Dave wrote:
Hi,
I'm trying to build a midto high-fi audio system on a reasonable
budget for 80% audio and 20% movies.

- Receiver - Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K
(http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_VSX_....html?tag=spec)

Some months back I auditioned a pioneer vsx 1013, or some such, I think
quite similar to what you have, plus a yamaha dsp az something-or-other,
etc.. I even went all the way up to a 2500euro rotel, which was the best
amongst the bunch. The problem with all of them was that they just
didn't have the ability to render decent two channel audio. Most notibly
they lacked in dynamics and detail. The pioneer even missed completely
whole set of sounds on some bueno vista social club tracks !!

The *cheapest* model I auditioned, end ended up buying was the Cambridge
Audio Azur 540R receiver. It's two channel delivery is miles ahead
compared to much more expensive models mentioned above (costs 690euro
here in finland). I would recommend this to you.

My setup eventually turned into a "hybrid" system though, consisting of
a "real" two channel amp (Densen beat 100) for the front channels,
feeding sonus faber concerto grand pianos. For home theater the
cambridge just works as a pre amp feeding a the tape loop of the densen
(with the densens volume turned to max) for the front channels. For all
them other channels required for HT I use audio pro speakers, plus an
audio pro sub, fed directly by the cmabridge unit.

I know it's no ideal solution but works like a charm. I have spectcular
(by my standarts) two channel audio, plus good HT for movies *without*
comprimising from my pure two channel audio bliss.

I have read in some forums that the Marantzin SR5400OSE and SR5400 are
even better then the cambridge in two channel sound quality, plus that
they have more of the typical HT receiver bells and whistles involved.
So you might want to give an audition to them also.

But my ultimate advice to you would be that get some primare,
electrocompaniet, densen, krell etc, dedicated two channel integrated, a
good cd player and enjoy real music. Like I do, use the front LR preouts
of your 6/7.1 channel receiver (you might no even need to change your
pioneer for this) to feed your *real* amp for the front channels in HT
mode..

My last advice would be that do not use your DVD player (unless it's
some meridian, linn, etc) for CD audio rendering. Do get a reasonable
dedicated CD player for that.