Power,Features,User Friendly,Price

None So Far

I purchased a Technics SA-DX930, a month ago and it just burned up. So I returned it and picked up the Pioneer VSX D509S. Glad to be rid of the Technics, and am very pleased with the Pioneer.

Similar Products Used:

Sony,Technics

DTS, S-Video switching

audio in DSP modes not adjustable

The VSX-D509S is a nice cheap amp. I like it sometimes, and other times I simply loathe the fact I can't adjust treble/bass in any of the digital/dsp modes. This is simply awful as far as I'm concerned, and it drives me nuts. I like lots of treble, and in the DSP modes, it gets levelled off. Clear... but not quite crisp enough for me. The fact that I can get it to sound the way I want in non-digital/dsp stereo makes me angry. How difficult could it be to allow the treble/bass buttons work in digital/dsp?? But other than that, the amp works great, and puts out more than enough bass for my PSB Alphas to shake my apartment.
I find with some cd's I actually have to turn the bass to 0 or -2db, and makes me think twice about buying a subwoofer until I buy my own house.

4 S-Video, Cool Running, DD and DTS, Learning Remote

Lame display

I had been shopping for a receiver for some time now and found it very difficult to find one under $500 with S Video inputs. (or at least more than one) I had previously looked past the Pioneer models because like any average dolt I was attracted to fancy displays, but when I discovered this I had to look into it. I actually purchased it without hearing it after reading the reviews here. (usually a tough crowd) Now that I have gotten to hear it I love it. It was easy to set up, I got it all in one shot, and I haven't noticed any problems with the Subwoofer like other reviews have mentioned. I just have a KLH 120W powered Sub that I picked up for 150 and it sounds great. With the multiple digital inputs I can watch both Digital Cable and DVDs in Dolby Digital. After playing chapter 29 in The Matrix I couldn't be happier. This is a great receiver.

Similar Products Used:

An old Fisher

inputs,outputs,expandability

manual, remote, no phono inputs

(by the way, price was $499 Canadian).

I compared Sony, Kenwood, JVC, and Technics similar products (by reading product information, reviews on products at this site and others, speaking with salespeople and friends, and by in-store listening comparisons). Decided on this Pioneer receiver with Polkaudio 5-speaker package plus Quest(less than expensive) subwoofer because of features/price. Had to read manual several times before attempting to connect everything up(only speakers and VCR with receiver).In total probably spent 6-7 hours before I was all done and speakers were reasonably positioned and volumes set. What a sound!!! I am not a fan of deep booming bass, and the Quest seems to give me the distinct, clear, and complete mix I find pleasing. I find myself watching (really listening) to commercials on tv just for the music.

I tried the preset codes on the remote for my VCR's remote (Citizen) but did not appear to work, but the learning feature is fine. The Midnight, Loudness, and DSP alternatives are all excellent for variety of sound levels and mix. I am still experimenting, of course. I have also tried a small portable CD player connected via it's line output jack to the CD inputs on the Receiver, and this also worked very well - the sound reproduction was just, well, superb!

I hope in future to add a DVD player and probably a full size CD player so all units can be controlled by the one remote. I origionally thought the remote was terrible, but I am gradually getting familiar with the button locations and functions. I still believe the buttons and lettering on the remote are too small.

I know others have said AM/FM reception was not very good, but I just hooked up the accompanying small AM and FM wires, and have no problem with reception (unit is located in my basement).

All in all, even taking into account the short time I have had this system, (I think I have a reasonable ear for sound and tonal quality) I am most pleased.

p.s. I first had receiver/subwoofer connected via speaker level, and this worked fine, but wanted to see if any difference with line level so changed to this connection. It may be my imagination, but there may be some additional flexibility with line level as far as controlling crossover, low level filter, and of course, resultant sound. It is set at what I find is pleasing to my ear, so will leave as is.

I like it!

Similar Products Used:

none

Ample selection of S-Video inputs / outputs, learning remote, great video switching, HUGE bang for buck ratio

Surround speaker terminals, microscopic display, and the minor inability to send analog video signals through the S-Video out to the video monitor (probably not unusual)

I bought the Yamaha 5150 to replace the aging Sony Pro-Logic receiver. I got frustrated with the DVD Digital audio signal being miscarried by the Pro Logic conversion - Dolby Digital DVDs simply sounded ugly.

The Yamaha was a nice (and _heavy_) unit, but I returned it due to its limited S-Video inputs. I was waiting for the 5250 price to drop into my target range when I came across this open box Pioneer at Best Buy. Pioneer has always struck me as a second-tier home amp and I would shy away from their products due to a lame in-dash auto unit. But for $209 (open box), I could not pass up the chance to give this puppy a whirl - attracted by the ample S-Video inputs / outs (my system includes a DVD player, PC, Satellite system and VCR that could all benefit from the S-Video switching).

Basic setup went well and was accomplished without the use of the manual (which is extremely basic where hardware connections are concerned). It took me a while, however, to figure out that if you have an S-Video out to your video monitor, analog (RCA-type connections) video sources will not be converted and sent through the S-Video out. A simple swap to an RCA out to the monitor solved this, albiet at the expense of the signal quality.

Not sure why there are so many complaints about the remote. It seems pretty average and gets the job done. It could use a little more flexibility (for example, there is a dedicated TV power button, but it cannot be used until the remote is toggled to TV mode. If this is the case, why bother with a dedicated power button???). Compared with the Yamaha and other remotes I sampled, the only way to get the best feature/flexibility ratio is to go to a touchpad type remote with a viewing screen that allows parallel control and complex system control. For this reason, I cannot give it a negative rating due merely to the remote.

The unit has an impressive set of tweaking options to taylor the sound to your system, environment, and preferences. Had to dig out the manual to figure out and set most of these parameters, but this is to be expected.

Bass is not an issue. My subwoofer is not powered (Cambridge SoundWorks New Ensemble III HT system), so the sub is in series with the front L and R speakers. I set the front speaker paramenter to "large" which sends most of the bass to the front two channels. The base frequencies are intercepted and crossed-over to the subwoofer which makes for more than adequate base IMO. The bass could be a little tighter, but it is far from muddy. I have no restrictions on the base frequencies or peaks (as controlled by the receiver) - the entire dynamic range is sent to the speakers. The receiver and speakers handle this configuration well and sound nice. It would be interesting to compare my setup with that of a "true" 5.1 powered sub configuration utilizing the dedicated sub out on the unit, but I'm content with my simpler arrangement.

Video is crisp and there is no evidance of signal degredation, cross-talk, or interference with other signals - a credit to the video switching circuitry and Monster Cable patchcords. This was a problem with the Sony, but not the Pioneer.

To put it through its paces, I spun up the Mission to Mars DVD. It is the first time I ever was compelled to replay a scene just to admire the Dolby Digital audio! Separation is accurate and wonderful - very convincing. A guest kept looking around the room suspecting that there were noises coming from outside the room. The CSW speakers and this unit do their surround job very well, and I challenge anyone to come up with a better match for the dollar (got the speakers from a HiFi auction on ebay for less than their going price on the HiFi website).

No show-stoppers for this puppy given its price. The S-Video connection options and learning remote are icing on the cake.

Wonderful, wonderful value!

Similar Products Used:

Sony Pro Logic, Yamaha HTR-5150

Great two-speaker sound.

Box construction could have been better. My dad had a beautiful Kenwood from the early 70s that had a mostly wood exterior. But, I am just dreaming..........

I read every single Pioneer AV receiver review on this website. After careful consideration, I decided to try this model. I am very pleased with the results. However, I must say that I only intend to use this as a two-speaker receiver with only a CD player and tape deck connected. But, I did like the fact that for very little money, I am able to expand in the future if I so desire. Two-speaker stereo operation of this receiver is wonderful. It says a lot when you first hook up the receiver, put on a CD, and become instantly satisfied with the sound before you make any adjustments. The sound is clear with good definition and balance. In fact, I wish that Pioneer would just sell this as a standard two-speaker system instead of incorporating so many of the Surround Sound features. Many people have commented upon how you cannot adjust the bass and treble in anything but two-speaker mode. The fact is that Pioneer had to sacrifice something to make this product so affordable. The only annoying thing is that you have to turn the volume knob up so high before anything audible comes out. Why not start at a slightly higher baseline? Pioneer has yet again made a good quality receiver for very little cost. However, they still make a few crappy models, such as the SX-205 and SX-108. I tried both before getting the VSX-D509S.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer SX-301, SX-205, and Pioneer tape decks and CD players.

Numerous S-VHS connections-Digital inputs and outputs-DD & dts-midnight mode-good remote-quality and value

Manual could use some help in areas-no phono input for vinyl guys-no channel output display

I purchased this unit to upgrade my system to DD and dts. I have been very pleased with it's performance as I was by my previous Pioneer unit.I found the initial setup fairly easy, but the many adjustments needed considerable tweaking to get them to my liking. As with ALL receivers DSP and advanced theatre modes were so-so, their nice if your into that.The unit has plenty of clean power and I generally have the volume in the 30+ range.No hiss or notable noise from the rear or center channels during quiet passages.Unlike other reviewers I have had no trouble with the bass and treble adjustments,although single increments would be nice.

DVD performance has been awesome, grab your rear and hold on. Recently viewed Gladiator in dts, then The Perfect Storm and X-Men in DD 5:1, to say I was impressed is an understatement.The sound was clean and crisp in all channels in both formats.

Audio performance for CD's was very good displaying a very clean brilliant sound.FM performance was good, but AM only fair.
Do miss the phono input,timer and channel sound displays I previously had.

The learning remote is very good and has adult size buttons with a logical layout.
The front panel controls are clean and well executed. The panel display is illuminated in Pioneer amber with minimal display icons.
My very few carps are offset by the great performance,features,price,value and previous reliability.I would recomend this unit to anyone looking for a excellent mid level a/v receiver.You get a lot for your money.

Finally thanks to everyone who participates in this forum with their comments and critiques. Time and time again, I have consulted these reviews for input. Their is no better endorsement than a satisfied customer.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX5900 Dolby ProLogic

good sound, lots of inputs, also has a digital output so you can connect an amp or whatever,DTS,s-video. remote isnt too bad.

box is a little thin. the surround and speaker B inputs are cheap as hell. some complain that you have to turn it way up to hear anything...i dont believe so. unless you want your ears to bleed.

Make sure to turn loudness ON. Sounds like crap when its not. You cant control the bass/treble when in prologic. Midnight mode sounds good also. i dont have a digital cable yet so i can attest for the 5.1 sound. my doesnt get hot probably b/c i have on top of a shelf and nothing covering it. Is this the best reciever out there? No. But it is pretty good for the money. You are going to have to spend in the 500's and up to start getting a product noticebly better. 4 stars cause

Similar Products Used:

none