3D Receivers shoot-out: Denon AVR-1911, Pioneer VSX-1020-K, Onkyo TX-SR608

It is 2010 and the latest big thing in video is 3D movies. All of the major manufacturers are starting to sell their 3D audio-video receivers and processors and prices for 3D capable gear are starting to settle down to reasonable levels. So let's take a look at mid-range receivers from  three major manufacturers - Denon, Pioneer, Onkyo and Yamaha.

Before we look at individual units - let's take a look at a few basic features that are mandatory in the new generation of receivers:

HDMI 1.4 - in reality there is nothing special about HDMI 1.4 vs the 1.3a. In fact, it is only a change in specifications for the ports and cables that do not introduce any hardware changes. In theory, all HDMI 1.3a devices would be 3D capable if they had powerful enough processors to crunch the massive amounts of data associated with 3D. So while the HDMI ports and cables are not really any different, the processors in the new machines are upgraded to ones with enough power to work on more data.

Room sound auto-calibration - this is one of the most essential features that eliminates the need to manually set speaker distances, individual sound levels and it will even tell you if you got your cabling wrong.

HDMI upconversion - this allows one to take video and audio from any type of connection and any  source and upconvert it to 1080p over HDMI. If you don't have this feature, you may have to connect more than one cable to your TV to enjoy the old sources.


On screen display (GUI, overlay) - the ability of the receiver to display all the settings and controls on your TV instead of small LED screen on the unit itself. Very handy and mandatory in this day and age.

Connections and ports - Last by not least - What and how many devices can be connected. Everyone has different needs, but a few types of connectors and ports are essential nowadays. HDMI, digital audio (RCA/coax  and Optical/SPDIF), component for older HI-Def sources, USB for iPod/iPhone and other sources.

As you can see, I'm not listing 7.1 or 7.2 for that mater as a required feature. Most of these receivers will have the ability to hook  up seven speakers and at least one subwoofer, but it is not as widely used as industry wants us to believe. Majority of people (around 78% according to AV magazines) use either stereo (2 speakers), 3.1 (left, right, center and subwoofer) or 5.1 (left, right, center rear left, rear right and subwoofer) setups. This is due to the fact that good speakers in general are quite expensive and many chose to have less but of better quality, others don't have enough space for 7 speakers, and many have already built their 5.1 theaters that they are happy with. Even most 7.1 receivers are 7.1 only in name and not in function as one would have to sacrifice second zone connections and even may need to get a separate two channel amplifier to power those two speakers.   

Now that we are done with the basics, let's take a look at our lineup in more detail (in no particular order):

Pioneer VSX-1020-K: This is a mid-upper range Pioneer receiver that is aimed towards people with good speakers, good understanding of cutting edge technology and a variety of old and new sources of video and audio.

The good:
Works with iPhone/iPod  - this receiver has front USB connection to let one use iPod or iPhone as the source for the music and video. It will display full album art and controls on the TV screen and will allow for almost all iPod functions
iPhone remote control - has a free application that can be loaded onto iPhone to control a few basic features such as volume level, low and high frequencies and speaker setup.
Internet radio via built-in network port. This is a welcome feature, but generally the variety and selections are rather limited. After a few years the sources are unlikely to be updated and maintained, which may make this feature useless.
6 HDMI inputs, including one on the front of the unit. HDMI cables have liberated us from having twenty cables running to a TV and all the new AV gear comes with HDMI. So the more the better  and in the case of VSX-1020-K – it definitely has plenty.

Onscreen GUI (graphical user interface) – unlike many cheaper and less complex receivers – Pioneer has a very decent and good looking on-screen interface to change any and all the settings on the receiver. It is in color, with clear fonts, pictures and explanation of features. This is a huge help to someone who is not setting up receivers on regular basis and it makes the setup so much easier and less frustrating.
Anchor Bay with PureCinema video processing – this receiver features one of the better and more expensive  video processing units that allows for upconversion of any source to 1080p and provides cleaner looking picture than many others. It is also this chip that allows for the full on-screen GUI overlay.
Plenty of connections for older gear – component, composite and stereo input galore. This receiver will integrate nicely with any and all older gear that you may have. Rejoice people with Wii and VCRs.
MCACC microphone based auto speaker calibration – Pioneer uses a fairly sophisticated processing in order to automatically setup and calibrate all your speakers. We strongly favor Pioneer and Denon in this respect over other units in this review. The calibration is very precise and delivers noticeable improvement in sound.
Decent amplification system with good power supply which should give you years of joy. The sound is really good with higher end speakers in both – 2 channel and full surround modes.
110watt per channel – the most in this group.

The bad:
Design is rather plain
High gloss front panel is easy to mar with fingerprints
Remote has too many small buttons

Overall: At $460 this is an excellent choice of a receiver and our pick for mid-upper range 3D capable unit.  If you have fairly good speakers (not theater in a box, but something in the range of $1000+ for a pair or around $2500 for a full surround set) this is the receiver for you.  If you have several sources that do not have HDMI ports – this receiver offers plenty of connections for older gear and can upconvert them with excellent results.

Denon AVR-1911
This is an updated version of the AVR-1910 that was sold last year. The difference between the old and new models are rather striking and worth a very careful look as this year’s model is not for everyone.

The good:
Audyssey MutliEQ – this is an mid-range automatic microphone based calibration system which works quite well. And when we say mid-range, we are comparing it to units that cost thousands of dollars. So in this group of receivers it is on par with Pioneers MCACC and more sophisticated than those of Yamaha and Onkyo. Unlike Yamaha, for example, Denon takes measurements in as many as 6 seating positions versus 1 for Yamaha. This allows for much more precise calibration and better sounding system at the end.
1080p up-scaling –  just like the Pioneer above,  this Denon will take any source from any connection and make it work on your big screen over the HDMI connection. The quality of the upconversion is very good, but not excellent as in much more expensive units.
HDMI audio return channel  that allows your TV to send audio back for receiver, so you don’t have to connect an optical audio cable. While this feature is not unique to Denon and is a part of the 1.4a HDMI spec, it is well implemented on this unit and works reliably (some new units have bugs when the return audio is not working right).
Good looks and styling – this unit has more of a mate finish to it, which resists finger prints better than the finish on Pioneer. If you have kids or paranoid about cleanliness – this unit is worth a look.
iPod/iPhone direct connectivity – unlike the Pioneer, Denon only need USB cable connected for your iPod to work.
Good amplification – while not top of the line, this Denon will reproduce the movies and music truthfully and without much fuss.  
AVR-1911 runs cool, which should translate into longer life of the unit. The reliability of the Denon receivers is better than most and is on par with Yamaha.

The bad:
This unit has only 4 HDMI inputs which can be limiting
Complicated remote control is pain to use
Connectivity and ports are really lacking on AVR-1911, especially for older gear
iPhone with the latest version of software (iOS4) sometimes may have issues connecting to the unit
Rated at 90watts compared to 110watts for Pioneer

Overall: this is a good unit, but it is not for people with several older sources such as VCRs, Wii, analog camcorders and other devices. Even though Denon has been known for building solid receivers, this particular model falls short when compared to other options in this price range. In fact we feel it is so limiting, that you should take a serious look at the Pioneer and Yamaha. Considering the price of $580 we believe there are other very attractive options.

 

Yamaha RX-V567BL
This is newly revised mid-range offering from Yamaha that supports many of the popular features – 3D signal processing, auto calibration and more. Yamaha is very well known for making musical instruments and audio equipment. They build everything from grand pianos to industrial sound processing equipment.
Over the years Yamaha receivers have lagged behind many other brand in cutting edge technology and number of popular features, but usually excelled in sound reproduction (especially so for music).

The good:
Per source volume limiting that allows one to prevent blown speakers and unexpected volume jumps.
On-screen setup and information menu makes the setup much easier than doing so by looking at the small screen on the receiver.
Microphone calibration system with supplied microphone while is not as sophisticated as those of Denon or Pioneer, it works fairly well. It doesn’t use as many sound check points as Denon (6 on Denon vs 1 on Yamaha), but it sends two different test sound patterns instead of one on the Denon.
Audio return channel that works well for fewer cables going to your TV.
A sane design of the remote control and clearly marked buttons and functions make it easier to use than some others in this review.

The bad:
Needs a docking station to connect an iPod or iPhone.
The upconversion is limited and options depend on the type and quality of the source material.
“Scene modes” touted as something special are largely useless.
Only 4 HDMI inputs and less over all connectivity options than on Pioneer (but to be fair, Yamaha offers more connectivity options than Denon)

Overall :  RX-V567BL is a decent machine that offers all the basic features for 2010-2011 model year of receivers. It doesn’t offer as much power or cutting edge technology as other competitors, but usually delivers on the good sound quality in music and movies. Yamaha receivers also have great reliability record and tend to last longer than average. At $430 Yamaha is a sensible, mid-range option.

Onkyo TX-SR608
The first thing to note about the Onkyo is that it is a 7.2 receiver and not 7.1, which means that it comes equipped with a second subwoofer output for the real movie buffs that try to maximize low frequency special effects. In fact, Onkyo has always been geared towards movie theaters and not as much towards music.

The good:
100 watts per channel that do deliver on the promise made by the numbers.
THX Select2 certified, which means that this receiver will sustain proper gain and fall-off curves at higher sound pressure levels in order reproduce movie experience the way it was designed by the sound producers.
Full 1080p upscaling with Faroudja DCDi processing unit, which delivers better video quality and fewer artifacts.
Six HDMI inputs to ensure that you won’t need to replace this receiver in the short future when you get more HDMI devices
Audyssey DSX  - a new technology that attempts to deliver bigger sound-stage with more speakers and unusual speaker placement. This is a new feature generally found only in the higher end units (for example you would have to get AVR-3311 in order to get this feature from Denon, and the cost of this unit is way out of the units reviewed here).
Audyssey 2EQ , Dynamic Volume and EQ sound measuring and processing technology similar to that of Denon 1911. Audyssey 2EQ is not as complex as MultiEQ in AVR-1911, but it is so close, that it may be hard to find much difference.
Overlay on screen graphical interface which makes setups and reconfigurations a breeze.
Two zones for separate listening locations in your home.
The price to feature ratio is second to none and is very hard to beat.
Fairly decent remote control with clearly marked buttons.

The bad:
Onkyo’s are known to run very hot due to their amplifier design, which may result in a sudden and premature failure of the unit. TX-SR608 just like many other Onkyo units needs plenty of free space around it and very good ventilation in order to stay working and not trip circuit protection.  
It needs a dock to connect an iPod, which is a very bad design choice and an extra expense.
The video processing while looking good on paper appears to have some bugs in processing 24bit signal  and 24p sources. While not a show stopper, the artifacts may drive theater junkies crazy.
Design – it hasn’t changed in the last eight years, which is rather disappointing but not really critical.
We found that music sounds rather flat with this unit, which is not really a surpise considering that TX-SR608 is really aimed towards movie theater experience than two channel audiophile listing.

Overall: Onkyo has presented us with an extremely appealing unit that is truly feature packed and costs less than much more basic receivers. It delivers plenty of connection options, THX Select2 certification with 100 watts of power and does so without reservations. On the other hand if not properly placed and cool, it may fail prematurely. We can’t stress enough how important cooling is for Onkyo’s  - if you buy one, make sure you have plenty of space for it. For budget conscious buyers and those building a dedicated movie theater – this is the best choice from the bunch. However, if you want trouble free operation, fewer problems and better music reproduction – take a serious look at the Pioneer above. With a price tag of $380 this the least expensive and the most attractive option money wise.

Conclusion and recommendations:
As you can see there are plenty of points to consider when buying a receiver. From the four we have reviewed here, Pioneer takes the top pick due to its feature set, reliability, video and sound reproduction.  We recommend Denon and Yamaha for those who listen to music more than they watch movies. Onkyo on the other hand is just the opposite – it will do best in a movie theater than with a pair of high-end speakers and an LP player.
If it wasn’t for the bugs in the video processing and serious reliability concerns, Onkyo would be the number one choice. However, because of those shortfalls we can’t make such recommendation.

I highly recommend buying from Amazon.com for several reasons:

1 - they have free shipping in most cases

2 - they don't charge tax in most cases

3 - they generally have the best return policy

4 - they have great customer service.