Pioneer Electronics VSX-23TXH 7.1 Receiver Review

Pioneer VSX-23TXH Introduction

When last we looked into the Pioneer looking glass, we reviewed their top of the line model, the VSX-94TXH. This newest product under review from Pioneer isn't their top of the line, but it does have some significant improvements over even last year's top of the line VSX model. Chiefly of interest are the increased number of HDMI inputs, including a front input suitable for the newest camcorders and digital cameras, and the Anchor Bay VRS video processing. The VSX-23TXH also comes certified as one of the first THX Select2 Plus A/V receivers and supports the newest high resolution audio formats. Don't get us wrong – there's not a whole lot of new innovation in this product, but given the value and the relatively low price-to-performance ratio, this A/V receiver certainly has our rapt attention.

How does it rate to other models?

I like to compare products in an attempt to give a quick overview of the market and show areas of advancement or similarities. In the case of the VSX-23TXH, it holds up quite well in the marketplace, but of course there is some give and take:

Pioneer seems to have the edge in video processing and is near the top in terms of its power (beaten only by the Onkyo in specs). It is also the only A/V receiver in this price class to sport dual HDMI outputs, though they are simply wired in parallel and don't offer any discrete functionality (which is fine by us at this price). The VSX-23TXH also comes equipped with an iPod connector cable that handles audio and video from an iPod or iPhone – very unusual at any price point and much appreciated since it saves the cost of a $100+ accessory. For many AV receivers, we'd almost rather they include the iPod dock and forgo the setup calibration microphone, though we'd expect a lot of contention on that point. Let's face it – out of the 10 categories we selected to compare this product against its competition, Pioneer took or matched in half of them. That's not bad since most of the competition clearly won in only one or two areas, with the exception of Onkyo.

The primary features we appreciated about the Pioneer VSX-23TXH included:

• THX Select2 Plus Certification

• ABT VRS video processing

• Dual (2) HDMI outputs

• 4 HDMI inputs (#4 duplicated on front panel)

• Included iPod/iPhone USB cable adapter

• 1080p Upconversion of SD signals via HDMI

• XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio ready

• RS-232C control, two 12VDC triggers

• 2nd Zone Audio/Video output; Zone 3 Audio out