I bought this reciever because it was the cheapest DD receiver I could find with a Center Channel Pre-amp out. I need this because I use a bi-amped center channel. I am returning this reciever because the center channel output jack is non-functional while receiving Dolby Digital from the DVD player's digital output, either light-pipe or coax !
Watching movies without a center channel is no fun.

Also, the sub-woofer output doesn't work in stereo - you have to use one of their DSP modes to get anything out of the subwoofer (or center channel of course) there too.

Price. Lowest priced AC-3 receiver made by a company I've had good luck with. Sounds good once fully adjusted.

Documentation. Had to get a friend familar with AC-3 to give me hints.

Had my doubts about getting a budget priced receiver but thru this forum and the review that the Victoria guy passed along, so I got it with a money-back guarantee. Seems to work fine to a 'newbie' like me. Sounds are crisp, dialogue is clear, front left and right are way better than my old Pro-logic. My DVD player now can perform and it was almost half of what I thought I would have to spend. I don't have sub-woofer but I think that's its biggest weakness as far as output.

CD and VCR output in Pro-logic surround sound is good too. If you were going to 'just' get Pro-logic, get this unit with the AC-3 for $100 more.

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Had a old Pioneer Pro-logic. No comparison for sound but my family swears that the picture is better in the AC-3 too!

Excellent price at Costco $199.99. Appeared to have a lot of features.

Volume output. Difficult remote. Difficult to set up speaker parameters for a first time user.

This was my first non-two channel receiver. I was very disappointed in the volume output for the 80 watts/channel. With only two speakers (standard stereo mode) or two front speakers and a center channel (semi-surround sound) I had to increase volume control to at least 50% for minor listening levels. I was so disappointed I returned the receiver, I expected much more!

I got this receiver along with 2 very good front speakers. All I wanted was a good home theater, and I wound up with a very good home theater! The price is unbeatable and the sound quality was above my expectations. A good advice if you purchase any kind of receiver is to get 2 good front speakers. For about 250$, you can get something well worth your while! On the other hand, the remote control sucks! What you'd wanna have on the control isn't there, and what is on it is hard to find! Also, the volume could go a bit higher. Ther db range goes from 0db to -100db and a confortable range is near the middle (-50 to -45db). It doesn't leave much left for the very loud listener. For anybody esle, it's an excellant purchase!