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VSX-94TXH Measurements and Analysis Report

by Clint DeBoer last modified April 28, 2008
Contributors: Gene DellaSala

Frequency Response

frequency-response.jpg

Pioneer VSX-94TXH Frequency Response

The -3dB point for the VSX-94TXH was around 80kHz which is plenty of bandwidth for high resolution audio.

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Pioneer VSX-94TXH Power vs Distortion

I measured continuous power vs distortion by setting up a regulated sweep in my Audio Precision to automatically adjust input level until the maximum power output is achieved at < 0.1% THD + N. The VSX-94TXH was plugged directly into an APC S-15 Power Conditioner with regulation to ensure the line never dropped below 118Vrms.

Power output: <0.1% THD + N for Pioneer VSX-94TXH

  • 165wpc x 1;   8 ohms
  • 155wpc x 2 ;  8 ohms
  • 270wpc x 1 ;  4 ohms
  • 225wpc x 2 ;  4 ohms

Power output: <0.1% THD + N for the Marantz SR7002

  • 144wpc x 1;   8 ohms
  • 128wpc x 2 ;  8 ohms
  • 180wpc x 1 ;  4 ohms
  • 170wpc x 2 ;  4 ohms

The Pioneer VSX-94TXH is definitely more powerful than the similarly priced Marantz SR7002 counterpart, especially into 4 ohm loads. In contrast, the Yamaha RX-V2700 receiver equaled the power into 4 ohm loads of the Pioneer.

Editorial Note on Audioholics Power Measurements
Keep in mind most review publications don’t do continuous power measurements and they usually publish power measurements into clipping at 1% THD + N. Our measurements are very conservative and it is clear that the 140wpc power rating of this receiver is understated as Pioneer is delivering MUCH more than specified for 1 or 2 channels driven. For more info on amplifier measurements, see: The All Channels Driven (ACD) Test

FFT Distortion Analysis

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Pioneer VSX-94TXH FFT Distortion Analysis at Full Rated Power

At near full rated power (116wpc, 8 ohms) the VSX-94TXH exhibited average distortion measurements (29.695+47.972)dBv = 77.7dBv or 100*alog^-1(-77.7/20) = .013% THD + N. These results were a tad worse than I measured on the Marantz SR7002 and not nearly as good as I’ve seen on similarly priced units from Yamaha and Denon.

SNR @ 1 watt

With 200mV in and driving the amp to 1 watt at 8 ohms, I measured a good Signal to Noise Ratio of around 75dB (unweighted) which was a bit better than the Marantz counterpart but not quite as good as the Denon and Yamaha units.

Output Impedance vs Frequency

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Pioneer VSX-94TXH Output Impedance vs Frequency

The VSX-94TXH exhibited decent but not stellar output impedance maintaining around 150mohms for the audible frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz when driving 8 ohm loads. This was considerably higher than the 100mohms I measured on the Marantz SR7002 and the under 100mohm measurements I pulled on the Yamaha RX-V2700. While this is still a much better measurement than you’d get with a tube amp, the VSX-94TXH has the potential to sound more “different” when driving a variety of low impedance speaker loads compared to the other receivers mentioned here.

damping-factor.jpg

Pioneer VSX-94TXH Damping Factor vs Frequency

The VSX-94TXH, displayed a good damping factor commensurate with the output impedance the amp section exhibited. It just maintained the minimum 50 rating that we like to see when driving an 8 ohm load.

 

Recent Forum Posts:

Post Reply
TheFactor posts on May 08, 2008 01:56
Wow thats a bummer, I think my surge protector has a in and out for cable and figured I didnt need it and was afraid it might effect the picture but after what you said I might be looking a little closer at that. I think the warranty might be a good idea after all.
Thunder18 posts on May 07, 2008 22:40
No problem. Great feedback on the receiver by the way.
In my experience i've always bought the warranty and the only time I used it is when my receiver was electrocuted. The warranty covered that replacement and several other warranties covered my TV, PS2 and powered subwoofer that all received the power surge from the receiver. (Surge came over the cable line, traveled to my receiver via the s-video cable which subsequently sent it to all my other equipment) The only item that didn't have a powered subwoofer and Circuit city fixed it for a nominal charge. This is all because I didn't have a surge protector that protected the 2 coax inputs going to my cable box.
TheFactor posts on May 07, 2008 21:45
Thanks again Thunder18 For posting that link review for me on my original thread and your input had a lot to do with my Decision and I couldnt be happier. Thanks again
TheFactor posts on May 07, 2008 21:37
Now I just have to decide if I want to spend another 149 dollars for a four year if they cant fix it they'll replace it warranty. Im a little gun shy sorta speak from previous receivers so I might get it just for a peice of mind .
TheFactor posts on May 07, 2008 21:31
Thunder18;410217
Congrats. Did the audioholics review sway you any? I really like that receiver, but I just can't seem to stand the remote ;-p
Ah well, from the looks of the other post, it looks like you're happy with it. Good luck with this one. I've had 4 Pioneer receivers and none of them have ever had a lick of trouble save the one that was electrocuted.


Thanks and actually the review made me lean towards it more, I like the power it has and how cool it runs. I put it and my paradigms threw some tests for sure by that I mean listening to it louder than I normally would, im in a house so I can crank it up when im in the mood and probably dont tick off to many of my neighbors lol im pretty considerate though after 10 but anyway my point is after a 2 hour movie with the volume loud enough to were I was reaching for the remote so I wouldnt go deaf and the 94 was just warm. All my other receivers were pretty hot by then especially above the receiver on the audio rack was toasty hot with others but not the 94 it was just warm. Im very impressed with the sound quality and picture to. I think what sold me on the review was the statement at the end " if you want a powerhouse look no further " I think with out going seperates this reciever should should keep me happy for a long time and it makes me even happier to know your pioneers have been good to ya actually im getting use to the remote its not that bad and im learning were all the important buttons are on it like for quick access for speaker level ect, thx, adv surround and so on can easliy be navigated in the dark movie mode now : ).
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