but perceptible hiss from the speakers whenever the unit is powered on.

When sound is going through the unit this hiss is obviously masked, but it's annoying that it happens at all.

No more Pioneer amplification equipment for me, I fear.