Pioneer VSX1020K 71 Home Theater Receiver From Pioneer

I tend to do a lot of analysis afore authoritative ample purchasing decisions and so far this receiver is accepting a appealing aflush reception! Its predecessor, the 1019, was CNET’s and Gizmodo’s top mid-range receiver. Both reviewers had just as top hopes for the 1020, and Gizmodo already alleged it the best receiver $550 can buy, adage the 1020 “hit the candied spot” that gave the a lot of blast for buyer’s buck. 

The critics I apprehend all raved about the accomplished complete quality, but the 1020 brings some new offerings to the table for a mid-range receiver.

In short, the a lot of admired appearance you get with this archetypal that you don’t get with the next footfall down are:

1. A fifth HDMI anchorage in back, an added sixth in foreground (for agenda cameras, computers, etc.).

2. Analog video upscaling (which I don’t affliction too abundant about back a lot of of my agreeable is HD already or played through an upscaling player).

3. The iContolAV iPhone app. Very air-conditioned for authoritative aggregate and switching inputs. Works artlessly by accepting your receiver affiliated to ethernet and your iPhone affiliated to the arrangement via WiFi. A few times the app has had agitation appropriately connecting, but it usually works well.

4. Internet radio with programmable stations, which is cool, admitting you can’t currently ascendancy the base selections from the iPhone App, unfortunately.

5. A blush agreement interface achievement to your TV via the HDMI output. I can’t brainstorm aggravating to configure all my speakers after seeing a graphical representation of their area on screen.

That endure affection feature, the HDMI 1.4 ports that abutment 3D, the 7.1 beleaguer capabilities, accomplished complete superior and the iPhone App are what fabricated the VSX-1020 the bright best for me. I aswell accepted the automated arrangement with the included microphone and the included iPod cable/compatibility, but those weren’t as able of affairs points.

The alone negatives of agenda for me is that the little foreground anchorage awning is a little cheap. It’s not even a door, artlessly a little artificial section that ancestor out if you advance one side. I, like others, accept aswell accomplished the affair area the receiver switches to TV/Sat if aboriginal angry on, but I’ve yet to actuate whether that’s a botheration with the receiver itself or my Harmony accepted limited (I’ll amend the analysis as I get added information).