Why not Pioneer VSX-823K for a decent budget AVR !!!

[sarfiraashique]

I m from Bihar and following this forum for the last one and a half years now.I consider myself a little extra sensitive when it comes to Audio as well as video quality.Earlier When I had the Time,Money was the prohibiting factor for my passion.Now I have got some Money but now Time is a limiting factor.
But lets first start from the begining.Speaking truly,I have never experienced high quality Sound and the same goes for Video.My experience is limited to a few HTIBs and low grade projectors.However I am considering a decent AVR+speaker package now seriously.Thats why I am posting this so that learned members of this forum could provide some really serious info. on the subject.Please keep in Mind that my options are mostly limited to online shopping as I reside in Bihar where its next to impossible to get such things offline.I have 12X15 feet Room.I intend to connect DTH,Projector,Bluray player and may be sometimes Media player.
Now,Why I narrowed down to VSX-823.The Reasons being:-
1. Its very cheap at around Rs. 27,000 and available online.
2. Sound Quality wise its quite decent.
3. For such price it has enough power.
4. Networking capabilities through Ethernet Port.
As I know nothing(Almost) about AV Receivers,I should like you guys to enlighten me on some points over here.
The first thing which comes to my Mind right now are the features like bluetooth and WIFI.Are they really necessary?
In my view AVRs are for enjoying audio and video quality at its best and through bluetooth or WIFI, I think,its probably not possible for the sheer lack of speed.Am I right in thinking that way ?
Also there might be other more essential features which I may not know that are missing in this receiver.I should like to know whether those features are such to warrant for increase in the budget for my to be first AVR ?
My other considerations being-
Denon X2000 for around 43,000
Denon X1100 for around 43,000
Marantz NR1605 for around 60,000
But seriously speaking,are there pricing justified?
speaker package considerations being-
AJ-5235XT for around 48,000
wharfedale MS-100HCP
Boston Accoustics Soundware S5.1
Thanks

 

[quixand]

I would find the nearest dealer and get a demo ASAP if I were you.

That's a good price. Also do check if it's dealer or manufacturer warranty if listed on Ebay.

Personally I skipped the Pioneer 3xx series as I didn't like the sound paired up with Polk speakers. It lacked a chunkiness of sound and was quite harsh. But get an audition.

 

[indy70]

Pioneer 823 + AJ would be a good combo. You can check for prices in Hifimart.com. I see they have some GOSF going on for package deal or receiver separates.

 

[venkatcr]

The first thing which comes to my Mind right now are the features like bluetooth and WIFI.Are they really necessary?
In my view AVRs are for enjoying audio and video quality at its best and through bluetooth or WIFI, I think,its probably not possible for the sheer lack of speed.Am I right in thinking that way ?

You are both right and wrong. Yes, Bluetooth and Wifi cannot give you the quality of a Blu-ray player or high end CD player. At the same time, Bluetooth and WiFi technology are constantly improving. Today, you can transmit 24/96 using either a Bluetooth or a Wifi very easily.

Getting network capable devices is a given today. Most of us use multiple digital devices. For example, I get a lot of snaps of my grand child on my smartphone. I rip my music using my laptop. I store my music on my music PC, and my movies on my HTPC. I certainly want all these devices to speak to each other. Plus there is the material that is available on the Net.

Connectivity is important.

Also there might be other more essential features which I may not know that are missing in this receiver. I should like to know whether those features are such to warrant for increase in the budget for my to be first AVR ?

If cut down to the basics, what you need are these three:

1. Decoding of audio codecs
2. A powerful amplifier
3. Capability to handle HD video

Everything else, including the radio receiver that is there in every AVR is extra.

But seriously speaking,are there pricing justified? speaker package considerations being- AJ-5235XT for around 48,000 wharfedale MS-100HCP Boston Accoustics Soundware S5.1

It may make more sense to first decide the speakers and then look at the AVR. That way, you can ensure the AVR has enough juice to drive the speakers you chose.

Cheers

 

[elangoas]

Now,Why I narrowed down to VSX-823.The Reasons being:-
1. Its very cheap at around Rs. 27,000 and available online.
2. Sound Quality wise its quite decent.
3. For such price it has enough power.
4. Networking capabilities through Ethernet Port.
As I know nothing(Almost) about AV Receivers,I should like you guys to enlighten me on some points over here.
The first thing which comes to my Mind right now are the features like bluetooth and WIFI.Are they really necessary?
In my view AVRs are for enjoying audio and video quality at its best and through bluetooth or WIFI, I think,its probably not possible for the sheer lack of speed.Am I right in thinking that way ?
Also there might be other more essential features which I may not know that are missing in this receiver.I should like to know whether those features are such to warrant for increase in the budget for my to be first AVR ? Thanks

Auto Calibration is an other very good feature...Depending on category of AVR, you get some very good features..

For a first time user, not everyone is aware of tweaking their system for optimal performance... So this feature actually helps in setting the distance & channel level automatically thru a set-up mic provided with AVR....

27K for 823 seems a very good price. Where did you find this deal ?

Coming to the AVR pricing in general, blame it on the excise duty of goods imported to india, lower penetration of lifestyle equip like these...

Of all the brands aval in India, Pioneer has some good pricing compared to the others...

 

[rugs]

Even I am in same boat as you sarfiraashique in Bangalore.

Me too kind of shortlisted AJ-5235XT and thinking of Denon 510BT as of now. Yet to audition it and get the final rates though. Why not considering Denon?

Experts, Is this a good combo?


Pioneer 523 and 823 seem to be listed as 'Old Products' on their website and I thought lack of bluetooth was a big turn-off for me.
http://pioneer-india.in/product-category/home-entertainment-old-products/page/2/

 

[sarfiraashique]

Thanks a lot Guys
I had not expected that much response so soon.
quixand-

I would find the nearest dealer and get a demo ASAP if I were you.
That's a good price. Also do check if it's dealer or manufacturer warranty if listed on Ebay.
Personally I skipped the Pioneer 3xx series as I didn't like the sound paired up with Polk speakers. It lacked a chunkiness of sound and was quite harsh. But get an audition.

Finding a dealer and getting a demo is out of the question for obvious reasons:sad:.Its an ebay deal for a few days more and its a manufacturer warranty with final price being a few rupees below 27000.As for Sound quality,I am doubtful whether that is the performance of this AVR or its just a simple case of Mis-paring of speakers?
indy70-

Pioneer 823 + AJ would be a good combo. You can check for prices in Hifimart.com. I see they have some GOSF going on for package deal or receiver separates.

Thats my choice too.Hifimart may be the most reliable but their pricing is not that much attractive as far as my observation reveals.
venkatcr-

You are both right and wrong. Yes, Bluetooth and Wifi cannot give you the quality of a Blu-ray player or high end CD player. At the same time, Bluetooth and WiFi technology are constantly improving. Today, you can transmit 24/96 using either a Bluetooth or a Wifi very easily.
Getting network capable devices is a given today. Most of us use multiple digital devices. For example, I get a lot of snaps of my grand child on my smartphone. I rip my music using my laptop. I store my music on my music PC, and my movies on my HTPC. I certainly want all these devices to speak to each other. Plus there is the material that is available on the Net.

Venkatcr,I totally agree with what you have opined here but my reasoning here is simple and I ask you too-Do those features justify a price difference of at least Rs. 10K+?
If you have other better options,do let me know.

If cut down to the basics, what you need are these three:
1. Decoding of audio codecs
2. A powerful amplifier
3. Capability to handle HD video
Everything else, including the radio receiver that is there in every AVR is extra.

I think all of these are available there in this avr.But I should like to know about video processing capabilities of an avr.How essential that is? and what diferences can it make to our viewing pleasure as this avr has not got any video processor !!

It may make more sense to first decide the speakers and then look at the AVR. That way, you can ensure the AVR has enough juice to drive the speakers you chose.

I find it much more tough task that way.Let me know if you have any idea in the budget of around 40-50K.
elangoas-

Auto Calibration is an other very good feature...Depending on category of AVR, you get some very good features..
For a first time user, not everyone is aware of tweaking their system for optimal performance... So this feature actually helps in setting the distance & channel level automatically thru a set-up mic provided with AVR....
27K for 823 seems a very good price. Where did you find this deal ?
Coming to the AVR pricing in general, blame it on the excise duty of goods imported to india, lower penetration of lifestyle equip like these...
Of all the brands aval in India, Pioneer has some good pricing compared to the others...

If I am not wrong the MCACC thing may take care of that!!!.Pricing wise you are probably right but keep in mind its an old avr according to their website
rugs-

Even I am in same boat as you sarfiraashique in Bangalore.
Me too kind of shortlisted AJ-5235XT and thinking of Denon 510BT as of now. Yet to audition it and get the final rates though. Why not considering Denon?
Experts, Is this a good combo?
Pioneer 523 and 823 seem to be listed as 'Old Products' on their website and I thought lack of bluetooth was a big turn-off for me.

The reasons for not going for bluetooth,I have made myself already clear.Experts may enlighten whether thats a better deal than this avr
And as I said just a few days are left for this deal If you guys have enough spare time,plz do help me in deciding it finally.I am a bit worried about the video processing capabilities.
Thanks a lot again :clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping:

 

[sarfiraashique]

Dear administrator,My post is under moderation for more than 2 and a half hours.What does that mean ?
Have I crossed some limits unwittingly ?

 

[sarfiraashique]

Thanks a lot Guys
I had not expected that much response so soon.
quixand-

I would find the nearest dealer and get a demo ASAP if I were you.
That's a good price. Also do check if it's dealer or manufacturer warranty if listed on Ebay.
Personally I skipped the Pioneer 3xx series as I didn't like the sound paired up with Polk speakers. It lacked a chunkiness of

sound and was quite harsh. But get an audition.

Finding a dealer and getting a demo is out of the question for obvious reasons:sad:.Its an ebay deal for a few days

more and its a manufacturer warranty with final price being a few rupees below 27000.As for Sound quality,I am doubtful whether

that is the performance of this AVR or its just a simple case of Mis-paring of speakers?
indy70-

Pioneer 823 + AJ would be a good combo. You can check for prices in Hifimart.com. I see they have some GOSF going on

for package deal or receiver separates.

Thats my choice too.Hifimart may be the most reliable but their pricing is not that much attractive as far as my observation

reveals.
venkatcr-

You are both right and wrong. Yes, Bluetooth and Wifi cannot give you the quality of a Blu-ray player or high end

CD player. At the same time, Bluetooth and WiFi technology are constantly improving. Today, you can transmit 24/96 using either a

Bluetooth or a Wifi very easily.
Getting network capable devices is a given today. Most of us use multiple digital devices. For example, I get a lot of snaps of my

grand child on my smartphone. I rip my music using my laptop. I store my music on my music PC, and my movies on my HTPC. I

certainly want all these devices to speak to each other. Plus there is the material that is available on the Net.

Venkatcr,I totally agree with what you have opined here but my reasoning here is simple and I ask you too-Do those features

justify a price difference of at least Rs. 10K+?
If you have other better options,do let me know.

If cut down to the basics, what you need are these three:
1. Decoding of audio codecs
2. A powerful amplifier
3. Capability to handle HD video
Everything else, including the radio receiver that is there in every AVR is extra.

I think all of these are available there in this avr.But I should like to know about video processing capabilities of an avr.How

essential that is? and what diferences can it make to our viewing pleasure as this avr has not got any video processor !!

It may make more sense to first decide the speakers and then look at the AVR. That way, you can ensure the AVR has enough

juice to drive the speakers you chose.

I find it much more tough task that way.Let me know if you have any idea in the budget of around 40-50K.
elangoas-

Auto Calibration is an other very good feature...Depending on category of AVR, you get some very good features..
For a first time user, not everyone is aware of tweaking their system for optimal performance... So this feature actually helps in

setting the distance & channel level automatically thru a set-up mic provided with AVR....
27K for 823 seems a very good price. Where did you find this deal ?
Coming to the AVR pricing in general, blame it on the excise duty of goods imported to india, lower penetration of lifestyle equip

like these...
Of all the brands aval in India, Pioneer has some good pricing compared to the others...

If I am not wrong the MCACC thing may take care of that!!!.Pricing wise you are probably right but keep in mind its an old avr

according to their website
rugs-

Even I am in same boat as you sarfiraashique in Bangalore.
Me too kind of shortlisted AJ-5235XT and thinking of Denon 510BT as of now. Yet to audition it and get the final rates though. Why

not considering Denon?
Experts, Is this a good combo?
Pioneer 523 and 823 seem to be listed as 'Old Products' on their website and I thought lack of bluetooth was a big turn-off for

me.

The reasons for not going for bluetooth,I have made myself already clear.Experts may enlighten whether thats a better deal than

this avr
And as I said just a few days are left for this deal If you guys have enough

spare time,plz do help me in deciding it finally.I am a bit worried about the video processing capabilities.
Thanks a lot again

:clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping:

 

[sarfiraashique]

Thanks a lot Guys
I had not expected that much response so soon.
quixand-

I would find ......

Finding a dealer and getting a demo is out of the question for obvious reasons:sad:.Its an ebay deal for a few days more and its a manufacturer warranty with final price being a few rupees below 27000.As for Sound quality,I am doubtful whether that is the performance of this AVR or its just a simple case of Mis-paring of speakers?
indy70-

Pioneer 823 + AJ would be a good combo......

Thats my choice too.Hifimart may be the most reliable but their pricing is not that much attractive as far as my observation reveals.
venkatcr-

You are both right and wrong......

Venkatcr,I totally agree with what you have opined here but my reasoning here is simple and I ask you too-Do those features justify a price difference of at least Rs. 10K+?
If you have other better options,do let me know.

If cut down to the basics......

I think all of these are available there in this avr.But I should like to know about video processing capabilities of an avr.How essential that is? and what diferences can it make to our viewing pleasure as this avr has not got any video processor !!

It may make more sense......

I find it much more tough task that way.Let me know if you have any idea in the budget of around 40-50K.
elangoas-

Auto Calibration is an other......

If I am not wrong the MCACC thing may take care of that!!!.Pricing wise you are probably right but keep in mind its an old avr according to their website
rugs-

Even I am in same boat......

The reasons for not going for bluetooth,I have made myself already clear.Experts may enlighten whether thats a better deal than this avr
And as I said just a few days are left for this deal If you guys have enough spare time,plz do help me in deciding it finally.I am a bit worried about the video processing capabilities.
Thanks a lot again :clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping:

 

[RMCWS]

You can take an overnight train to Kolkata and spend a entire day in different shops demo-ing stuff and then return by a night train to Bihar. I guess that will help you to finalize the product more efficiently. If you make a proper plan and in advance fix an appointment, I guess, you can visit at least 5 shops (and 10-15 setups) in a day. VSX 823 is available at hifimart for 41K, so the price you got is surprisingly low. Make sure you get a "proper product" from wherever you are buying.

 

[jsmithe]

Its an ebay deal for a few days more and its a manufacturer warranty with final price being a few rupees below 27000.

I hope you are not going by the fact that the ebay.in listing displays as manufacturer warranty but have instead asked the seller the name of the store on the invoice and checked it against the list of authorized dealers on Yamaha's page at Dealer Locator - Yamaha - India

The last para on this page will explain why Terms and Conditions of Warranty - Support - Yamaha - India

 

[venkatcr]

Venkatcr,I totally agree with what you have opined here but my reasoning here is simple and I ask you too-Do those features justify a price difference of at least Rs. 10K+?

If you have other better options,do let me know.

I think all of these are available there in this avr. But I should like to know about video processing capabilities of an avr. How essential that is? and what diferences can it make to our viewing pleasure as this avr has not got any video processor!!

I find it much more tough task that way.Let me know if you have any idea in the budget of around 40-50K.

Whether the features justify a difference of 10K - I really cannot answer. The best way to look at it is this. If you buy an AVR without these features, and then want these features, you have to go and get another unit that can do all these. How much will that cost you? In most cases it will be more than 10K.

Regarding video processing, most AVRs have two features - one is pass though, and the other is upscaling to either 1080P or 4K. Pass through is standard in every AVR. Most mid priced AVRs have 1080P upscaling. 4K will be expensive and does not make sense unless you have a 4K display.

You should be more worried about audio processing. You should definitely look for DTS-HD and Dolby True-HD. You will get some details here.

When it comes to the number of audio codecs being processed, I think Yamaha is far ahead of everyone else.

Cheers

 

[sarfiraashique]

RMCWS-

You can take an overnight train......

It appears I will have to do that as not many members here are feeling at ease with my option.My younger brother lives in Vaishali,Ghaziabad and I m going there in December last this year.please do post about other better options if this option is not that much attractive and safe.I can spend at most Rs. 45,000.
JSMITHE-

I hope you are not.....

I think warranty should be intact with proper invoicing but let's see I have asked the seller.Anyways your suggestion is definitely most welcome and need attention at the earliest.
Thanks once again.
VENKATCR-

Whether the features justify a price .......

Maybe you are right and I may look for other options at Ghaziabad.Tell me if you have experienced Yamaha RX series avr's and if they are better bet than this one.Till now my second option,keeping in view the price factor,appears to be Denon x1100 and X2000 at around the same price tag of Rs.43000.Another option I have got is RX-V573 at around Rs. 30,000 but the model is way too old I suppose.
As the deal is just for a few days now plz provide valuable suggestions over whether to accept this offer or not.

 

[quixand]

I've recently purchased Yamaha RXV 375.

You should definitely look for a demo, if not the exact same model try finding the one closest to it.

Specs wise it looks good supports all HD audio formats, 4K pass through and network connectivity.

I mentioned pioneer 3xx series which is a very entry level AVR. I'm pretty sure 8xx series would be very good. Some reviews list it as quite decent. Again, this is a great price. Isn't there a pioneer owners thread here? You should look there too.

 

[sarfiraashique]

JSMITHE-

I hope you are not going........

This is the reply to my query from the eBay seller ....
Dear Sir,
1) Seems you are not reading carefully enough details on offer page of Pioneer.

2) Besides you have not read carefully reading item specifics which clrsrly states Manufacturer Warranty and Onsite Srevice.

3) Your apprihentions and doubts are unfounded and we are left very surprised reading your mail.

4) Seems you have not checked our strong and formidable reputation ..pls read fantastic positive feedbacks left by our dear customers.

5) Collectively in last 3 yesrs we have sold more than 4000 home theater & accessories thus enjoy confidence and effection of our customers spread across India.

6) We are authorised multi brand channel partners of major brands and not fly by nite operators.

7) Still have doubts...!!! Read iffer page again or write to us.

Best Regards.
MSL
Now what do you say ?

 

[elangoas]

Another option I have got is RX-V573 at around Rs. 30,000 but the model is way too old I suppose.

See if you can locate the higher Yamaha Rx V 67x models... Even if it is old & if it fit your requirement, good choice for consideration...

 

[jsmithe]

JSMITHE-

This is the reply to my query from the eBay seller ....
Dear Sir,
1) Seems you are not reading carefully enough details on offer page of Pioneer.

2) Besides you have not read carefully reading item specifics which clrsrly states Manufacturer Warranty and Onsite Srevice.

3) Your apprihentions and doubts are unfounded and we are left very surprised reading your mail.

4) Seems you have not checked our strong and formidable reputation ..pls read fantastic positive feedbacks left by our dear customers.

5) Collectively in last 3 yesrs we have sold more than 4000 home theater & accessories thus enjoy confidence and effection of our customers spread across India.

6) We are authorised multi brand channel partners of major brands and not fly by nite operators.

7) Still have doubts...!!! Read iffer page again or write to us.

Best Regards.
MSL
Now what do you say ?

If the seller is indeed an authorized dealer, they should have no problems stating the name of the store that will appear on the invoice which would enable you to check whether they are on the list of authorized dealers Pioneer India - Where to Buy/ Get Service for the manufacturer. Ask a friend to call / go to a manufacturer authorized service center in a city nearby and check whether the service center will accept a product purchased from the seller via Ebay for warranty service.

The statements by the "offended" ebay seller are just bluster and don't give you the information you asked for. Keep in mind that if the manufacturer service center refuses warranty you will have to ship the product back to the ebay seller for service, if at all they agree to that. Anything can be put on an Ebay offer page. You will be faulted for not understanding the offer. Don't believe me, read ebay's terms and conditions and other legalese and you'll see that it is basically "caveat emptor". Ebay's guarantee is of no use, Google or search Ebay's own forums for horror stories about the effectiveness of its guarantee.

Utimately the manufacturer is the one calling the shots, at present, when it comes to warranty, especially when the manufacturer makes a very clear and public statement on their website Pioneer India - Warranty regarding warranty applicability when it comes to non-authorized dealers.

You know the saying that goes "Something that is too good to be true is very often just that." Looks like that applies in this case. I'd say avoid , unless you are willing to risk the warranty.

 

[sarfiraashique]

JSMITHE-

If the seller is indeed.....

Though I have sent another query regarding Invoicing ,what do you have to say now,when Amazon
in has posted the same avr for Rs. 26,643.00.....
Probably the pricing is a bit attractive but not that outrageously low.I just wanna know whether this avr is a vfm bet or not ?
Thanks.

 

[jsmithe]

JSMITHE-

Though I have sent another query regarding Invoicing ,what do you have to say now,when Amazon
in has posted the same avr for Rs. 26,643.00.....
Probably the pricing is a bit attractive but not that outrageously low.I just wanna know whether this avr is a vfm bet or not ?
Thanks.

Note that Amazon is not a direct seller in India due to FDI not being allowed for multi-brand e-commerce as yet. Amazon is therefore only a marketplace wrt India like Flipkart (if you ignore WS-Retail) or Ebay, though Amazon is a whole lot better than Ebay.

Don't know about the VFM bit, but regarding warranty, same points as mentioned earlier for Ebay apply, except that Amazon is a lot easier to deal with than Ebay at least during the return window.

If the item is Amazon fulfilled, then you have the advantage that you are dealing directly with Amazon for returns within the return window (I think it is 10 days for electronics) and not with the individual seller which makes it a lot easier.

Once past the return window, though you are still at the mercy of the manufacturer for warranty.