MRX 700 v/s Pioneer Elite Receiver VSX 33KIT

[hifiwise]

I just saw a newspaper ad showing the Pioneer Elite VSX 33 and the MSRP is $2,098 and is now reduced to $998 !!!!!! The Elite's features, like 110 watts x 7 = 770 watts, THX Select 2 Plus Processing, PC Web Control letting you to control the receiver via internet, Marvell Video Scaler, etc look so technically advanced and interesting. The MSRP of $2,098 is comparable to the MRX 700 at $2,200. I just wonder if anyone has listened or owned this Elite unit and what do you think is a better unit in terms of audio and video qualities. On the face of its reduced price at $998, it appears the Elite is a winner without considering its capability and performance. Can you tell if there is a sound and picture difference? What do you guys think??

[wawaron]

Hi hifiwise, newspaper ads are nice but often very misleading. You get to the store and suddenly the unit is nowhere to be found. If its possible bring home and audition I'd go for it. Audition both MRX 700 and the Pioneer and you decide which you like best. After all it's your money and listening pleasure.

[Suave]

hifiwise - the MSRP of the VSX 33 is listed as $1599 on the Pioneer website here: http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/POC...ci.VSX-33.Kuro

I did a quick search online and this appears to be a 2010 model which is now being replaced by the new 2011 Pioneer receivers announced here:
http://canadahifi.com/index.php/new-...-av-receivers/

I'm sure that this is an excellent sounding AV receiver - the Pioneer Elite receivers have always had a great reputation for their sound. I own an Elite model from a couple of years ago myself.

The truth is that it's not easy to answer the question "which one is better". What is for sure that the Elite receiver has a different sound signature from the Anthem. The question should be, which one would you enjoy more? I personally find the Anthem's signature to be a little more analogue/organic than my Pioneer, so I prefer its sound.

[hifiwise]

I sure agree with both of you. I am a happy owner of MRX 700 and I find its sound to be truly amazing. Just wonder if Anthem is going to slash their prices significantly as does Pioneer and other major brands!!!!! I subsequently found out that these Pioneer Elite units are even cheaper in the U.S, selling around $600 !!!!!!! We in Canada are always being ripped off, so it appears, by these dealers even when our $$$ are worth more!!!!!!