I'll never go to the theater again!
Written: Oct 08 '01 (Updated Nov 02 '01)
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Pros: Ease of use. Low price. Value for the dollar. Good looks.
Cons: Runs Hot.
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this system to everyone who is on a budget and wants great sound.
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| bobz3's Full Review: Pioneer VSX-36TX |
Ok, for those of you who read my review of the VSX-37TX, this may be somewhat of a repeat as they are basically the same. But if you are trying to decide on one or the other, I hope that this helps seal the deal.
Now, you really have not heard anything until you experience THX surround in your own home. You will really be amazed by the quality.
For some background on how I found this fine piece of electornics see the note at the end of this review.
The initial setup was simple on this unit as I had learned about all of the inputs from my VSX-37TX and this unit is EXACTLY the same. This unit has the following:
1 (Non Amplified (which means you need to buy an amp to drive this output)) Surround Back Channel Output
1 DVD-A Ready 7.1 Channel Input w/ Trim By-pass
Pre-Amp Output (ALL Channels)
5 Digital Inputs (3 Optical/2 Coaxial)/2 Digital Out (Optical)
Inputs - 5 Audio/5 Audio/Video
Phono
CD
CDR/Tape 1
TAPE 2
TUNER
DVD/LD
TV/SAT
VCR/DVR
VCR 2
Video
Outputs - 2 Audio/2 Audio Video/1 Video
CDR/TAPE Audio Output
Tape 2 Output
VCR/DVR Audio/Video Output
VCR 2 Output
Monitor Video Output
Component Video Switching (2 Inputs/1 Output)
TV/SAT Input
DVD/LD Input
Monitor Output
S-Video (5 Inputs/3 Outputs)
DVD/LD Input
TV/SAT Input
VCR/DVR Input
VCR 2 Input
Video (Front Panel) Input
VCR/DVR Output
VCR 2 Output
Monitor Output
Parallel A/B Speaker Switching
Banana Speaker Terminals (ALL)
After hooking up the components I setup the system, (all setup functionality is controlled through the remote control). This system has many features that can be fine tuned using the on screen display and the remote. However, the system works well on its default settings.
My setup is: A 250 watt powered Harman Kardon subwoofer, a set of Acoustic Research S250 tower speakers in front and 2 Klipsch Quintet (WHT 200W Max 2Way Tractrix Horn) for the rear. A KLH front center and 2 Klipsch Quintet (WHT 200W Max 2Way Tractrix Horn) surround back speakers (which require a separate amp to drive them). Rather than purchase another amp, I am using the TAPE1 input on my old reciever for this.
I love THX!!! This sound system rocks. All of my DVD's sound awesome and my digital satellite has finally come alive! Now I specifically look for cool sounding DVDs whenever possible.
Bottom line, the Pioneer VSX-36TX delivers 400 watts total compared to the VSX-37TX at 460 watts total. The difference is 20 watts less per channel in front and $120.00. To me, they are both the same and I do not notice any difference at all.
I would go with the VSX-36TX if I had to choose.
Note on how I found this item: I set out to upgrade my sound system from a 5 year old Dolby Pro Logic system. After looking at all of the product that I could get information on, I decided that THX was for me. I shopped around and to my dismay, I found out that almost all of the THX units were priced well over $1000.00.
I began to shop the internet and found Ubid.com. They had some refurbished THX units on auction for well below $1000.00. Being skeptical of refurbished anything, I was hesitant at first. But after looking into their return policy, I felt confident enough to try my luck.
I placed bids for a Demon AVR4800. But this unit went well over my self-imposed limit of $900.00. I found the Pioneer VSX-37TX to be next on the block. Ubid auctioned them in groups of two at a time. This must be a popular product because every one was bid up to my limit with 1 hour left at auction. After a few days of unsuccessful bidding, I finally got lucky. I scored one for only $629.00.
Now, the remote did not work on the VSX-37TX, so I had to send it back for a refund. However, this was a stroke of luck because I ended up scoring a VSX-36TX from Ubid for only $509.00!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 509
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Epinions.com ID:
bobz3
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Member: Bob Zimmer
Location: Highland Park, IL
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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