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.

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...

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

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...