Pioneer Elite

[o0OBillO0o]

[joe schmoe]

I've got a new SC-65 receiver....Would like a forum to discuss the nuances of the Pioneer Elites!

[Mahalo]

I'm a fan of Pioneer Elite products. I have a KURO plasma flat panel and a BDP-62FD, their universal player. Can't imagine what would get me to change from the KURO and I have the BDP in my primary system and enjoy it.

[Msegal]

Since the demise of Elite with the big recession there has been virtually no progress in video display design and picture quality. Yes LCD has improved but it still lags behind my 5 year old 60" Kuru. Additionally, Panasonic and Samsung plasmas to not equal the old Pioneer's.

That is until I saw the new Ultra High Def Sony LCD's. WOW! With high def content which will likely never be plasma compatible I have finally experienced a home picture superior to the venerable Kuru. I hope this is the future of video reproduction for Elite.

BTW I have been fortunate to experience Olympus' new 3D laparoscopic equipment. Wearing the passive filter glasses the video picture is BEGUILING. There is nothing coming out of the screen, only infinite depth. The ability to do surgical procedures is greatly enhanced. If any of you MD's have a chance to experience it avail yourself to see how 3D can improve your life.

[Elberoth]

Originally Posted by Msegal

Additionally, Panasonic and Samsung plasmas to not equal the old Pioneer's.

The new ones - Panasonic 60-series, actually DO better them. It took them 6 years to catch up though ... a tribute to how great Kuros were back in the days.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Elberoth

The new ones - Panasonic 60-series, actually DO better them. It took them 6 years to catch up though ... a tribute to how great Kuros were back in the days.

This might depend upon what parameters one uses, though. At the annual Value Electronics HDTV shoot-out (I was there!), a KRP-500M was put alongside the 60 series Panasonics, and the professional calibrators' evaluations showed the 500 had better black levels than the Panasonics. Color, however, was pretty much equal. Check out the first few minutes of the Q & A:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcXcsN37v1I&feature=c4-overview&list=UUwv84KTmzJwVmQioyXfC5Uw]2013 HDTV Shootout - Q & A Session - YouTube[/ame]

Also, here's one on the KRP vs. the Panasonic:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvJ-VEueE8k]2013 HDTV Shootout - 2013 Models vs. Pioneer KRP-500M - YouTube[/ame]

This said, I don't know if the general release Kuros (Gen 9) would hold up though, and you could be right in that case. The KRPs were "Gen 9.5," so to speak.

[prepress]

Kevin Miller was here last Saturday to do a tune-up calibration of my PRO-111. Considering the initial ISF calibration was 5 years ago, the set was remarkably stable. There was a plus red issue, and perhaps a small tweak of the black level, but it had drifted very little in 5 years. Maybe the fact I don't crank up the brightness or tax the power supply helps that? I use only the ISF Night mode. I don't have a Day mode.

Kevin also calibrated an additional input, so I have 3 ISF-capable HDMI inputs, good if I ever get rid of my Duo VP or it goes off for repair. The LD player will be on its own in that case, but so be it.

Anyway, skin tones are spot on, noticeable improved crispness on some material, and things are good.

[prepress]

In case anyone doesn't know, Pioneer has two new Elite BD players coming later this year, the BDP-85FD and flagship 88FD. Despite being happy with what I have, I'm interested.

[rnrmf1971]

Originally Posted by prepress

In case anyone doesn't know, Pioneer has two new Elite BD players coming later this year, the BDP-85FD and flagship 88FD. Despite being happy with what I have, I'm interested.

Wow. With an msrp of $2000, Pioneer must have serious confidence that this outclasses the Oppo players. I'm really interested in the BDP-88FD.

[AudioNut]

I have been a very well-pleased Pioneer Elite owner/user for many years. I loved the huge rear-projection televisions that were once my pride and joy, and I was a Guinea Pig for one of the first of their wall hanging plasma TVs.

I also used and loved a number of their audio components and, in fact, still (sorta) own several pieces from the early 90's.

I say "sorta" because, at present, a couple of my children have laid claim to a couple of the best.


A huge, 66 pound, 120 watt, integrated amp - the Pioneer Elite A-91D - "digital" integrated amplifier. first sold in 1986 looks good and sounds, well at least O.K. even by today's standards. My oldest son has this one.




I also still own an F-91 Pioneer Elite Reference Tuner . . . . reputed to be one of the "best ever"





And I also have a Pioneer Elite CT-91 Reference Cassette Deck - which I just wiped the dust off of enough to read the model number. Once called the invincible battle ship of cassette decks . . . . it does, in fact, keep on plugging along - if you should have any cassette tapes (I don't). This piece should find a good home with a gentle owner.




P.S. Oops. . . . I just realized that I had posted here in this thread a year or so ago . . . I thought this was new because it had new posts. . . but I did go to the trouble to find pictures this time so I'll just leave it alone.