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Review 2 of 2
Price Paid:
$265.00
from Best Buy Summary:
I recently purchased this unit as an upgrade for my Panasonic HE-75. This unit is considered an entry level model especially at this price point but one of things that got my attention was the features that come with this unit. An automated speaker calibration function with microphone is just not something you get at this price. The microphone does not come with a stand but I used a bar stool and the adjustments it made to my set-up was remarkable. For those who prefer to calibrate their own set-up that option is available. For the novices like me the automated feature and quick set-up button on the front panel did the trick in getting my speakers set up with the unit in about 5-10 minutes.
Spec wise here is what you get;
Power Amplifier Design: Thermal Compensation Transistor
Surround Power: 100 watts x 7 (1kHz; 1% THD @ 8-ohms) 700 Watts total system power
Stereo Power: 100 watts x 2 (20Hz-20kHz; 0.7% THD @ 8-ohms) 200 Watts total system power
Digital Decoding & Processing: Double-precision 48-bit Motorola DACs; 192kHz/24-bit DACs, 96kHz/24-bit ADCs
DSP: Dolby Digital 5.1/EX, DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS 96/24/Neo6, Pro Logic IIx/Game Mode, WMA9 Pro, 9 Advanced Surround modes, 7-chanel stereo, Virtual surround back
Inputs: 4 audio/video/s-video, 5 digital ins (2 optical/1 front optical/2 coax), 5.1 multi-channel input, 3 component video, front AV inputs (including optical)
Outputs: 1 component, 2 audio/video/s-video, headphone output, 7.1 preamp outputs (includes subwoofer)
Room EQ: Auto/Manual MCACC (including 5-band EQ),
Additional Features: Sleep timer, dimmer option, multi-way loudspeaker binding posts, AM/FM tuner
Remote: Preprogrammed with manufacturer codes and 1-line 8-character LCD
Dimensions: 16 9/16 " W x 6 1/4" H x 15 13/16" D
Weight: 22 lbs. 4 oz.
Warranty: 1 year parts & labor
The unit is set up in my 16x20 Family Room and this unit fills it nicely even though my front speakers are not in optimally listening position. I currently have an all Bose set up (201's front-161's rear and a VCS-10 center)My old Panasonic really struggled to get clear dialogue out of the VCS-10 and so I had to bump the level up 4-6db to get good sound. The VSX-815 has given all of these speakers new life! I was watching LOTR-Fellowship with my son (for about the 100th time!)and we both heard sounds that just were not there before. Obviously some of this is due to have the surround sound calibrated to the room correctly for probably the first time but also I think due to its ability to deliver increased power to the speakers over the previous Panasonic even though they are both rated at 100w.Unit produces excellent sound especally for music. I have the unit connected to my HD box and now listen to the digital music channels provided by Cox cable. The Sports DSP is also a plus when watching football and I am sure you NASCAR lovers will appreciate this feature on race day!
The only weaknesses I have uncovered at this point are the rather busy remote which some people may found cumbersome. The front panel display is small and so it is difficult to see your input source unless you are right on top of the unit.The owners manual could be little more user friendly but my perception may be based in part on my relatively simple Panasonic. With all the features included with this unit they may not have had a choice.
If you want further confirmation and a more detailed review of this unit please take a look at what Audioholics and Sound& Vision had to say about it.
Bottom line this is pretty good unit and for the money IMO it is a great unit.
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PioneerVSX-815ReceiverReview1.php
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=848&page_number=1
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