Good power and sound, good looks

Cannot turn muting off without remote; gets hot. Can't use the remote to control/adjust a component without first selecting that component as the source.

I've had my unit about 6 months now. I went from separates (Carver preamplifier & power amp; Adcom surround processor) to an A/V receiver because I wanted to move up to Dolby Digital and simplify switching of my video components (DVD, laser disc player, etc.).

I wanted the 29 VSX TX but couldn't justify the extra bucks (found out later that a local chain had a close out on a few for virtually the same price I paid for the 27 VSX TX).

I'm really happy with the sound and the features. I did notice, though, that you sometimes have to do some tweaking to get the sound right, and it can sound pretty lousy if you don't. This is especially true when switching from, say, a DVD movie to a CD or tape. Fortunately, the unit allows for considerable tweaking of the key variables. I also found that for my system, and I've recommended this to others whom indicated the same, the low end sounds much richer if you run the subwoofer off the front speakers instead of directly from the receiver's subwoofer output jack.

It does get hot, but I provided close to the recommended 8" clearance, and when my system is on, I leave it on for days, even weeks at a time, and have experienced no problems (knock on wood).

I use the my Pioneer Elite to distribute audio and video though 4 rooms of a two story condo. I run the B speakers to an Adcom Speaker selector switch and the A speakers are for the main listening room (5 channel). I love the unit. You can get a better A/V receiver, but not at this price.

Similar Products Used:

Denon, Yamaha, Marantz, Sony ES Series and Sherwood Newcastle

Great sound, remote, look

Lihgt delay too short on the remote

This unit is great.It sound splendid with music, and it's a TNT for my DVD's. 1200$ US for such a good realistic sound. Can't beleive it you want to cry when Mozart play for you and you want to run away from Saving privat Ryan at the beginning with that sound.

It's a great unit.

Similar Products Used:

Denon 3300

I am sorry that this is not a review. I am interested in purchasing this receiver and I was wondering if anyone could tell me where to get the best price on the web. The best price I have found so far is 977 dollars. Thanks

Power, Funktions, THX, Noise free, Ease of use, Build quality

None (maybe that FL dimmer and Direct button not on RC)

First of all, I should mention that I do not own the Elite VSX-27TX, but the European version called VSX-908RDS (And no it is not at all the same as the american VSX908S, check http://www.pioneer-eur.com). They have the same data, remote, inputs, and so on, there are just a few differences, the eropean version also have MPEGII decompression (used on satelite system, and some DVD's) and RDS/EON (Radio text system). I Have no idea how to ad a new product, but since these receivers are _allmost_ identical I chose to put it here.

I initially bought the Onkyo TX-DS676 But it had HUM problem, so I returned it, and ordered the 777 but changed that to the Pioneer, since I've learned that it had the same problem (hurray for audioreview).

Back to the Pioneer:

Good stuff:
There is really not that much to say, other than it works like a charm, no problems what so ever, sounds very nice in all modes except the DSP modes, I've always hated those.

Plenty of power, pleasant to listen to, unlike the Onkyo which is unpleasant in the high frequencies, even with Re-equalization on. The Denon is also pretty nice sounding, but nothing like the Pioneer.

Bad stuff:
Cross talk, but only on inputs with no source attached to it, as soon as another piece of equipment is connected to it, no cross talk, so who cares? (only found out because somebody in this forum mentioned it)

Remote control does not have the direct button and the FL dimmer button. I don't care about the direct button, since it stays active once you've activated it for a given source, but it can be a litle anoying that they forgot the FL dimmer, but I found another Pioneer product that have the button, so I just coded it into my remote, and I'm fine.

About the rating, I would give it 4.5, since it is not perfect, nothing is, but since I can't do that, I am going to rate it 5. It can be justified, since it really is the best in the category.

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo TX-DS676, Denon AVR-3300

Update to prior review. Helpful remote information!!

Until I tried this the remote was missing the "Direct" function. The remote on these Elites still doesn't hold a candle to some of the prior Pioneer A/V receivers.

For those who want to access Direct function using the remote!! Find an old Pioneer remote that has the Direct button and teach the function to the 27TX. The remote chip inside the 27tx and probably all of the other Elite models has the direct function. The geniuses at Pioneer just left it off the remote. This isn't that unusual, actually, but I don't have enough time to explain. I used the "Class" button as it is basically free on all functions except Tuner. In fact, once you program in the Direct order to the 27s remote you can toggle between "Direct" and the last used DSP setting by simply pressing the button again.

Hope people don't mind my posting this here. It's a pretty helpful tip in my opinion.

I love everything about this receiver with one exception. The speaker settings to "large" or "small" are not designed logically. If you set the speakers to small it will crossover @ 80Hz. My speakers are the Vandersteen 1C's. I would like it to crossover @50Hz but 80Hz is the lowest it will crossover to the sub. If you set it to "large" the sub will not work unless you set the sub to "plus". when it is set to plus the bass becomes exaggerated(not just my opinion-pioneer confirmed this) like using a loudness button on the sub. I'm not sure which way I will handle this but so far I have it set to small with the sub on and the crossover @80Hz. The unit also runs a little hot but I attribut that to the mosfet amps. Besides these minor problems the unit has an extremely clean & smoothsmooth.

I purchased my 27TX from a local authorized dealer. Got an awesome deal ($1246). Allz I can say is wow. This reciever has everything I could ask for. It replaces a Denon 3600 DTS (Another Fine Piece of equipment). Mids are a little more detailed and present then the denon, it's not quite so bright as the denon and Definately adds a bit more Punch then the denon in the low end. Although I still think it's not enough to drive the Bass out of my Definitive BP30 speakers. (Thank god for the DT PF1500TF sub). Quite a sonic experience playing True Lies THX DVD. The harrier jet flying across, you would swear is flying through the living room. Didn't do much for Twister (Also THX), But generally, the sounds in that movie suck anyways... seems like just noise with no direction. Played Apollo 13 DTS this past weekend... Absolutely Stunning sound... What else can I save... I'll give it a 5

Very clean/Accurate imaging/DTS + Dolby Digital/Upgradable/Solid build quality/Easy remote/ETC

Still Looking---Nothing Yet!

Well, the search is over......thank god!! I purchased a Yamaha 995 and a Sony 50ES before buying the vsx-27. First of all, if someone says Pioneer Elite is "over-rated" or "crap" they obviously haven't taken a listen. This is my first Pioneer Elite product, and DEFINITELY won't be my last. I spent 1050 shipped from unclestereo.com and it was well worth it. The sound is so refined and smooth--unlike that of the Sony. The sound was almost ear-bleeding from the Yamaha and had a "tingy" sound--to harsh sounding for my taste. Although the Yamaha was terrific in processing, the sound quality is inferior to that of the Pioneer. The Pioneer has EVERY OPTION--as it should for 1K. The remote is great and build quality is A-1. Cosmetically, you can't beat it! Uncluttered appearance and ease of use is terrific. I could go on + on + on about the pros on this receiver. Just do yourself the favor of auditioning this after everything else--it makes your decision that much easier.

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha Rx-V995/Sony 50ES

Ease of programming, smooth sound, access to various sound modes. Backlit, programable remote

Lack of banana plug use for speaker wire, smallish buttons for some major functions on remote.

This is a beautiful receiver. The unit runs cool and provide easy access to all functions available to the user. The first characteristic that caught my ear was the ability of the processor chip to effortlessly steer sounds to the proper channel while retaining an accurate sense of spatial proportion in a movie. This unit will play loud and clear but is just a tad bright so proper speaker matching is a chore to be taken seriously. The subwoofer connection is a marvel that provides a seamless connection in my system to my velodyne (1250X). This unit has a way of involving you in the movie to the point that the sound becomes an integral part of the experience, not an pleasing addition. The various sound fields are good enough that you can examine and develop a definite opinion about their strengths, more importantly the provide viable listening options. I have really been pleasantly surprised by the quality of this "elite" component and would feel entirely comfortable recommending this unit to any person with a passion for tremendous home theater sound and a well thought out piece of equipment. I would be remiss if I failed to specifically speak to the quality of the THX sound mode. This unit unequivocally demonstrates the tremendous qualities of the Lucasfilm standards. Having once been on the fence about the viability of the THX specifications I am no longer there. I have seen (and heard)the light. This is a bargain, it also has 4 digital inputs and pre-main outs for future upgrade paths. If you are unsure don't be, there is a embarrasment of riches in this unit.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon AVR 75

Great sound for movies. It just wraps around you like a blanket.

Had some issues with initially with the remote not going to 0 dba for THX setup.

I depended strongly on the advice of a friend who is an incredibly knowledgable audiophile. Matched this receiver with the M & K 750THX System speakers. I have been extrtemely impressed by the sound range. My next item to upgrade will be the DVD player. Any recommendations?