Panosonic 80u/85u vs. Pioneer Kuro, worth the extra $$$?

cmk515 · 01-30-2009, 10:56 PM

Hello everyone, I have stumbled upon this forum through my days and months of research and have came here to ask a couple questions I could not find a straight answer too using the search function.

Well, I bought a Pioneer Kuro 5020-FD from Best Buy last Friday, boy was that a hassle. But before I even pick it up, I need an opinion from everyone on here.

I have been looking at the Panosonic 50" 80u/85u, I've found the 80u at my local Pauls TV for $1277 w/ free delivery, free stand, free set-up and stand assembly. (I need a stand). And the 85u for $1300 at my local Frys electronics. So I was thinking if the over $700 + price difference in for the Kuro is really worth it? I have the money, and I know the Kuro was rated one of the best or best TV of this year, but as technology changes, and prices go down (but they'll go back sooner or later). I would get a 800u if anywhere around me sold it for a reasonable enough price, right now it is the same price as the Pioneer. So should I really dish out the cash to get the Kuro, or just get the Panosonic and save the money and use it for something later down the line or some extra equipment on the Panny?

Help is appreciated. I am even open for some more TV suggestions, LCD or Plasma, in the same price range as the Panny. (Been looking at the A650 but can't really accept the T.O.C)

**PFC5** · 01-31-2009, 12:06 AM

Welcome to the forum!

If you have the extra cash to get the Pioneer Kuro, I would say that is your best bet IMO. Now if buying the Kuro means you do not have money for a BD player or HD service I would say get the 50pz80u and get a BD player while you are there.

cmk515 · 01-31-2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

Welcome to the forum!

If you have the extra cash to get the Pioneer Kuro, I would say that is your best bet IMO. Now if buying the Kuro means you do not have money for a BD player or HD service I would say get the 50pz80u and get a BD player while you are there.

Thanks for the response!

I can get the BD player/HD service either way, but I am still not really sure with changes in technology (just look over the past few years!) I will be regretting that I spent this money. But at I have made some head way, I was considering getting a LN 52A750 but I ruled it out due to price and picture. Plasmas may not look great in the stores lighting, but when you see it in a home theater set-up or a dark area compared to the Samsung, it destroys it IMO.

Do you know when the new 2009 Panny line will be coming out?

iserum · 01-31-2009, 08:28 AM

if money is no issue Kuro is the best. you will never regret Kuro purchase.

cmk515 · 01-31-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iserum

if money is no issue Kuro is the best. you will never regret Kuro purchase.

Yeah. What if I found the 800u for $400 cheaper, would it be worth the difference?

Loves2Watch · 01-31-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk515

Yeah. What if I found the 800u for $400 cheaper, would it be worth the difference?

The Panasonic 800U is a hell of a TV. I would get it and save the $00 for something like a new Blu-ray player.

NVR2Nd · 01-31-2009, 07:32 PM

Can you post a link to the Pann for 12XX? I wanted to see where it is located. Thanks.

Vinceg99 · 01-31-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk515

Yeah. What if I found the 800u for $400 cheaper, would it be worth the difference?

You can find the Panny 800U for $1599? Thats a heck of a deal! I would return my 80U in a second if I could get the 800U for only like $200 more!

cmk515 · 01-31-2009, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NVR2Nd

Can you post a link to the Pann for 12XX? I wanted to see where it is located. Thanks.

In the local Frys ad, Frys has the 85u for $1399 and they said they would match the Sears 10%.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinceg99

You can find the Panny 800U for $1599? Thats a heck of a deal! I would return my 80U in a second if I could get the 800U for only like $200 more!

So you would say get that over the Pioneer for that price?

NVR2Nd · 01-31-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk515

In the local Frys ad, Frys has the 85u for $1399 and they said they would match the Sears 10%.

So you would say get that over the Pioneer for that price?

Sorry, i meant where in the country. I bought from American last night, and they will match 110% of of the difference. I already got 47 back***.

****I would have bought from NFM, but they only had them in KC and Omaha. American gave me their price anyways though.

cmk515 · 01-31-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NVR2Nd

Sorry, i meant where in the country. I bought from American last night, and they will match 110% of of the difference. I already got 47 back***.

****I would have bought from NFM, but they only had them in KC and Omaha. American gave me their price anyways though.

Los Angeles, California

NVR2Nd · 01-31-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk515

Los Angeles, California

Worth a shot I guess.

Vinceg99 · 01-31-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk515

So you would say get that over the Pioneer for that price?

The 800U for $1599 is a GREAT price and while I was fine with spending $1399 on the 80U (a few steps down from the 800U) and wouldnt have spent the extra $600 on the Kuro I think ME personally would rather go with the 800U for $1599 over $1999 for the Kuro im sure its worth the price difference but for me PRICE does matter (which is why I only have the 80U).

I would say go in and compare cause you are going to be the one sitting down and watching this TV every night me personally didnt want to spend the extra money however PLENTY of people do and they would pay the premium for the Kuro cause it is head of the class right now. I paid less for my 50" plus surround speakers and an upconvert DVD player than what JUST the Kuro is going for so for me that what I went with however I WOULD spend the extra $200 for the 800U.

So now where was it that the 800U was $1599?

cmk515 · 01-31-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinceg99

The 800U for $1599 is a GREAT price and while I was fine with spending $1399 on the 80U (a few steps down from the 800U) and wouldnt have spent the extra $600 on the Kuro I think ME personally would rather go with the 800U for $1599 over $1999 for the Kuro im sure its worth the price difference but for me PRICE does matter (which is why I only have the 80U).

I would say go in and compare cause you are going to be the one sitting down and watching this TV every night me personally didnt want to spend the extra money however PLENTY of people do and they would pay the premium for the Kuro cause it is head of the class right now. I paid less for my 50" plus surround speakers and an upconvert DVD player than what JUST the Kuro is going for so for me that what I went with however I WOULD spend the extra $200 for the 800U.

So now where was it that the 800U was $1599?

Well I think I am planning on getting the 80u/85u since it will almost be $900 less for the 80u and the $800 less for the 85u. And it isn't ALL about the whole TV, it is about the home theater experience. I don't want to really be stuck knowing I have a great TV, but the technology is old, and TV's are cheaper. I think it would be better to get a good BD player and some speakers and save the money and put it towards a new TV down the line. But I usually keep my TV's for a really long time so I am still considering the KURO from Costco due to the great price and return policy, I know Costco has the Panasonics but in the store I couldn't find a model number and it was more at Costco for every other TV (except the Pioneer) then anywhere else.

And about the 800u, I went to a store called "Audio Video Center" that is a pretty big TV store down here in Southern California, they happened to have the 800u's on sale for $1749 w/ no tax. So the TV coming out to about $1599.

Any more suggestions?

RES4CUE · 02-01-2009, 06:55 PM

Unfortunately, technology is always in a state of transition! You could buy the best today and next week there is something coming out that is better! I think IMO this is with all things technical! Everytime I get some piece of tech I seem to find something better for cheaper!! LOL So I just do the research and buy the best that I can afford that I want it to do! I spent 2200.00 2 years ago on a 720 40" samsung LCD because it was the "IT" thing that was coming out in larger screens when I could have had a 46" plasma for the same or a little cheaper! Guess what, now I am getting a 50" Plasma when they are at rock bottom prices compared to LCD's!

Any way, good luck with your search as mine was 6 months of going back and forth. Shoot I paid for the TV and still dont have it, it comes in on Tues, and I keep thinking maybe I should get "that" one instead even though I have done my homework!

01-30-2009, 10:56 PM	#1
cmk515 My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8	Panosonic 80u/85u vs. Pioneer Kuro, worth the extra $$$? Hello everyone, I have stumbled upon this forum through my days and months of research and have came here to ask a couple questions I could not find a straight answer too using the search function. Well, I bought a Pioneer Kuro 5020-FD from Best Buy last Friday, boy was that a hassle. But before I even pick it up, I need an opinion from everyone on here. I have been looking at the Panosonic 50" 80u/85u, I've found the 80u at my local Pauls TV for $1277 w/ free delivery, free stand, free set-up and stand assembly. (I need a stand). And the 85u for $1300 at my local Frys electronics. So I was thinking if the over $700 + price difference in for the Kuro is really worth it? I have the money, and I know the Kuro was rated one of the best or best TV of this year, but as technology changes, and prices go down (but they'll go back sooner or later). I would get a 800u if anywhere around me sold it for a reasonable enough price, right now it is the same price as the Pioneer. So should I really dish out the cash to get the Kuro, or just get the Panosonic and save the money and use it for something later down the line or some extra equipment on the Panny? Help is appreciated. I am even open for some more TV suggestions, LCD or Plasma, in the same price range as the Panny. (Been looking at the A650 but can't really accept the T.O.C) Last edited by cmk515; 01-30-2009 at 11:04 PM.

01-31-2009, 12:06 AM	#2
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,385	Welcome to the forum! If you have the extra cash to get the Pioneer Kuro, I would say that is your best bet IMO. Now if buying the Kuro means you do not have money for a BD player or HD service I would say get the 50pz80u and get a BD player while you are there. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

01-31-2009, 08:28 AM	#4
iserum High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,955	if money is no issue Kuro is the best. you will never regret Kuro purchase. __________________ Panasonic 50PX80U/Pioneer BDP-51FD /Toshiba HD A1/Tivo HD SAMSUNG LNT-4661F/ Pioneer BDP-51FD/Dell XPS, Nvidia 9500 GT SONY BRAVIA 40V2500/40 GB PS3, WII, Intel Core 2 Duo with Nvidia 6800 Yamaha RXV1700 Def. Tech. Mythos III, V & Gems, Super Cube III Harmony Remote One Power Conditioner: Belkin PF40

02-01-2009, 06:55 PM	#15
RES4CUE Early adopter junky!!! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 206	Unfortunately, technology is always in a state of transition! You could buy the best today and next week there is something coming out that is better! I think IMO this is with all things technical! Everytime I get some piece of tech I seem to find something better for cheaper!! LOL So I just do the research and buy the best that I can afford that I want it to do! I spent 2200.00 2 years ago on a 720 40" samsung LCD because it was the "IT" thing that was coming out in larger screens when I could have had a 46" plasma for the same or a little cheaper! Guess what, now I am getting a 50" Plasma when they are at rock bottom prices compared to LCD's! Any way, good luck with your search as mine was 6 months of going back and forth. Shoot I paid for the TV and still dont have it, it comes in on Tues, and I keep thinking maybe I should get "that" one instead even though I have done my homework! __________________ Samsung PN50A650A Plasma Sony 7.1 reciever STR-DG1000 POLK speakers PS3 BLU RAY XBOX 360 W/ HD-DVD Samsung upconvert DVD Harmony "ONE" Fios HD service 360 TAG= TRUCKY512 PS3 TAG= RESCUE4

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01-31-2009, 07:32 PM	#7
NVR2Nd High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 31	Can you post a link to the Pann for 12XX? I wanted to see where it is located. Thanks.