This is a good receiver but the remote is very confusing. I was able to buy this piece from yawaudio for $340.

The 608 kicks ass. Sound is incredible in stereo and dolby. The 5 independent 100 watt amplifiers drive my speakers with a precision one can only expect from a "THX" rated receiver.

Overall, I think this is a good receiver. It is replacing my old Denon AVR-2500 which was an awesome pro-logic unit that I purchased for $1000(!) in '95. I ordered the 608 from Crutchfield for $399, I know you can get it for less but I didn't trust the other sites and I wanted that famous Crutchfield service/extras.
My High Points:
-Universal remote works with almost all my equipment
-5.1 inputs, coax inputs and optical inputs.
-100Wx5
-DTS for basically free
-S-VHS (almost unheard of at this price)
-Fair price
-Better than expected sound for a low-to-mid range unit

My Low Points:
-No output to Subwoofer in stereo mode, you have to use a DSP or surround mode to get it to work.
-Remote has codes for my old JVC CD-player but causes the disc drawer to eject everytime I turn the CD player on with the remote.

My Equipment (this is important since your results will vary based on what is jacked into the 608):
35" Sony XBR, JVC XV1000 DVD, Klipsch KSB1.1 - front, Klipsch in-ceilings (same as KSB1.1) - rear, KSB C1 - center, KSB200W Sub.

You've heard it before but I will say it again: If you are looking for a high-end unit, look elsewhere but if you are looking for a good mid-range unit then you should check this one out.

Given the price, the 608 could be a five but it only gets a four because of the lack of subwoofer support in stereo. This is a big fault since I would like to use the system for music but DSP modes always sound horrible even on $1000 Denons, Yamahas, and Sonys.

I was frustrated with the remote and the receiver had a very difficult time running my Bose AM-5 the sound was very tinny and harsh, very abrasive to listen to. I have a Pioneer Laserdisc player that I have always been very happy with, but I ended up returning this piece to get the Kenwood which so far has not had the same shortcomings.

I have to respectfully disagree with the positve reviews of the Pioneer VSX-D608 posted on this sight. I purchased one this week, expecting to get a pretty decent reciver, not a Harmon Kardon, or a Yamaha, but a nice lower end receiver. I was severely disappointed. This unit had a sever lack of bass, and to get a decent sound in Dolby Digital or DTS, I had to crank the receiver to over 90% of the receiver's maximum wattage. There is no way this is a 100 x 5 receiver!To make matterw worse, you cannot use a sub in regular stereo mode, which other reviewers have mentioned. Any time I paused my DVD or LD player, and then hit play I would get a horrible popping noise out of the speakers. The sound in stereo was so horrible I wanted to poke out my eardrums with a pencil. ANother important note-those wonderful s-video inputs on this unit actually dergraded my video signals, and the s-video inputs was one of the reseons I chose this reciever. This is a very low quality receiver, and personally I'd avoid it like the plague. I'm running a Sony STR-DE 825 right now (I wanted the Pioneer to upgrade to DTS and for s-video), and the Sony obliterates the Pioneer, especially in DOlby Digital. If you want DTS, DOlby Digital, and S-video, wait for the new Sony STR-DE835 and 935 units to come out. THe Sony holds it's own next to Yamaha and HK. I don't supprt one brand, as I love my Pioneer car stereo and LD player, but when it comes to a great budget av receiver go with the Sony! Feel free to email me with any questions.

Great sound at a great price!

I have to agree with the last couple of reviews. I have had this unit for about a month now. It is a wonderful entry level A/V receiver into the world of DD 5.1 and DTS. If you are like the majority and can't afford the high end systems but don't want to sacrifice all the wonderful features...like s-video switching, DD 5.1, DTS, multiple Digital inputs (3 optical; 1 coax), an optical digital output, etc...take a serious look at this item.
It is not perfect, but please do not expect a Yamaha DSP-A1 amp or RXV-2095 receiver. I got this unit for $369+$20s&h=$389 total (a savings of anywhere between $1000-$1500 from these higher end units.) When my disposable income allows I might look at a higher end amp/receiver, then I can use this one in my secondary viewing/listening room in the house. Until then I am thrilled with the Pioneer VSX-D608.

I would probably give it a rating of four for the value/performance of this receiver, but to help offset the initial "one" rating given by a reveiwer with way too high an expecation for the price...I'll go ahead and give it a five.

I got my D608 at Suckit City (Circuit City to most of you) for $379. The only other reciever I considered was the Technics SA AX930 (which looks and feels really cheap) So I spent the extra $40 on the Pioneer. This unit has gonzo connections and looks like a polished product.. HOWEVER I really don't like having to use the "LOUDNESS" button and cranking the bass up +5 just to get decent midbass from my Polk RT35's I have no complaints about the sound quality but it just seems like this unit is lacking power. I've yet to see its HT performance. I think a lot of the audiophile types who are die hard about seperates and spending $4000 on a 40W stereo amp are expecting too much from this unit. I would suggest to Pioneer that they ditch the bass and treble buttons for knobs and incorporate high current power at the sacrifice of silly shit like DSP modes. Although sufficient with the bass set to about +4 (the max is +6), it seems like it's kinda of gasping for power even with my tiny Polks. I demoed these speakers with a $1200 Onkyo reciever and I know damn well they can play louder than what I get with this unit. On the upside, consider this: mega connectability, DTS, low price, solid construction, and... did I mention it's dirt cheap? Don't expect this reciever to blow away other models out there in anything but features. The sound quality is decent however it just seems to lack power in terms of bass. I think the ideal job for this unit would be found in compact theater systems.

Much respect.
-Todd

Hi. I don't mind the 608 except I totally hate you cant use sub in large mode. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF PIONEER ELITE HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM

Just Responding to Jim Youngblood, regarding the Pionner VSX-D608 sounding harsh through his Bose AM-5 speakers. What did you expect with Bose speakers? All Bose speakers are such hunks of crap that most self-respecting audio/home entertainment magazines (EX: see Sound & Vision or Home Theater) don't even bother review them.
GET SOME REAL SPEAKERS AND TRY REVIEWING THE PIONEER AGAIN!

I give it the big 5 stars, its awesome baby!