Three component-video inputs can be assigned to any of the functional inputs (TV/DVD, DVD/LD, Sat, etc.), as can the digital audio inputs. Rounding out the digital audio connections are two 4-pin IEEE1394 inputs that accept i.Link signals from the Pioneer DV-47Ai and DV-59Ai universal players. Both units also have a coax RF input for Dolby Digital from laserdiscs (a rare feature these days) and two optical digital audio outputs. I assume this was necessary to make room for the USB port. There's one less optical digital audio input than offered on the 49TX. The rear panel is a model of good organization, with digital and line-level analog connections on the left and speaker and AC power connections on the right. With the panel closed, the receiver presents a strikingly simple visage. Also behind the panel is a setup-microphone input, which I'll discuss shortly. Below the display is a flip-down panel that conceals a variety of other controls, a headphone output, and a front-panel input with S-video, composite video, L/R analog audio, and optical digital audio. Three large knobs control the volume, input selection, and listening mode. Most of these secondary indicators are rather small but surprisingly easy to discern from a reasonable distance. Less prominent indicators on the display include such additional information as the type of audio signal being received, speaker configuration, and whether or not THX processing is engaged. Speaking of the display, its primary readout includes two lines of 15 alphanumeric, dot-matrix characters that indicate the selected input, volume setting, and audio mode. Physically, the VSX-59TXi bears a strong family resemblance to its predecessor a gold-tone band beneath the display is the only obvious difference between them. ![]() For that reason, I have no problem recommending a high-end receiver, especially one as capable as the VSX-59TXi. ![]() But, as evidenced by the entry of such high-end companies as Lexicon and Arcam into the receiver market, there's a lot of value in integrating these functions, in terms of both installation and ease of use. Granted, that price is quite high-enough, in fact, to get you a respectable preamp-processor and multichannel power amp. Their subsequent flagship receiver, the VSX-59TXi, builds on the qualities of its predecessor, offering even more features for the same $4500 price tag. When Michael Fremer reviewed the Pioneer VSX-49TX, he concluded that it was "one of the best, if not the best, A/V receiver on the market today." Of course, technology marches ever onward, and Pioneer hasn't rested on its laurels.
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