[Feisal K]

hi there!

first off a hello to everyone and Happy New Year 2005!

I've tried searching here (and elsewhere) for info on what type of digital amplifiers the Pioneer VSX-C501 or VSX-C502 receivers use - to no avail. Anyone know, and if the digital amps on these units are any good?

HomeCinemaChoice has reviews of the C501 - not very complimentary, but then they weren't complimentary about the XR45 either

Thanks

[JnC]

That's a fascinating receiver. Do you happen to know the differences between the two models?

Since it uses SCART for video I/O, it's not available in the states and that might limit the responses.

If SCART could support component at HDTV bandwidths, a lot of folks would be tempted by this receiver. But I think SCART resolution is limited to s-video quality, correct?

I would hope Pioneer could use this same form factor but with 4 HDMI connectors in the future. This could be the perfect digital only receiver.

BTW, I looked at the digital receiver thread on avsforum. Nothing is known about the Pioneer digital chipset there either.

Regards,
JnC

[tex-amp]

Interesting.

They don't seem to be availible in the States.

[Feisal K]

JnC,

That's a fascinating receiver. Do you happen to know the differences between the two models?...

I think the C502 is just a newer version of the 501. There's a lower end model even (C300) but those don't have 6ch analog inputs.

If SCART could support component at HDTV bandwidths, a lot of folks would be tempted by this receiver. But I think SCART resolution is limited to s-video quality, correct?...

I believe SCART connectors are RGB component compliant (at least one of them would be, I think). But I'm not sure if that is HDTV- sorry - I haven't investigated video performance much it's just not that important to me right now



Pioneer UK page

tex-amp,

I think the lack of info on the chipset is partly due to the C50x series not being available in the US not to mention Pioneer hardly ever says anything about their digital or hybrid amps.

I hope someone somewhere knows about the chipset...

[astronaut]

Pioneer now has this available in the US. It's in the Elite line with a DVD / SACD player and is called the EX-500.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_2047431_2046358_tab=B,00.html?compName=PNA_ProductDetailComponent


I'm very interested in this unit but can't find one to audition.

[Feisal K]

oh, good.. I hope we can look forward to someone taking it apart for once. Although the packaging with the player sort of bumps up the price a bit too much IMO (player can't be worth more than $200?)

IIRC the VSX-C501 retails for ~ SG$600 (<US$300)

could be something someone might pick up here in SG (240V model)

[JnC]

Pioneer now has this available in the US. It's in the Elite line with a DVD / SACD player and is called the EX-500.

I think it's been around for at least 6 months. Try tigerdirect for about half of msrp.

[Feisal K]

Try tigerdirect for about half of msrp.

that makes a bit more sense price~wise. question is did anyone try it out and/or take it apart?

[astronaut]

You can get the receiver and DVDP for < $300 or with a set of 6.1  speakers for around $450  (way below MSRP).  If the build quality and sound are up to the usual Elite standards then this is a fantastic deal. I haven't been able to listen to it though. There's only one dealer in town that carries the Elite line and they don't open again till tomorrow.  Has anyone else ever seen this unit in person? I only found one review online (positive). I  emailed him for more info but haven't heard back yet.

[Feisal K]

the only thing about these digital amps is that they're only 6.1 channels