Pioneer VSX-918V-K vs Yamaha HTR-6150? - Canadian TV, Computing and Home Theatre Forums

markl · 2009-03-21, 06:11 AM

Looking for a new reciver for primary use with Expressvu 9242 and Xbox 360 on a Sharp Aquos 52".

Which reciever would be best for this setup?

They seem similar in price and features, looking for some suggestions.

Tezster · 2009-03-21, 10:33 AM

I have the VSX-918, but having skimmed through the Yamaha's user manual, it seems to offer the slightly better feature-set between the two (i.e. 7.1 vs. 5.1 speaker support, inclusion of the DTS:NEO audio matrix), so I would choose the Yamaha on that basis.

The only feature the Pioneer has that the Yamaha is lacking is out of the box iPod support - the Yamana user manual indicates a separate dock has to be purchased.

David Susilo · 2009-03-22, 09:12 AM

that is correct. With the Yamaha you'll need to purchase a separate iPod dock or you can also purchase a bluetooth dock so you can send A2DP BT signal to it. Whereas with the Pioneer it features iPod direct so you can just plug in your iPod (or even a USB key) to the unit and play the song from there without any additional purchase.

GreatWhtNorth · 2009-03-26, 03:53 AM

FYI neither of those receivers will decode HD audio. They are however capable of accepting LPCM from an already decoded bitstream. This is what makes these receivers perfect for people using a PS3. It's not capable of passing a bitstream of undecoded sound to your receiver to decode, it can only decode itself and convert it into LPCM and pass it to your receiver. Both these receivers will pass it on to your speakers...

You really need to decide what features are important to you. Many people will never use 7.1 and makes the Yamaha's feature void. It just depends on your needs.

rvp819 · 2009-03-26, 03:37 PM

I recently went for a HTR-6150 based on price (on sale).

I don't need HD audio, my Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-Ray player decodes it.

I don't need 7.1, I only have room for 5.1, but it came for free.

I did look at other brands, including Pioneer (I was upgrading from a 9 year old Pioneer VSX-D309), Onkyo, Sony, etc. with similar-featured models, including the new Yamaha lineup. Reviews and forum posts convinced me I couldn't go wrong with Yamaha on SQ, and price made me go with the 6150.

I spent the better part of a Saturday (wife and kids were at my in-laws) playing with all of the 6150's features.

I'm a very happy Yamaha owner!

GreatWhtNorth · 2009-03-26, 05:01 PM

That's awesome, why pay more for features you won't use. Sounds like that receiver fits your needs well. They are both real decent...good choice.

2009-03-21, 06:11 AM	#1
markl Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 261	Pioneer VSX-918V-K vs Yamaha HTR-6150? Looking for a new reciver for primary use with Expressvu 9242 and Xbox 360 on a Sharp Aquos 52". Which reciever would be best for this setup? They seem similar in price and features, looking for some suggestions.

2009-03-22, 09:12 AM	#3
David Susilo Veteran Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: in my home theatre Posts: 3,410	that is correct. With the Yamaha you'll need to purchase a separate iPod dock or you can also purchase a bluetooth dock so you can send A2DP BT signal to it. Whereas with the Pioneer it features iPod direct so you can just plug in your iPod (or even a USB key) to the unit and play the song from there without any additional purchase. __________________ THX, ISF, Control4 Certified Professional; CEDIA Trainer

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2009-03-21, 10:33 AM	#2
Tezster Veteran Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mississauga Posts: 1,984	I have the VSX-918, but having skimmed through the Yamaha's user manual, it seems to offer the slightly better feature-set between the two (i.e. 7.1 vs. 5.1 speaker support, inclusion of the DTS:NEO audio matrix), so I would choose the Yamaha on that basis. The only feature the Pioneer has that the Yamaha is lacking is out of the box iPod support - the Yamana user manual indicates a separate dock has to be purchased.

2009-03-26, 03:53 AM	#4
GreatWhtNorth Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 51	FYI neither of those receivers will decode HD audio. They are however capable of accepting LPCM from an already decoded bitstream. This is what makes these receivers perfect for people using a PS3. It's not capable of passing a bitstream of undecoded sound to your receiver to decode, it can only decode itself and convert it into LPCM and pass it to your receiver. Both these receivers will pass it on to your speakers... You really need to decide what features are important to you. Many people will never use 7.1 and makes the Yamaha's feature void. It just depends on your needs.

2009-03-26, 03:37 PM	#5
rvp819 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 92	I recently went for a HTR-6150 based on price (on sale). I don't need HD audio, my Panasonic DMP-BD35 Blu-Ray player decodes it. I don't need 7.1, I only have room for 5.1, but it came for free. I did look at other brands, including Pioneer (I was upgrading from a 9 year old Pioneer VSX-D309), Onkyo, Sony, etc. with similar-featured models, including the new Yamaha lineup. Reviews and forum posts convinced me I couldn't go wrong with Yamaha on SQ, and price made me go with the 6150. I spent the better part of a Saturday (wife and kids were at my in-laws) playing with all of the 6150's features. I'm a very happy Yamaha owner!

2009-03-26, 05:01 PM	#6
GreatWhtNorth Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 51	That's awesome, why pay more for features you won't use. Sounds like that receiver fits your needs well. They are both real decent...good choice.