Price Paid:  $400.00 from J&R

Summary:
First off, I only use this unit for surround sound - with video. I by-pass the unit entirely for all music listening.

But, importantly, you could use this unit to listen to two channel stereo and I have tried it out this way. The midrange is rather wonderful for such an inexpensive receiver. Very smooth but with no sacrifice in detail or clarity. I am rather amazed at how much better it sounds than an old Pioneer Reciever I own (I think a 901 something) that cost significantly more in its day. Just night and day comparing the two. The 14 creates a much bigger and more involving soundstage. The highs seem extended but don't attack like they do on the old Pioneer. Does it sound as good as my separates set up - of course not - the bass is looser and highs lack a little sparkle but that mid range is done very nicely and that is important to me.

For video, the unit seems fine. I do hear differences in Dolby Digital Processing versus other similar priced units I have used (or heard) but it is rarely obvious to me that one is better or worse - just different. I am not a fan of Dobly Pro Logic (maybe Pro Logic II will finally fix the problems?) and it sounds nasty, as always, pumping and burping along. My listening room is overly bright so I very much appriciate the RE-EQ mode. It helps tame things substantially without sucking any life out of the sound. But why-o-why can it not be activated via the remote? This is a pain because every time Dobly is turned of RE-EQ is deactivated and you have to reactivate it at the receiver. Dumb.

The DSP modes are dreadful - fake and constricted and really really phasey (except Dance which just thumps and booms). Why does Pioneer remain so far behind here? There are some really good derived surround modes but Pioneer does not include a one.

The remote is pretty good but not backlit. The learning mode is very useful.

The video switching works fine but there are only composite inputs/outputs. For this reason, as soon as there are some good Pro Logic II receivers made available this baby gets moved to another room.

Build quality is excellent, as is the case with all Elite products.

When I bought this product it was a great deal, now if you can find one used for a couple hundred bucks it would still be a great deal. But beware of the lack of SVHS and Compontent switching.

Weaknesses:
only composite video switching

Similar Products Used:
other Pioneer, Sony, and Technics products

Summary:
Bangup piece of hardware. I note many of th3e reveiwers
got a "GANGA" of a deal as the receiver is an old model.
It may be an older model digital A/V receiver but it still
would be well worth full retail if you had to pay it.
FIVE STARS!

Strengths:
I started building my home entertainment center 15 months
ago. I began with an existing small tv and added a dolby digital satellite receiver. After the purchase of a Sony
rear projection television I naturally thought of an A/V
receiver. A local high end dealer had a year end sale and I
bought the VSX-14 floor model for 500.00 in Jan 99. I knew
little or nothing of A/V specs or even what I was looking for but I got a gem! Nice looking and plenty of power and smooth, clean sound. We use ours mostly for TV and DVD palyback and it does the job with aplomb. If you can still find one of these out there then go for it as it will be a
bargain as I do think this model is now discontinued. New
pioneer models no doubt have more than one toslink digital
input but I think the VSX-14 was one of Pioneers first elite
series receivers.

Summary:
I guess I payed more for the receiver than some others here(~$600) but I am very happy with this receiver. Nice power, great sound.
I would happily purchase it again

Strengths:
Very easy to set up, sounds great, and looks nice

Summary:
I got it for 300 bucks since it is now discontinued and i would take this over the Denon 1700 anyday. Very nice

Summary:
The sound you get from this reciever is simply awesome!!!Warm Pure sound.Only a few receivers can compare.