Need Recommendation of AV Receiver, Have two in Possession

[Microman]

I have a Pioneer VSX 821 and an unopened Sony STR DH 720HP

I Pioneer setup, and I like the microphone thingy for setting up the surround, but I can't really tell on the screen what options are being chosen , at least from a distance. My old JVC, at least I could see DOLBY DIGITAL.

Another thing that is not a deal breaker, is that to get to the ONSCREEN menu, you have to hook up a COMPONENT cable from the AV Receiver to the TV input, and change input. Then the screen looks like ancient DOS text,. But you only need to go to that screen rarely so not a deal breaker.

Even the connection on the from for the iPhone on the Pioneer, when you go to the screen for moving around the songs, it looks pretty ancient.

My choice is to open the SONY and give it a run thru its paces. I don't think it will be a problem with a return, since they are both from Costco.

[hal]

Another thing that is not a deal breaker, is that to get to the ONSCREEN menu, you have to hook up a COMPONENT cable from the AV Receiver to the TV input, and change input. Then the screen looks like ancient DOS text,. But you only need to go to that screen rarely so not a deal breaker.

I have a lower model of that pioneer receiver and I just couldn't believe that I had to set up a second connection just so I could finish setting it up. I've never seen anything so stupid.

If I had two to choose from, the pioneer would be second just for that little bit of stupidity...

[Fritz]

of the 2, I'd pick the Pioneer. Sonys consumer electronics have been doggie for some time in my experience, and priced for their "name".
However, if you want to buy a pro TV HD camera or switcher, that 5h1t is still quite good.

I'd go with HK, Denon or Onkyo before either, just for reliability and build quality (though the insides of most "mass produced" rcvrs are pretty sad.).

I have a Onkyo that's about 4 years old and we've been quite happy with.
All three of the above can be found as seconds at more reasonable prices (as mine was).

http://usa.denon.com/US/Product/Pages/Re...t(DenonNA)&catalog=DenonNA_US

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse...p?brand=HK

https://www.shoponkyo.com/products_refur...specials=1&group_id=1