|   Pioneer vs. Harman Kardon | Garon
Nov 9, 2003 1:51 AM | | I'm buying a home theater system and need a 7.1 receiver and dvd player. My budget is 1000-1500 dollars for the 7.1 receiver and 400-800 dollars for the dvd player. Based on reading many reviews I have two choices Pioneer or Harman Kardon. I must admit I've been a little sceptical about Pioneer since the equipment they offer seem too toy-like, I guess. And the way Pioneer puts THX on budget receivers and DVD-audio and SACD on budget dvd players it makes me wonder. In most cases you'd have to pay at least 2000 dollars for THX in a receiver (Pioneer 1000 dollars) and for DVD-A and SACD in a dvd player at least 1000 dollars (Pioneer 300 dollars). Anyway give your opinion. Which is more trustworthy, has longetivity and above all pure performance? |
| I don't have to think twice about that.... | joel27862
Nov 9, 2003 5:29 AM | | Harmon Kardon is better. No question. Pioneer is no good. I know people that own Pioneer. It's the cheapest looking. And cheapest built stuff I have ever seen. h/k is by far better in every possible way. |
| re: Pioneer vs. Harman Kardon | eV
Nov 9, 2003 7:06 AM | | First of all...THX is just a certification. It does not make a piece of equipment sound different. The manufacturer pays to put that label on the equipment, thus increases the price of the unit. I would be willing to bet that a lot of the equipment out there could carry the THX certification. Hell, my Klipsch computer speakers have a THX certification. Was that a selling point for me? No.
Harmon Kardon was having some quality issues a few years ago. I would think they have fixed those. This was 3 year back when I was shopping for a new Home Theater receiver. I stilled looked at them though. What you are complaining about with the Pioneers, I saw in the H/K. Too much plastic for me. I found the Pioneers in the 1500 dollar range to be very well built. I looked at many brands and found that at a price point build quality did diminish, but it was a similar price point for most brands. I ended up buying Marantz, mainly because of quality of build, quality track record, along with the minimal bells and whistles the SR-8000 had. I do not need sound modes I will never use. DTS and 5.1 is all I need for movies. Stereo and 5 channel stereo is all I need for music. 5 channel stereo is real nice for parties.
Anyway... In my opinion, the THX certification doesn't mean anything but a higher price. This should not be a reason or not to buy a unit. Look more into what kind of power you will need (speakers and room size), what kind of features you want, the quality record of the units you are considering, and put your hands on them to determine if it is the build quality you are looking for. Of course, give them a listen, if you can with the speakers you are using. Some higher end stores will even let you take a demo home.
eV |
| re: Pioneer vs. Harman Kardon | poneal
Nov 9, 2003 6:10 PM | | I've owned both and currently own the HK-320. To me, I like HK. Never really had any trouble with Pioneer but I like the way the HK plays. I bought my HK 1.5 years ago and haven't had any problems with it. I have read about some problems with HK in the past though as the previous poster noted. It seems, if i recall, that it was the 500 series. Don't hold me on that though. I think that either way you go you will get a decent product. |
| re: Pioneer vs. Harman Kardon | mtrycrafts
Nov 9, 2003 7:41 PM | | THX has a new program for lower priced components. They do not have to meet all the requirements to receive the THX rating. So is marked accordingly.
DVD-A and SACD chips are a commodoty chip today, dirt cheap what it was when new. So, you see them in the inexpensive components, down to $200 or so. Save your funds on the DVD player.
The two should be equivalents. |
| i recently compared both | Tarheel_
Nov 10, 2003 10:16 AM | | the HK 525 against the Elite 43tx (i think). Both about same price range. Actually liked the looks of the Elite better, but that's where it ended. I preferred the HK in many ways,ease of use, on screen display, real-life amp numbers, remote, manual and 2nd zone options.
You should compare both with same/close MSRP and determine which fit your needs best. I have not regretted my decision once. |
| pioneer vs. H/k | recoveryone
Nov 10, 2003 4:43 PM | | cant say much about the H/K gear (never owned any), but in the pioneer corner I can say go with the Pioneer Elite models if you want good build and lasting quality. Pioneer has the low-mid range gear also,but you get what you pay for. Some of the best Elite models are the older ones 36,37, 39tx series if you can still find them (check ebay) I just picked up the Elite DV-45a ($325) and it plays like a dream (No Chroma bug problems) and just like other Pioneer DVD players it has played everything I thrown in it. In closing I offer you this, Pick what you like and fits in your budget. |
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