Pioneer Elite SC-09TX Audio / Visual Receiver: Review

When looking for an audio / visual receiver to top off the home entertainment center, you no longer have to spend a fortune to get a high quality piece of technology. Recently there have been some great values from top manufactures, and it is those models buy far that make up the bulk of consumer's purchases these days. It doesn't however mean that the end of high end receiver. Pioneer's elite series of home entertainment products always include the most recent technological advancements regardless of cost. So if you want the best money can buy then look no further then the elite series. The Pioneer Elite SC-09TX audio visual receiver is perhaps one of the most expensive on the market today. But does it deliver? I have gotten my hands on one and I'm going to let you know how well it performs for me so you can decide if it is worth that heft ransom Pioneer is charging.

Design: 5/5

Features: 5/5

User Friendliness: 3/5

Value: 3/5

Overall: 4/5

Product Overview:

Like all of Pioneers elite series this receiver looks like it means business. With its all black exterior and full color LCD anchoring the middle of its face, no one will mistake this piece of technology for anything but the best. The casing is made from all metal and is quite a hefty piece of equipment. It is also larger then most receivers so be sure your entertainment stand can accommodate its girth.

It is capable of setting up a 7.1 channel system and delivering 200 watts per channel. If all of the channels are utilized power is diminished slightly. The connections are plentiful and include the likes of HDMI inputs and outputs, as well as a number of analog options and an iPod connection. This receiver can also pick up your favorite satellite radio stations because it includes support for both of the major providers.

Like the elite series of televisions from Pioneer, this device can log onto your home network and can access all sorts of multimedia from movies to music. The setup is easy but cumbersome. Without the LCD it would take ages. It will take a while to get used to the interface and you may spend some time rummaging through the extensive user manual but it will all be worth it once you get this receiver fine tuned.

Product Value:

While this receiver comes in at $7000, you really are buying the best of the best. Receivers have never been the cheapest part of the home theater and it is easy to see why. It is essentially the roundhouse (to barrow some train terminology) of your set up. If there is one thing in your entertainment center that is worth a splurge it is the receiver. The Pioneer SC-09TX is worth every penny, and if you have the money I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.