I just wanted to add another good review for Sybesma's Electronics. My VSX-29TX developed the same no sound problem after 6 yrs and before I seen these posts I was getting depressed about having to toss it due to local shop's fix estimate. I called Sybesma's, instructions to remove the DSP board were clear and I removed the board on Tuesday night, shipped the board off to them the next morning USPS, it actually got there on Friday (that is the day they solder these boards) and by the time I called them on Friday it was already fixed. I asked to pay by credit card so they would ship it to me the same day instead of waiting for the check to clear. The total charge was $58 and their packaging was very professional and I got the board back in the receiver on Tuesday night, exaclty one week after I took it out. That was better turn around time than if i took the whole receiver to my local shop! Just be patient and take your time disassembling and putting it all together and all you need is a long screwdriver. A couple ribbons to disconnect and pop the board of the main board carefully. There are more complete instructions in one of the reviews here.

Kudos to Sybesma's, the receiver works like before, and we'll see for how long. Thanks to this board for this info.

THX certified
Great 5.1 surround sound
Power for large room
Phono input
Learning remote
Coax and optical inputs for digital audio
DTS

S-video switching only (solved by separate HDMI switch)

Also a victim of Pioneer's defective DSP board soldering, but I recently had it repaired by Sybesma for $57.85. I was considering buying a new AV receiver with HDMI switching for my HD Tuner and upconverting DVD player to the one DVI input on my HDTV, but the prices stopped me. I figured I might as well try having it fixed and it is as good as new. I then bought an auto-switching 4 port HDMI switch from Octava for $274. I was even able to get the Pioneer Remote to learn the DVD player, HDTV and HD tuner controls, and create macros on it. Now my wife can watch a DVD without having to have me set everything up. Happy camper!

great sound thx cheap price

shoud work a lot longer i'v had other for as long as 15 years that never needed any serives

very nice for the price no sound after 3 months but i bought it used i plan on pulling the DSP board and send it out for repair.called Sybesma's Electronics in Michigan (800)456-4265. thay said thay could fix it no problem for about $50.00

Customer Service

poor

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kenwood denon

quality build, very heavy unit. full DD/DTS/DPL THX support. If you still using S-video and composite inputs this unit is still highly recommeded. Has 3 optical inputs and 2 coaxial, has full front AV connection under front cover (great for gaming hookups)

just runs HOT and needs to breath fresh air (don't recommed putting in cabinet) or other closed in area.

After six years of great sound and service my 26TX failed to the no sound bug, I can only blame myself for I placed an item on top of the unit cutting off the air flow, but from the great reviewers here on this site, I plan on pulling the DSP board and send it out for repair. I went ahead and picked up a new VSX-81TX for the main system, I plan on giving this trusted friend to my son for his new apartment. I will instruct him on the value of letting this unit get plenty of air. This is still a great unit and it can hold its own with the newer 81TX.

Customer Service

none to talk about, but this board has served its purpose on this matter.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX 510
Pioneer VSX 309
Pioneer VSX 411
Pioneer VSX 505s
Pioneer VSX-81TX
Pioneer VSX-26TX

Rich vibrant sounds, good layout and sounds terrific rates a 5 except for this problem SYSBESMA'S ROCKS

shoddy workmanship on DSP board Pioneer should have replaced SYSBESMA'S ROCKS

Sound Board died for the second time about 6 mnths ago, was quoted $450 to fix at tweeters saw review for Sysbesma's from 2 other reviewers sent and recieved within 2 weeks and cost $60 inc post. Sounds better now than when I brought it, still think it's a good reciever, (has anyone thought of putting a computer cooling fan in the chassie and drilling ventilation holes in the metal cover over the board) shame pioneer let it's customers down on such an execellent product, SYSBESMA'S ROCKS

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JVC, Sony and as I said before SYSBESMA'S ROCKS

Soldering issue

I just got my board back from Sybesma electronics....$56.59 was the charge including return shipping....plugged it back in and...success, just like new! What a great company to work with!! Their # is 800-456-4265. Very pleased!!! Sybesma rates 5+.... The Pioneer system, when working 4+....

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RCA, Carver

Great remote, sound quality, appearance

No sound now.....

I loved this unit...until a couple days ago when the sound stopped. The dreaded problem struck! If anyone has a schematic or help on how to get this repaired easily, I would appreciate it. I can disassemble and hopefully, solder, if I can get a small enough gun. (15w??) Can I identify the ics affected by #s on the board?? any good contact at Pioneer?

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none...have run Carver 90 for over 16 years..replaced ic after lightning hit, but the Pioneer should have run longer...

Played great when it worked. Plenty of horsepower for my 5.1 setup. THX certified.

Major design flaw that Pioneer will not recognize even though it was on one of their flagship models.

Receiver just died in Dec 04. It is past its 3 year warranty and yes I did buy it from an authorized dealer. The 'No Sound' flaw has finally materialized. If I change modes from stereo to anything else the sound cuts out and I have to leave it off for several hours before I can get any sound back. Wondering if anyone else has this issue. It plays fine after that but I cannot change the sound mode. I also cannot select 'DVD' as my source without the sound cutting out. So I had to hook up my DVD player to another input. Is this the 'DSP' board problem? Paid $700 for it way back in 2000. Not sure if it is worth having it fixed anymore.

Offers some nice sound options.

Manufacturing defect, low surround output as a result. Sound output now requires 30 minutes of warmup time.

Now experiencing the "no sound" problem that seems to plague this receiver. Owned for over 4 years, so it is out of warranty. Registered the product and believe Pioneer should have contacted me/recalled the unit. Always had low surround output, but the unit seems to drive the surround speakers fine during the audio setup - and all this time I was assuming it was my speakers or setup. Currenly working with Pioneer customer service to come to a fair resolution. I will post a follow-up and simply give a thumbs up or thumbs down whether or not I believe they gave me a fair settlement. If the unit just simply died on me after the warranty expired I wouldn't have contacted their customer service, asking for resolution. After reading the numerous accounts of the problem with this unit, I believe Pioneer should have taken action to fix a known, serious manufacturing defect. We'll soon see if I decide to remain a Pioneer customer.

THX Certified

Quits outputting sound.

I have been very satisfyed with my Poineer VSX-26TX, but I too became a victim of the no sound problem. Before I tried contacting Poineer for service, I searched for information on the problem, and found this site. I read about the soldering problem with IC9374, and took matters into my own hands. I pulled the board, and had my technician friend re-flow the solder on that IC. PROBLEM SOLVED! The postings about hot air re-soldering are just that - HOT AIR! That type of equipment is used to un-solder IC's. To fix the problem, use a fine tip soldering iron (one for surface mount devices) and a microscope to re-flow the solder. It took my friend all of 15 minutes. You don't have to disconnect anything but the power cord to get the board out. Pull the top cover, and the sheetmetal cover over the DSP board, and you are set to do the repair. A small flat bladed screw driver will help unlock the connectors that hold the DSP board to the board in the bottom of the chassis. Do not forget to observe good anti-static practices when doing this repair. Good Luck!

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None