Newbie: Is the Pioneer LX86 too "bright" for MA Radius HD range?

Sound is a personal preference. I personally didn't like the Pioneer amp (LX82) with Radius HD as it was too bright for my taste. Yamaha is one of the easier amps to partner with. With regards to speaker placement, check this guide: http://www.dolby.com/us/en/consumer/setup/connection-guide/home-theater-...

If you can move your sofa away from the back wall, it'll certainly improve the sound you will hear, and your onboard EQ will have less work to do.

The Pioneers aren't bright receivers. It's one of those myths that are spread by people who either haven't heard them, misinterpret "bright", or like a smooth, warm sound. It is true that in comparison to the Yamaha receivers they sound more "vivid" and "energetic", I'd best describe them as, so they sound as though they have a more "forward" sound. If you feel they do sound bright, there is the X Curve facility, which allows you to reduce HF output by up to 3dB (half) in 0.5dB steps. This is very handy for taming bright sounding speakers or rooms that are reflective very easily.

The Yamaha's do seem to have a little more warmth and fullness, which is something many like, and may find that preferable with some speaker packages. You will find that although the Pioneer and Yamaha receivers sound different, they both go very well with the Radius range.

I would recommend looking at the SVS SB1000 subwoofer, which will outperform the R370HD for both music and movies, and will allow the Radius speakers to perform better too (many reasons for this). It is £25 cheaper in this country, but I'm not sure about the price difference there.

Thanks heaps, guys !

I think i'm pretty much decided on the Yamaha A3020 

BigBoss - i've checked the link you forwarded me before. Only problem is my living room does not have the provision to place the rear speakers on both corners due to the corner wall on one side (right)  The only option i have is to move my sofa front a bit - it's currently 10ft away from the TV, i might be able to squeeze forward by 1.0-1.5 ft max to allow space for the rear speakers behind the sofa on both ends. The MA stands for the R90HDs is measured at 38.5" and is just a few inches higher than my sofa. I just hope it won't be too near my ears !

Frank - The latest March issue of WHF states that the Pioneer LX86 does sound a little "bright". My choice of the Yamaha leans towards the fact (from my readings) that it is indeed easier to pair with a wider range of speakers or perhaps requires less configuration/calibration to achieve the optimal sound through the pairings. Whichever way, for a newbie like me, i just want to make sure that my investment does not require too much complicated calibration. My leaning towards the Pioneer was driven by the rather significant price difference. The Yamaha A3020 retails at GBP2000and the Pioneer LX86 retails at GBP1700. And this is only for the amp i.e. excluding the speakers (for 5.1) and cables! I might be able to negotiate down by 5-8% on the retail price, but unfortunately, i am unable to get the whole package (i.e. MA speakers and Yamaha amp) from the one same dealer. One does not carry Yamaha, and the other does not carry MA. Sigh.

Anyways, i will be going for a demo of the R90 tomorrow with the LX86. Have not been able to locate a retailer with a Yamaha A3010/3020 amp to test with the MA speakers. So i can only rely on what i read online. 

Speaking of which, is there a big difference between the Yamaha 3010 and the 3020? Reading from the specs in WHF, the only difference i spot is the number of HDMI input channels.

Sorry "Frank".... i meant David 

3020 has built-in AirPlay.

I thought both the LX86 and the 3020 have built-in Airplay?

I was talking about the differences between 3010 & 3020.

As an ex RadiusHD owner I would say get the R90HD's over the R45. Huge difference in performance and can be used later in another room as a stereo pair. As David said go elsewhere for the sub. The 370HD really isn't that good at all for the money. Much better can be had elsewhere at a similar price. I sold mine within weeks of buying. 

Never buy such expensive equipment without a demo and certainly do not buy based on the experience of others. The Pioneer and Yamaha are exceptional receivers, but after listening to both, the Pioneer wins for movies, hands down for me.  But that is my personal preference as I like a more punchy and energetic sound as opposed to warm and laid back.  Now, having said that, I preferred the Yamaha for music.

Just came back from a demo on the MA Radius speakers - both with and without the Pioneers LX86 amp. He's also willing to shave off 12% off the retail price. I am negotiating for them to come setup in my house for free too but i doubt that's gonna happen.

Sounds great... trying to locate a retailer that i can demo the Yamaha A3020 with the MA speakers - no luck to date. But will keep searching.

The retailer recommended the Carnival Classic chord/cable to connect the Yamaha/Pioneer amp with the Radius front speakers (270HD and 225HD). Anyone heard of this cable? Is it of good quality and/or suitable for my setup?

The retailer also suggested the Velodyne MicroVee or Velodyne SPL-1000 Ultra subwoofer to go with the Yamaha amp & MA Radius speakers.

Any advice would be appreciated.