AUDIO (continued): "65 POUNDS OF PURE PLEASURE!"

For us, this room was to be "the ultimate". So, coupled with the terrific dynamic performance of our Klipsch Reference system speakers, we decided to devote the difficult task of tying all of the signal paths together and powering them cleanly and accurately to the Pioneer Elite VSX-49TXi Audio/Video Receiver (shown above). This is Pioneer's top receiver. Our other serious considerations were offerings from Denon, McIntosh and B&K. The main reason we chose the Pioneer was our experience with tier products and the features offered on this rig. (The owner's manual is 120 pages!) At 130 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms (w/ 7 channels driven), we figured this was ample power to drive our Klipsch RF-7 fronts, that have a sensitivity rating of 102 db with 1 Watt input @ 1 Meter! We figured right! With the automated calibration system (MCACC) this receiver has, setup of our 7.1 surround system is a virtual snap. Additionally, we love listening to the new DVD-Audio and SACD disks that are out now and this receiver links up to out Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai DVD player with firewire (I-Link) to allow the receiver to handle the bass management through our big 15-inch Klipsch subwoofer. When that sub kicks, it' s like a reenactment of 'ER' on a heart attack patient: "CLEAR!!!" "Pshzzzzt!"

At the "Heart" of our theater's audio / video system:

Pioneer's Flagship: The Pioneer Elite VSX-49TXi THX Ultra II Receiver

The Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai DVD Player with I-Link

I can't say enough about this DVD Player's performance. It doesn't matter whether it's an action movie with quick-changing scenes like 'Behind Enemy Lines' or 'The Fast and the Furious' or an epic movie such as 'Dances with Wolves', the images on the screen never distort and there are never any noticeable artifacts. The new Led Zeppelin DVD is an incredible experience! DVD-Audio and SACD performance is superb with the I-Link bass management.

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