Price Paid:  $1800.00 from Westcoast HiFi Joond

Summary:
I purchased the 908-TXG (TX stands for THX certified, G stands for the gold colour of the unit). Have generally been pleased with the amp with the exception of a few gripes; 1) The remote that was originally supplied with the amp (and reviewed in various magazines at the time) was a deluxe LCD back lit model. On purchasing the amp I discovered mine was supplied with a "bog-standard" remote learning remote. Nothing bad about the remote just that felt the advertising of the unit was quite misleading. I have since learnt this is common practice with Pioneer, to release some new AV products with a fancy remote then after a few months replace it with a cheaper model (you have been warned). 2) The power button has never worked quite right, it's always been a hit'n'miss affair as to whether the amp would actually turn off or on when pressing the power button (the remote power button has always worked). I've now had the amp over 2 years and it's still performing well, although the transformer has just starting making a low humming noise, which is probably to be expected as Pioneer has a reputation for power supply problems in a number of their AV products. Other points of note is that when fully "cranking" the volume the amp does tend to run out of steam for big bass/LFE tracks (i.e. most recently notable "Tron"), although admittedly I don't run a sub and all the bass goes through 2 series II 603 B&W speakers. Once again on the whole I must admit I've been fairly happy with the performance of the amp, however would I buy another Pioneer product... no (unless the price is extremely convincing).

Strengths:
Good surround sound/stereo reproduction, DSP modes actually quite pleasing. Vertical mounting of main boards, THX Ultra certified.

Weaknesses:
Over plastic/cheep construction, mis-advertising of remote supplied, amp power a little below "advertised", digital bass & treble controls only work in stereo mode.

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from BX

Summary:
When connected to the TV, radio noise comes through. Pretty good sound. Good hookups.

Strengths:
Has not blown up and started a fire

Weaknesses:
Mine is now broken after less than two years use. Customer service is rotten to the core (long waits, reps you can't understand, reps that could care less and will hang up on you). This repair job is now in its second month and according to Pioneer, it will be another month before the part gets in. Do yourself a favor and aviod Pioneer

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha Denon

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from AAFEES

Summary:
Great sound. Great features. THE WORST customer service known to mankind.

Strengths:
Sound

Weaknesses:
reliability and noise immunity

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from hifi-shop

Summary:
After 16 months of using this machine I can say that it does deliver, and does it very well. At first I was a bit disappointed with the stereo sound, but after making sure that all the power plugs were adjusted to avoid common impedance coupling as much as possible it sounds OK. As it turns out my subwoofer (sony) was the culprit. Now it stands on a big chunck of marble and spikes. That did it for me. I use a sony DVD s7700 as a CD/DVD player (RGB-output, (which by the way does play cd-r, contrary to what I read in reviews, just not all CD-R's. Use TDK or Philips and you should have no problem). The video is awesome. The 5.1/DTS sound in my fairly large living room is very satisfactory. Stereo sound is crisp en doesn't fatigue at all.
Of course there are better amps than this one, but not for this money. If you can buy it for a discount (let's say around 500,-, then go for it.

Strengths:
ease of use
solid buid
has it all
great remote

Weaknesses:
can't think of any

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $340.00 from Spidergear.com

Summary:
Bought this receiver on an ebay auction from spidergear.com for $300 + $40 shipping. It was a refurbished model, but came to me in totally new condition, with everything fully functional. This is the second piece of refurbished Pioneer equipment I have purchased, with no complaints so far. The receiver I bought is actually the VSX-D908S, unlike some of the other variations reviewed below. Don't be fooled by the 'brushed' metal picture of the receiver that you see all over the internet. The one I received is the standard dull black metal that all low-end pioneer receivers have. Overall I am extremely happy with the overall performance of this receiver. I upgraded from the Pioneer VSX-D606S (I know, not much of an upgrade), primarily based on the fact that this receiver had all of the digital inputs that I needed without breaking the bank. After extensive listening to the 908S, I think that for 2-channel music, the 908S is very similar to the 606S. However, for home theater, I think the 908S is slightly superior. Not a lot, but at least noticeably better. I bought the 606S for $600 (new) when Dolby Digital 5.1 was just becoming mainstream. In hindsight, I probably could have waited 6 months and gotten all the features I wanted for $300. So I guess the point I'm trying to make is that for $340, the 908S is an outstanding entry level receiver. If you really want to save the money, go on ebay and buy a 606S for ~$100-$150.
Other things I liked about the 908S-
1) Easy on-screen setup
2) Ability to control other manufacturers equipment with the same remote
3) Tons of digital inputs
4) S-Video switching
5) Extremely clean sound. I have Infinity RS-8s with built in powered subs, and the receiver has plenty of power to drive these speakers.

The only thing I didn't like about the remote is that when you depress a button, it becomes backlit, but doesn't stay backlit for very long. I know it's to save batteries, but if I can afford a receiver, then I can afford batteries. Also, some of the DSP modes don't really sound that good, but I'm sure some people like them.

Strengths:
Great value, great for home theater, good remote, lots of digital inputs

Weaknesses:
remote backliting is a little 'funny', DSP modes not all that great

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer VSX-D606S, Pioneer VSX-D498