Need an AMP/Receiver - suggestions?

http://www.pioneernz.co.nz/default.asp?ObjectID=438

Looking at the Pioneer VSX1019 or perhaps the 919 (same but it doesnt upscale).

Must have co-ax(2), 5 channels, component (1) and HDMI.

To be paired with a BlueRay player, HT computer and freeview HD.

Any suggestions?

Since the 3 sources you listed are all 1080p capable, I wouldn't bother with the up-scaling model.

yup - im thinking the same but im interested if theres other brands well thought of etc.

What do you need the component for?

1080i - the pioneer plasma was pre hdmi but it would be silly to not get hdmi.

Computer
BlueRay/DVD
Freeview
Ipod
CD changer

Oh you need to go amp > component > tv? :/

for the moment it will feed into a svga projector (occasionally) and a 1080i plasma

ultimately it will be a HD projector.

Want!

I've got my 818 for $380 and I love it. Was going to get a 919 but didn't have a job at the time.

Informational with great backstory.

8/10

Would I have gotten an extra half point if I'd gone into a sideline about how my last amp didn't have a remote etc?

Also I'd recommend you use the auto level mic to get a rough ball park setting for the levels and then fine tune it by ear.. the delay however, seems to be about right first off. Also recommend the ENT.SHOW setting for general TV but its great how it remembers the setting for each specific input. Plus use the A+B setting for music. You'll of course, need a set of B speakers for that.

9/10?

cheers - all i wanted is someone who sounded like they knew what they were talking about to say you wont get buyers regret.

Just make sure you get one that processes 5.1 and up through hdmi. Mine wont.
The new range of pioneers seem to be really good, (well in the $1000 price range), obviously if you wanna spend more, there are tons of kick ass ones out there.

I set my mates one up for him, tested it with the prologue from the Fellowship of the Ring, and the scene where Frodo and Sam are outside Minas Morgul, and the Witchking comes out on his fellbeast with the marching of the orcs. My god it was amazing.
The intro fight scene from Revenge of the Sith is an exellent test too! Same goes with Transformers (the audio is better than the video in this movie imo)

Also re: the calibration mike, yeah its not too bad, just make sure there nothing in the path of the mike and the speakers (and its more accurate in a square or retangle shaped room). Once you become accustomed to how it sounds, you will be able to play with the delays etc with more accuracy.

9/10