I’ve wanted an a/v receiver for many months now and started researching them near the beginning of the year.

While I’ve never owned a receiver before, I had a pretty good idea of the major features I was looking for:

• 7.1 surround
• video up-conversion
• HDMI 1.3a compatibility (the latest generation)
• iPod connectivity
• the latest audio decoders, such as Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES and DTS Neo:6
• I also wanted a name brand I could trust.

After some serious online comparison shopping and after many hours of going over models from various manufacturers, I finally made my decision. I had to order the unit in special order and I ‘not-so’ patiently waited the arrival of my new toy.

Today I received the call. It had arrived.

Ladies and Gentlemen… may I introduce you to my pride and joy… the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K:

If you’ll excuse me… I think I just wet myself…

Now all I need are some decent speakers.

[UPDATE] (July 27):
My Klipsch ProMedia 4.1 computer speakers work fantastically with the new receiver. Of course we don’t have enough speakers to fully enjoy 7.1 sound, but I don’t have another $1000 to fork out for the speaker set I want.

I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to use the speakers without bastardizing some weird connection. Turns out, the speakers hooked up to the receiver just fine… and it sounds amazing! (well, as amazing as it’s going to sound with the landlords living above us). [/UPDATE]