A/V DVD Receiver

[Palindrake]

If you were limited on space and needed to get a unit that did double duty would you consider this unit from Sony?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-AVD-C700ES-720-Watt-Receiver-brand-new_W0QQitemZ5837187804QQcategoryZ39800QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Or would this Pioneer Elite setup be more appealing?

http://cgi.ebay.com/PIONEER-ELITE-EX500-RECEIVER-DVD-600-WATTS_W0QQitemZ5839155851QQcategoryZ39799QQssPageN ameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Also found this review here on audioreview.com:
http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/pioneer-elite/dvd-players/PRD_289344_1587crx.aspx

[ericl]

I've heard good things about those Sony ES all in one units. If I was wanted to keep a system all in one box I would definitely go for that.

[EdwardGein]

Until about a year ago, I was using JVC RX-DV31SL which I'd definately recommend if you are going to go with a DVD receiver. It lists for $450 but you can get it way under that new online or even less used on Ebay. This receiver plays DVD-A and you don't need to get 6 additional cables because of the way it is integrated to play DVD-A. It integrates everything excellently and I used it with my Orb 5.1 Mod 1 System which Orb recommended. I thought the sound was very good with the Orbs. This system sounded better to me then alot of high end seperate DVD players & receivers.

Here's the thing though. Through trial and error, I bought a seperate DVD player (Harmon Kardon 31) & a seperate Denon Receiver (3801) & the difference in sound was significant for DVD's, CDs & TV. If sound quality is of major importance too you, I'd go with a seperate DVD player & receiver which spacially really won't be much difference, just make sure you do notice a difference in sound. The one thing I don't buy is the argument, well what if your DVD player portion of it breaks down- the chances are slim of that happening and if it does you can either connect another DVD player through it, get it fixed or buy another system.

[ericl]

Yes, in addition to what EG said I was going to add that I recalled one of the weaknesses of this unit was the video quality of the DVDp wasn't great. so maybe separates are the way to go.

[westcott]

I would go with the Pioneer, if I had to choose between the two.

Sony just is not that good at DVD player integration and their audio processing is not much better.

I can not remember where I saw it but I think Denon and Klipsch have some similar offerings that would probably give you better performance if space is truly your primary consideration.

I agree with the others, separates really are the way to go if performance is your priority.