The Bottom Line
For a closer look, check out my Pioneer VSX-91TXH Photo Gallery.
Pros
- Power to spare, excellent audio performance, extensive surround sound settings.
- Extensive Audio and Video Connectivity - including 2 HDMI 1.3a inputs.
- Excellent pass-through of 1080p source signals.
- MCACC speaker setup system works very well.
- Simple XM and Sirius Radio connectvity with onscreen control functions.
Cons
- Could use more HDMI inputs. HDMI input on front panel would be nice.
- No Video Upscaling of analog video sources (480i to 480p only).
- Complicated to use for the novice - Remote control not intuitive.
- No dedicate phono turntable input connection.
- Only one AC Convenience output on the rear panel.
Description
- Home Theater Receiver with THX Select2 Audio Processing and Composite, S-Video, Component Video Conversion to HDMI output.
- 7 Channels of amplification featuring 110 WPC at .09% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) FTC Rating
- Dolby Digital Decoding Formats: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro logic IIx.
- DTS and Additional Surround Decoding - DTS-HD, DTS 5.1, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, Windows Media 9, XM Neural and XM-HD Surround.
- 2 HDMI inputs/1 output, 3 HD-compatible Component inputs/1 output. 5 composite and 5 S-Video A/V inputs. 4 Monitor outputs.
- 2 VCR connection loops for VCRs or VCR and DVD Recorder. iPod, and both XM and Sirius Satellite Radio Tuner/Antenna inputs.
- Composite, S-video, Component to HDMI video conversion (480i to 480p). No video upscaling from 480p to 720p, 1080i, or 1080p.
- 7 assignable digital audio inputs (2 coaxial and 5 optical ). HDMI support for SACD, DVD-Audio, PCM, Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD.
- Stereo audio inputs for CD or Cassette. 5.1 channel inputs for DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD. Subwoofer line output.
- AM/FM/XM and Sirius Satellite Radio Connectivity. MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) Speaker Calibration.
Guide Review - Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Short Review
The 91TXH offers consideration for both audio and video. This definitely makes the 91TXH a flexible home theater receiver. The image quality from HD sources is very consistent. However, the video conversion and processing of analog video sources, was below average, as revealed by the Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD. See some test result examples.
I found the audio quality of the VSX-91TXH, with both music-only and video sources (such as DVD), was excellent, making it acceptable for both extensive music listening as well as for home theater use.
I also found that the MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) auto-speaker setup feature actually worked very well, especially with the center channel level, which always seems the hardest to get right with DVD source material.
The VSX-91TXH is a very flexible receiver that delivers the goods in audio performance, but needs some improvement in video performance. I give it 4.0 Stars out of 5.
A few tweaks that would have earned a higher rating: More HDMI inputs (possibly having one on the front panel), better 480i/480p conversion, video upscaling, a dedicated turntable input, and an easier-to-use remote.
