The VSX-74TXVi is a THX Select2-certified AVR with seven channels of amplification. In a 5.1 system, the back-surround channels can be used to bi-amp the front left and right speakers or power speakers in a second room.

And the sound? Well, that's pretty darn remarkable, too.

Remarkable. That's the word that best describes the THX Select2 approved Pioneer Elite VSX-74TXVi AV receiver ($1500). This gloss-black beauty is remarkably sophisticated, remarkably flexible, and remarkably easy to setup, thanks to an amazing auto...

Pioneer sure packed an awful lot of stuff into its new A/V receiver, the Elite VSX-74TXVi, beginning with the mouthful of letters in its model name. Far more engaging is its iPod connectivity: this is the first receiver we've seen to offer fully...