Price Paid:  $112.00 from ebay

Summary:
I brought this unit as an upgrade to my bedroom system VSX D309, just wanted a little more power per channel. This unit is about the same as the 309 in setup. the only difference is the addition of Dolby Prologic II and the station naming (nice touch). Just as I reviewed the VSX D309 as great starter surround unit I can say the same for this puppy. Has just enough inputs to get a beginner on their way. No S-video or componets, but we are talking starter system here. I guess the new trend for Pioneer is the Blue readout, I perferred the old amber, but thats just me. You can pick one of these up at a good deal on many web sites some under $100.

Strengths:
Has all newer format/decoding DD DTS DPLII. with 100 WPC, the 5 channel stereo mode is nice for music. also plays 96khz (high-bite rate) music, not that you can find some. Don't confuse DVD-A or SCAD with 48khz-96khz music

Weaknesses:
Pioneer should have used the same remote from the VSX 309/510 (leaning remotes 1 remote operated my TV, VCR both philips products along with the receiver and my Pioneer DV-525) the VSX 411 remote only works on Pioneer units. Now I have to use my VCR & TV remote to operate them

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer Elite 26TX Pioneer VSX 505s Pioneer VSX D309 Pioneer VSX D510

Price Paid:  $160.00 from bestbuy

Summary:
Good for watching movie DD/DTS.

Strengths:
- Great sound - Produce less heat than any receiver that I tested - Speakers level are very customizable FR,FL,C,SR,SL,SW.

Weaknesses:
1. Annoying ticking sound -> turn on this receiver, select any input that doesn't have sound signal. Then, turn on the volume. You'll hear that annoying ticking sound. 2. menu selection on this receiver is horrible, It is hard to understand how to use it. Try it and you'll know. 3. remote is also confusing with lots of useless button and useless marks.

Similar Products Used:
yamaha, kenwood, JVC

Price Paid:  $137.00 from Circuit City

Summary:
I was looking to get into home theater, but didn't want to spend alot of cash. I was under the impression that I still would end up spending at least $300-400 for a decent sounding receiver. Most likely an entry level Denon. (I have a Denon 2 channel system.) I checked out other receivers at the $200-300 range and wasn't impressed with their sound. I got it home and hooked it up to my Polk Audio speakers. What followed SHOCKED me. I was very impressed with this little receiver. The sound is remarkable clean and detailed, and remarkable accurate. I run the "Tone" controls to neutral, with no emphasis to either direction. The receiver has sufficient power to handle the demanding explosions or "rumbles" with authority and accuracy. Never seems to run out of power, or headroom. In two channel stereo, it does suprisingly well. It is a little weak in in the mids, but nothing objectionable. It images faily well, and again, has sufficient power to handle the complex passages very well. No un-nautural coloring to the sound. True, it is limited to it's hookup's, it has no S-audio, but has plenty enough for the majority of people. When you consider the VALUE of this little reciever, I challenge you to find a better sounding receiver for anywhere near the price range. I believe you will have to spend a great deal more to find similiar sound.

Strengths:
Value Dynamic Headroom Sound

Weaknesses:
limited hookup (only for some)

Similar Products Used:
(tested many, at different stores)

Price Paid:  $180.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
I have recently "tested" (4) entry level A/V Receivers: Sherwood 7103 Kenwood VR 605 JVC RX 6020BV Pioneer VSX-D411 The Pioneer is by FAR the best value in its class. Best overall sound quality, receiver reception and build quality. This, as with all entry level models, lacks S Video outputs, and limited connections, but is sufficient for a starter.

Strengths:
Excellent sound quality (music and movies), Has Dolby pro Logic II, Sturdy build quality

Weaknesses:
No phono input. No universal remote. Customer service takes TIME to get through

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood,JVC,Sherwood

Price Paid:  $189.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
Wish I had more money. After blowing it all on a nice TV set, a $500 JVC DVD player, and some Monster Cables, I had no money left for a top of the line AV receiver. So instead, I shelled out just 200 bucks for this reciever. It's just your basic run of the mill reciever incorporating Dolby Prologic 2, Dolby Digital and DTS, but no Dobly Digital ES or THX certification or DTS ES. It's still a nice little product for the money. If you aren't serious about sound, but still like to experience what everyone is, then look no futher. However, if you are like me, who rather pay 16.00 bucks for new DVD releases than pay that much for 2 movie tickets, then save up the money and get a better AV receiver

Strengths:
The bang for the buck. Can't ask more for a receiver that costs lest than $190.

Weaknesses:
Since this is a sub $200 reciever, you don't have all the latest gadgetry (?), lights and buttons to make grandma faint.

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer VSX-709