Price Paid:  $1400.00 from local audio store

Summary:
Sound is very clear and crisp. When using the two channel stereo mode, the receiver provides 2 x 130w to power up my AR 303 12" woofer speakers without any problem. When watching movies, I enjoy the 5.1 channel surround sound that the receiver offers. I heard my friend's Sony DB940 and Kenwood 6070, and I think they are loud without the crispness of my D3S. I think that in terms of sound quality, the D3S can still compete with many much newer, high grade receivers that are on the market.

Strengths:
-Very crisp and clear sound -Can play DVD and LD Dolby Digital 5.1 -Good for movies, excellent for music -Users can choose to use one or two cener speakers

Weaknesses:
-Cannot play 6.1 channel and DTS -No Optical input -Priced too expensive compared to newer products

Similar Products Used:
Denon AVC2020

Price Paid:  $1500.00

Summary:
I have enjoyed some moments of AC3 brilliance with this unit in the past, but half way through Star Wars, a bang was heard, and now there's no sound from the centre or rear channels. It's a stereo amp with a tuner. I am grateful - it's solved the problem of wanting to buy a new system. I am glad to be rid of this poxy looking, unfriendly, bad sounding piece of rubbish. Going back to my old Marantz EC/MM500, even though only pro-logic, is a VAST improvement!

Strengths:
When released, AC3 was it's strength - RF and PCM input's for AC3 good if you're into LD.

Weaknesses:
No DTS, poxy GUI, crap amplifiers, no pre-ins, no pre-outs except for centre.

Price Paid:  $1600.00

Summary:
Pioneer D3S,Multi voltage
100 watts a channel,Dolby Digital (AC3) ISC and GUI.
In 1995 when this product hit the shelf it changed the way we listened to movies for ever! The days of prologic just were not going to last.
Sucking no less than 1175 watts from the wall , the D3S was and is still a beast with LFE boosting and power on tap.
Even in two channel this product sounded smooth with the added "direct" feature for 2 channel as a bonus.The easy to use GUI setup was and still is great to use.With careful speaker partnering and the right interconnects you can get this thing to sound amazing! The AC3 bitstreem cable is a great place to start if you want to change the dynamics and sound.It really is plug and play.As with all Audio product's good speaker cable is a must.The downside to the D3S is no Dts witch can be fixed thanks to MSB Technologies and there fantastis DTS upgrade board!The D3S with DTS is nothing less than simply amazing!
6 years later there is still no excuse to upgrade! Video switching can be a little annoying at times with limited S-Video connections, but is all worth it in the long run for the sound is the primary concern.I would recommend this product with no hesitation! Happy Listening!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strengths:
Sound Quality, Power, GUI and ease of use.

Weaknesses:
no DTS ,no optical input and spring terminals for center and rear

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer vsx 455, Pioneer Spd o7

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from A&B Sound

Summary:
After 4 years of usage, still a great sounding receiver. Has had no problem driving my Mirage M5si speakers, and now Axiom M80Ti. Great sound. Though an older unit offers a great buy. At the time it was their top of the line receiver. I'm looking for another unit used to get for my father.

Strengths:
After 4 years of usage, still a great sounding receiver.

Weaknesses:
No DTS.

Similar Products Used:
Denon AVR 1601, HK 100, Yamaha

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from 6 th ave

Summary:
This item is for sale. contact me at mailto:mick@raredogs.com and make me a offer

Strengths:
This item is for sale. contact me at mailto:mick@raredogs.com and make me a offer