Pioneer VSX-D514 Multi-Channel Digital A/V Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've used this receiver for a year, during which time I've had nothing to complain about. It's a respectable buy in its price range, sounds quite good, and is not overly complex. I've just replaced it as my primary receiver, though, because it doesn't have enough digital inputs to handle a variety of sources. To manage the optical inputs from my TV, DVD recorder, Macintosh computer, cable box, and CD recorder, I was required to buy a switching device from Radio Shack. Now my new receiver has enough inputs to manage the load, as well as vastly more power and features. The 514 has only one optical and two coax inputs.
I expect the 514 to continue to give service for a long time, hooked up the bookshelf speakers in my bedroom.
If you want basic stereo and surround capability, this is a model worth considering, but if you imagine your needs will grow like mine have, then you might want to bump up to a more expensive/expansive unit. (In case you wonder, I now have a Yamaha HRT-5890, and it early on seems an excellent choice.)
Note that I do not dabble in the black arts of the audiophiles. I'm an unpretentious listener with reasonably high expectations. I doubt if I would care about the alleged sound distinctions between, say, a Denon and a Yamaha. I do care a lot about the quality of the user's manual, and the D514 has one that is not hard to understand.
You might have a problem figuring out from the Amazon description that the 514 is 5x100 watts.

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Designed to give consumers full control over their home entertainment experience, the Pioneer VSX-D514-S 5.1-channel digital A/V receiver is a great fit for the discriminating movie and music fan. The receiver, which powers five channels at 100 watts each, is equipped with Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround processing, giving DVDs a rich, full-bodied sound through a multichannel speaker system. Dolby Digital and DTS decoding technologies split the audio signals among four left and right surround speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer, while Pro Logic II converts two-channel stereo sources into five-channel surround sound. On surround encoded material such as movie soundtracks, the resulting audio is powerful and explosive, while with two-channel encoded material such as music CDs, the effect is a wider and more encompassing sound field with more localized vocals.
Internally, the VSX-D514-S boasts a single compact circuit board for all digital signal processing, thus ensuring exceptional purity, plus a double-precision Motorola 48-bit DSP engine that's similar to the one used in top theaters worldwide. The receiver also offers a discrete configuration along with Pioneer's hybrid amplification system, which directs the correct amount of bias signal to each transistor for extremely low distortion. This means that Pioneer's amps are designed to handle the full bandwidth of Dolby Digital, DTS, SACD, and DVD-Audio encoded software. Add that to the high-end digital-to-analog audio converter and you have a top-shelf receiver.
Installation takes just a few minutes thanks to the Quick Setup feature, which walks the consumer through the setup process. Listeners simply tell the receiver how many speakers are connected and then select the room size. The receiver then delivers an accurate surround sound performance based on the configuration. Additional features include component and S-video switching, which allows both progressive and interlaced NTSC and HDTV signals to travel to the TV or monitor; five digital signal processing modes, including game and movie modes; multiple digital coaxial and optical inputs; and a preset LCD remote control. The VSX-D514-S measures 16.56 by 6.25 by 15.5 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box VSX-D514-S receiver, remote control, two AA batteries, AM and FM antennas, user's manual.

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Polk Audio CSW155 Passive in-wall subwoofer Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought this for a 5.1 system I built for a customer. I recommend using the SWA500 500w amp that Polk Audio recommends, you wont be dissappointed. I installed this in a standard wood frame wall with very old and brittle drywall on it, i expected to have to repair or replace alot of after i turned the system on. To my surprise while the bass produced by this sub will wake your neighbors and drive you out of the house, there is very minimal vibration in the wall itself. Was very surprised and am most definately going to keep buying these and installing them every chance i get.

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Proficient Audio Systems M40 80-Watt High-Current AM/FM Stereo Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought this unit 1 year ago last month. Today there is no output to the speakers. Very disappointing.

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Yamaha HTR-5750SL 6.1 Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver (Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It took awhile after I got the unit to hook it all up because I was just plain lazy. Little did I know what I had in my possession other than the fact that a friend of mine that works at Sears recommened it to me. This system beats my parents system and they had invested something like 3 grand on their complete system. The speaker set I had was about 2 grand and this just went together with the reciever perfectly. I haven't run into any issues and everything was easy to understand and figure out. The only thing I despise about the system is the usage of another remote, of course that comes with any system.

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Bringing ease of use, broad format compatibility, and high sound quality to forward-looking home theaters, Yamaha's HTR-5750SL audio/video receiver offers the convenience of DVD-Audio/SACD-ready analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1-channel surround processing and premium Yamaha sound technologies. The receiver's stylish silver appearance will augment many decors.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 90-watts-per-channel HTR-5750SL handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the receiver processes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, and DTS-EX Discrete 6.1. The extended-surround formats create even more expansive soundfields through a center-rear channel, resulting in six discrete, full-range signals in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: front left/right, surround left/right, and front/rear center channels.A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.Non-Dolby Digital and DTS sources can benefit from surround processing, too. With enhanced directional steering over standard four-channel Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II provides 5.1 channels of surround processing from any stereo source--whether that's a TV broadcast, VHS tapes, or your favorite CDs, cassettes, and LPs.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.Then there's the six-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. Due to anti-piracy measures, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)DVD-Audio and SACD can each deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (in the case of DVD-A, that means 24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD). In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio and SACD is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5750SL accommodates decoded DVD-A/SACD signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.The receiver offers four audio/video input connections (all with composite-/S-video, two with component-video), four fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The receiver's video circuitry is high-definition ready, too (60 MHz bandwidth), and it will upconvert composite-video to an S-video signal to simplify TV hookup.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5750SL benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, an AM loop antenna, an indoor FM antenna, a warranty card, and a user's manual.

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Pioneer Elite SC-25 - AV network receiver - Rhapsody, vTuner, Sirius internet radio - 7.1 channel - high-gloss black Review

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(More customer reviews)As the title instruct you to do above, do what you have to, to be able to get one of these gems! I have had this receiver for about a month, and I never cease to be satisfied with this Unit! This unit is all about the details, both in sound quality and build quality. The thing is a monster(over 40 lbs). The connection panel in the back even has copper screws to attach grounding wires to for your individual connections, if your connection needs to have a ground available . Not to mention, the sheer amount of inputs at your disposal means that you can hook up almost anything your heart desires. Anyone can hook this unit up and use the M.C.A.C.C. and get a good sound, but, as the saying goes the devil is in the details. If you want to take it a step further, you can hook your receiver up to your P.C. (as I took the time to do) with a non supplied cable and download pioneers advanced M.C.A.C.C. software and fine tune your sound stage to your hearts content. I have a Horn loaded set-up for speakers which some people whine about the sound (klipsch: rf63's, rc64, rsw10d, and 2 pairs of rs62's), but if you are knowledgeable enough about tuning to use you computer skills and M.C.A.C.C. (playing with the X curve roll off) then you can get a sound that's on par with the best. The ICE power amps deliver effortless clean and coherent power to all channels, and have been tested to deliver with in approximately 1% of the claimed power rating on test benches by several different magazines/reviewers, not like other brands (Onkyo to name one in specific,I have previous ownership experience tsxr-806, which might have reached its power rating if there was a power surge and the unit was blowing up). The kuro link is a nice feature for those of us who own Pioneer Kuro's (myself included). One last feature that is worth noting is the pure direct feature that delivers the sound with no processing as it should be, in 2 channel full range with no sub out put so make sure your speakers are up to snuff and you will get a sound that is as incredible as it was intended to be, you will hear things that you have not noticed on the recording in previous listening sessions on other equipment. If you can afford it, or at least over extend yourself to get one, buy it as fast as you can.
As an update I recently added two items to this receiver that I believe made a great improvement in sound quality, an Audioquest NRG-5 AC9 power cord, and a pare of 10' bi-wired with bananas, Audioquest Mont Blanc(bananas because of the lack of spade support, which is endemic to most receivers for space reasons). The first thing I think that anyone purchasing one of these darlings should do is to toss that wimpy ac9 cost saving power cable it was designed to save them $. Doing so will allow your receiver to eat as much clean power (assuming you are running a power conditioner) as it can demand, and the improvements in the sound staging and placement of instruments and vocals were night and day. It may be me but I think the power cable made a larger improvement than my $2k+ speaker cables.

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Sony STRDG2100 7.1-Channel Surround Sound A/V Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)The Sony STR-DG2100 7.1 Channel Receiver allows 1080p 24hz (fps) pass through, so owners of Toshiba's 1080p24 HD DVD players can now enjoy 24fps and PS3's can use the "auto" selection (instead of "on" forced) and still get the same benefit of 24fps through a receiver. Also, nice for owners of Toshiba's HD DVD XA2 or A35 (and some Blu-ray players) is the inclusion of Dolby+, Dolby TrueHD and dts-HD Master Audio for, IMO, a great improvement in sound with these formats (as opposed to having them decoded in their players). Of course, soon more Blu-ray and HD DVD players will allow these high performance features to be even more beneficial. In the meantime this new Sony receiver offers improvements in switching over, say, the STR-DG1000, like being able to easily listen to FM radio (or other audio source) while watching a movie or TV show and NOT causing the unit to try to switch HDMI video, which usually results in havoc. Also, if you just want FM/AM radio, this new receiver cycles through just those and excludes XM and Sirius (unless you want to add them, of course, as they are available), which results in less unnecessary cycling - nice touch. At a little over 30-lbs this receiver feels well constructed, but not obese. Finally, This receiver delivers a fully enveloping sweet and airy sound that benefits from it's rating of 100-watts per channel. Even so, it is fairly efficient requiring only about 350-watts power allowing it to run much cooler and is definitely more eco-conscience then most of the popular receivers currently offered. So, now I can leave it on more often and feel less guilty. I really love mine, nice job Sony!

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Onkyo TX-NR801 - AV receiver - 7.1 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)- an excellent receiver. Quality construction, excellent sound. The Net-Tune features work well with a minimum of setup fuss. The unit is probably a little pricier per feature than some other units, but the trade-off in sound quality and ease-of-use is worth it.
Highly recommended...

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When you're looking for the ultimate in movie and music reproduction, unlock the full potential of an audio/video receiver and expand your home entertainment with Onkyo's TX-NR801. The 100-watts-per-channel x 7 TX-NR801 is a THX Select AV receiver offering compatibility with all major home theater surround sound processing formats, plus Onkyo's unique Net-Tune distributed audio technology for the seamless integration of high-quality audio with a home computer network. Other features include 192 kHz/24-bit audio DACs for superior sound quality, HDTV-capable component-video switching, and Onkyo's Powered Zone 2 capability, making it the centerpiece for an exceptional multiroom home entertainment system.Onkyo's exclusive Net-Tune capability uses a standard TCP/IP Ethernet connection to unite the receiver with MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files stored on a home PC, or to access Internet radio streams via a networked broadband Internet connection. This system also allows for up to 11 other Net-Tune clients to connect to the same network, all delivering simultaneous and independent access to music stored on a central PC. The receiver's onscreen display shows song title, artist, album, genre, and playlist information, making the entire family's music collection easy to store and access, without the clutter of CDs and their cases. Not even a CD jukebox can hold so much music, and deliver it so quickly and easily.The unit's rear-panel Ethernet connection lets you stream your MP3, WAV, and WMA audio files from your computer, in addition to being your passport to the music of the world via Internet radio. Further, the TX-NR801 incorporates high-grade parts that provide smooth and seamless listening from the latest-generation digital surround formats. The receiver offers onboard processing for THX Surround EX 7.1, Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS-ES, and DTS Neo:6. For analog sources, Onkyo's Pure Audio function allows all digital processing to be completely bypassed to preserve the purity of analog audio signals.HDTV-capable 50 MHz component-video switching and Y/C separation for composite to S-video conversion are included to maintain optimum video signal integrity. You get a total of 7 digital inputs, including one on the front panel and 2 digital outputs, as well as full 7.1-channel pre-outs for use with additional external amplification.There's also an array of multizone features, such as Onkyo's Powered Zone 2, which can drive a set of stereo speakers in another room using the receiver's rear surround-channel amplifiers, or using an external power amplifier. An onscreen display provides control of all settings as well as access to networked digital-media playlists. A backlit preprogrammed learning remote with Mode-Key LEDs simplifies system control and integration.What's in the Box Receiver, a remote control, remote batteries, an AM loop antenna, an FM indoor antenna, a set of speaker-cable labels, a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

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Harman Kardon AVR330 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver (Gray/Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have this paired with athena s5s and a 300 sub. the sound is sweet for everything: PSX. movies -- dialogue & sfx, and of course music -- bright, crystal clear, wonderful range and musicality. night mode is great feature if listening late and worried about neighbors.
only gripe: unit needs an illuminated remote that is more easily programmable.
I got mine from HK online - refurbished for 420. w shipping and same warranty.

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The AVR330 brings you high-performance, theater-quality sound with enough power to bring home all the excitement and detail of the most demanding soundtracks and every nuance of your music. It is capable of 7.1- or 5.1-channel output and offers coaxial and optical digital inputs as well as six- or eight-channel analog inputs for output from DVD-audio players or other devices that use their own built-in surround processing. The AVR330 boasts an array of processing features, including Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, and various types of DTS decoding (DTS, DTS-ES Discrete and Matrix, and DTS Neo:6) for digital sources.
For sources such as CD, VCR, TV broadcasts, and the AVR330's own FM/AM tuner, a choice of several matrix surround-encoded or stereo surround modes are available, including Dolby 3 stereo, hall, and theater modes. To maximize use of your listening environment, the AVR330 offers Harman Kardon's exclusive Logic 7 processing in both 5.1- and 7.1-channel versions to create a wider, more enveloping field environment and more defined fly-overs and pans. In addition, VMAx surround-like simulation uses proprietary processing to create an open, spacious sound field even when only two front speakers are available. The receiver also includes complete digital bass management. Its onboard AM/FM receiver includes both AM and FM antennas and gives you 30 presets for storing your favorite stations. The remote control features EZSet, which automatically sets output levels for optimum performance, and the package includes connections for setting up a second listening environment, complete with a second ("Zone II") remote control.
For video management, the AVR330 gives you component video, S-video, and composite video inputs and outputs, as well as a host of audio connections. The receiver allows you not only to pass digital signals through to compatible devices for recording, but also to convert analog signals to a PCM digital signal for recording to a digital device such as a MiniDisc or CD recorder. It features coaxial and optical digital audio inputs and outputs and a host of analog inputs and outputs, including front-panel digital and A/V inputs for easy connection to portable digital devices and video game consoles. In all, it gives you three coaxial digital inputs, three optical digital inputs, coaxial and optical digital outputs, five A/V audio inputs, tape inputs, CD audio inputs, and 6- or 8-channel direct inputs for use with DVD-audio or SACD players and any other products with internal surround decoders. It also gives you subwoofer and preamp outputs. All input, output, and speaker terminals are color-coded and comply with CEA standards for easy installation.
What's in the Box AVR3300 receiver, owner's manual, remote control with batteries, second remote control for Zone II, AM loop antenna, indoor FM antenna, 300-ohm-to-75-ohm adapter, warranty information.

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Yamaha HTR-5760 7.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Oh Boy ! Prices have come down on quality receivers. Not only do you get more ... but you pay less than the previous version. This one has everything a picky home theater enthusiast is look for:
1 - 7.1 ch amplification
2 - 7.1 preouts (to connect a robust poweramp)
3 - Dolby ProLogic IIx (don't watch movies without it)
4 - Microphone Calibration (not parametric as the name suggests) ... better than an SPL since this measures spkr delays etc.
5 - Adjustable SUB Crossover (down to 40hz)
5 - Construction and overall quality
For Home Theater and Movies ? 5 STARS (Audio in a movie disc is not audiophile grade, so this receiver is just fine for that)
As an audiophile 2-channel receiver ? 3 STARS (get a external good quality poweramp for this)
Suggestions to Yamaha:
1 - Upgrade firmware to allow receiver to use a specific setting as te default for all signals. For instance, if you have a 7 speaker setup ... you should be able to make the player default to Dolby Prologic IIx for any and all signals.
2 - Remove the TUNER and reduce the cost. If you want to listen to the radio ... use that clock radio ! or go out for a drive in your car.
3 - Give us a lighted remote. Any Home Theater component ought to have a lighted remote. I am sure you know why. Right ?
Overall a very good receiver. Good work Yamaha. Bye Bye overpriced Denon.

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For incredible quality and setup flexibility at an amazingly affordable price, it's hard to top Yamaha's high-current HTR-5760 audio/video receiver. With the HTR-5760 you get the convenience of DVD-Audio/SACD-ready eight-channel analog inputs alongside the latest 6.1- and 7.1-channel surround processing, multiroom control, and premium Yamaha sound technologies.When hooked up with the digital-audio output from a DVD-Video player or digital satellite receiver, the 95-watts-per-channel HTR-5760 handles 5.1-channel surround decoding for both major formats, Dolby Digital and DTS. In addition, the receiver processes Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS Neo:6, and DTS 96/24. The extended-surround formats create even more expansive soundfields through a center-rear surround channel, for which THX suggests using two separate speakers. The result is seven discrete full-range channels in addition to the LFE (low-frequency effects) channel: front left/right, surround left/right, front center channel, and a pair of rear-center channels.A key benefit from a Yamaha receiver, of course, is Yamaha's proprietary signal processing, including Cinema DSP (digital soundfield processing), which creates aural "imaging" that not only makes your home sound like a theater, but also sounds better than most movie theaters. Based on a wealth of measured data in real studios and halls, Cinema DSP is designed to bring out the full potential of movie sound mixes, reproducing them the way directors and sound engineers intended.And, when you're listening to multichannel presentations late at night, you'll appreciate Silent Cinema, which simulates 5.1-channel listening through a pair of ordinary 2-channel headphones (not included). Silent Cinema uses unique parameters for each soundfield to ensure accurate headphone representations of each soundfield.The receiver comes with YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Room Acoustic Optimizer) and a dedicated microphone to help you establish the best possible sound at your primary listening position. The optimizer uses the microphone to "listen" to the sound from the speakers and determine, based on its test-signals, how best to equalize the sound for your room. Corrections include speaker/subwoofer phase relationships, speaker/subwoofer distance measurements (corrects for differences down to 5 cm), frequency response (measures and optimizes each speaker's response using a parametric equalizer), and speaker level (measures and aligns the relative volume levels of all speakers).Then there's the eight-channel DVD-Audio/SACD-ready inputs mentioned above. Due to anti-piracy measures, DVD-Audio and SACD players perform their own digital-to-analog conversion, passing high-resolution analog signals on to your amplifier. (And analog, after all, is what your amp feeds your speakers.)DVD-Audio and SACD can each deliver up to six channels of discrete, full-frequency sound at greater-than-CD resolution (in the case of DVD-A, that means 24 bits, 96 kHz sampling rate versus 16 bits, 44.1 kHz for CD). In stereo or surround, the sound from DVD-Audio and SACD is packed with detail, yet smoother and sweeter from than the sound from even the best standard CD players. The HTR-5760 accommodates decoded DVD-A/SACD signals and routes them to the appropriate speakers in your surround system.The receiver offers five audio/video input connections (all with composite-/S-video, two with component-video), eight fixed and assignable digital-audio inputs (great for DSS, CD, laserdisc, gaming consoles, or minidisc), and front-panel input connections with digital-audio jacks for your camcorder or other spontaneous hookup. The receiver's video circuitry is high-definition ready, too (60 MHz bandwidth), and it will upconvert composite-video to an S-video signal to simplify TV hookup.Last, but certainly not least, the HTR-5760 benefits from Yamaha's Digital ToP-ART (Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology) build philosophy. The culmination of the best digital engineering and design possible, it brings together several key elements to create the best-sounding, easiest-to-use A/V components available.What's in the Box Receiver, remote control, four AAA batteries, microphone for YPAO, an AM loop antenna, an indoor FM antenna, a warranty card, and a user's manual.

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Kenwood VR-9070-S 7.1-Channel THX-Certified Home Theater Receiver (Silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the VR-9070 nine months ago after finally deciding to upgrade from my ten year old Kenwood KR-V6070. Desire for Digital sound had finally crested enough for me to plunk down the dough even though my old receiver was still in great working order.
I looked at a few Sony models before settling on this Kenwood due to its price and how well my 10 year old Kenwood receiver had faired. For the price I was surprised to find a THX certified receiver that matched all my other criteria (Dolby/DTS digital decoder, adequate wattage, subwoofer connection & silver casing).
The 9070 sounds great in Digital & Pro Logic settings. I did notice a significant drop off of deep bass compared to my other receiver and I ended up purchasing a JBL sub sooner than I anticipated in order to rectify my bass needs. DVDs sound great in big action scenes, and there is good separation between channels.
The menu is rather unintuitive and difficult at first when attempting to change settings. I am rather disappointed there isn't a simple bass/treble feature. Instead, there are several different settings to navigate through in order to tweak your set-up.
I had some difficulty getting the Digital audio signal from my DVD player to work at first, but finally figured out that if your DVD player has a digital decoder built in as most do these days, then it has to be turned off for the 9070 to recognize and output a digital signal.
The aluminum case is heavy-duty and looks sleek. The flip down cover on the front keeps it looking nice and clean. The blue led display is just the right brightness and looks slick with the silver case. I only wish the connections on the front were also covered.
It does run rather hot, especially in Digital mode. I have about two inches clearance above the receiver and have had no problems with overheating even when running it over 4-5 hours. It does exude quite a bit of heat though so good ventilation is needed.
The only downfall to the 9070 I have experienced so far is the remote. Its small type is hard to read, impossible in the dark, and has almost no contrast to the color of the remote. The LCD screen might as well not be there, its only function is to display what mode the remote is in, and even then it only stays on for a few seconds. Not to mention that the screen, nor any of the buttons is backlit. The remote feels cheap in comparison, and should have a more user friendly appeal. Luckily my universal remote covers the basic volume functions so once my settings were locked in I rarely have use for the remote.
Overall a great receiver for the price.

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Enjoy the very best in surround sound performance with the Kenwood VR-9070-S home theater receiver, which not only delivers 100 watts of power to each of its seven channels, but also meets the demanding standards of LucasFilm's THX Select certification. Internally, the receiver is equipped with a 32-bit floating SHARC digital signal processor, a K-STAT discrete audio amplifier, and a 24-bit/96 kHz audio digital-to-analog converter that combine to deliver remarkably accurate, explosive sound whether you're watching the latest Hollywood spectacle or listening to your favorite tunes on CD. The audio experience is enhanced by the five DSP modes--arena, theater, jazz club, stadium, and disco--that simulate the acoustics of the most common live venues.
As with the best surround receivers, the VR-9070-S offers decoding for a variety of formats, including THX Select, THX Surround EX, THX Cinema, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS, DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx. The first several formats play 5.1-, 6.1-, and 7.1-channel soundtracks from the latest DVDs, while Pro Logic IIx converts two-channel audio sources such as CDs, VHS tapes, and even LPs into full multichannel splendor to create a surround-like effect. The receiver also boasts an active equalizer function that adapts to the type of speakers you own (full range, satellite, etc.) and the type of program you're listening to (movies, music, or TV). The resulting sound can meet all types of expectations, whether you like your audio tight and crisp or full of booming echoes.
The THX Select certification signifies that the VR-9070-S meets the manufacturing standards established by LucasFilm for audio accuracy and performance. Every THX Select-certified component boasts a variety of valuable features, including: re-equalization, which removes the edgy brightness of cinema sound and accurately adapts it for home playback; timbre matching, which ensures a tonal match between the front and surround speakers; adaptive decorrelation, which gives monaural surround signals a true stereo sound; bass management, which directs the bass signals to the subwoofer to ensure cinema-quality bass; peak level management, which protects subwoofers from overload in bass-heavy soundtracks; and loudspeaker synchronization, which allows you to fine tune your system for optimal "sweet spot" listening in any room. To put it simply, THX Select receivers are as close as you can come to true movie-theater sound in your own home.
Additional audio functions unique to the VR-9070-S include automatic signal detection for both analog and digital sources (instinctively switches between CD player, DVD player, or satellite receiver depending on which unit is playing); individual bass and treble controls; and a Midnight Theater mode that softens loud passages of movies so that people in other rooms won't be disturbed. And, of course, the receiver includes a quartz PLL-synthesized AM/FM tuner with 40 station presets.
Adding to the VR-9070-S's value is the receiver's ability to serve as an A/V component switcher (it's HD-compatible), which is ideal for TVs with a limited number of inputs; the HD component pass-through function; and its S-video up-conversion, which converts composite signals to S-video to improve picture quality and minimize signal loss.
For the ultimate in flexibility, the VR-9070-S offers three component video inputs for such items as DVD players and HD receivers, five S-video inputs, and five composite inputs. It also comes with five video outputs (one component, two S-video, and two composite), along with eight audio inputs (including a front-panel auxiliary and a 6-channel input) and four digital audio inputs (two coaxial and two optical). Listeners can even use the receiver to control speakers and components in other rooms thanks to the multiroom A/V and IR control outputs. The VR-9070-S, which measures 17.31 by 6.56 by 15.62 inches (W x H x D), comes with a comprehensive learning remote control and is covered by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box VR-9070-S receiver, remote control, user's manual.

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Velodyne VDR-12BV 12-inch 400 Watt Powered Subwoofer with Remote Control Review

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(More customer reviews)I searched for a subwoofer to pair with my front corner sub, an M&K 150THX. I wanted a remote volume control. This limited me to the Velodyne brand. My room is 16.5' by 24' with a cathedral ceiling and is open on one side. I wanted a 12" sub since the M&K is a dual 12" model and since the second sub would be placed close to the listening position, did not want an over powering 15" sub. The DD, DEQ, and Optimum lines are very expensive. That leaves the DLS and VDR. The VDR is identical to the DLS in performance (it lacks a set-up feature that I am not to sure about). The woofer, the amp, and the rear panel inputs, outputs and switches are identical. Per the discussion sites, the VDR series, now discontinued, was created to be sold at mass merchandise stores at a lower price (for those "site" people, they sent a July 2009 build date model). The price here made it an easy choice.
The sub came two days after ordering from HiDef. It came in perfect condition. With the remote, it was easy to integrate into my PSB surround system. More tests to follow, but so far so good. I gave it 5 stars bases on the value, I'm sure there are better more powerful subs, but I didn't need anything more than this one.

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Harman Kardon DPR 1001 Digital Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the dpr 1001 in October and auditioned it for 2 weeks before returning it. Please take note that this is really, for the most part a positive review, and overall I was very impressed with this unit. Although it didn't quite fit my needs, it very well may fit yours.
This reciever is an entirely new technology so you really can't directly compare it to an analog amp. The amplifier section is entirely digital making this one of the first of it's kind. I could easily take pages with this review, but I'll try to sum it up with a pro and con list:
Pro:
Tons of inputs, many assignable. One of the coolest features of this is the ability to map inputs, much the same way as an audio mixing board. For example, you can tell the unit to use the optical 2 input for Video 1, or Video 2, etc, without moving any plugs. You can also tell it to turn the front panel jacks from inputs to outputs to record something to your mp3 or camcorder. Very nice.
Extremely quiet. The noise floor on this thing is about the quietest I ever heard, almost high-end. The amp is very revealing, a solo violin recording sounds startlingly realistic. Also the tiny details in movie soundtracks such as the whizzing bullets in Saving Private Ryan sounded absolutely clearer and more present than on anything else I'd ever heard, including a set of 6,000$ seperates I auditioned recently at a local high-end boutique. That impressed the heck out of me.
The HK Vmax processing is the first "play your cd's through all the speakers faux surround" I ever heard that actually sounded good. This makes the dsp on my old Yamaha sound like a 1950's reverb tank. Awsome.
Very small and light compared to other recievers in it's class. Since the digital amp puts out much less heat than an analog one, it doesn't require big, heavy heatsinks. Picking up this reciever feels like you're holding a cheap vcr rather than an expensive reciever.
Big LED display you can see across the room and a great remote that is easy to set up and use.
Cons:
This unit has only one real con in my opinion, but it was big enough to make me reluctanly pack it up and send it back; and that is the power delivery. The PWM digital amps sound remarkably clean, BUT they seriously lack the dynamic punch of an analog. They had a difficult time driving my PSB bookshelf monitors, and they are pretty efficient. In plain speaking, the amp sounded clean and bright, maybe a bit too bright, but lacked power. Everything sounded a touch brittle and the bass was significantly lacking. I am an longtime audiophile and no matter how feature packed and impressive a receiver is, if it doesn't sound great, it's useless for me. Ultimately it failed my acid test for sound quality, but just by a hair. Keep in mind I am extremely picky, being an audio engineer and someone who owned high-end seperates in his single, pre-child days, and i am sure a great number of people would be pleased as punch with the sound delivered by the 1001, especially classical fans, as the lack of high-current delivery and lower-mid punch isn't as much of an issue.
To sum it up quickly and simply. This is a reciver that does everything you could want it to, and very well. If you are either a fan of quieter music (chamber, folk, etc) or are mostly concerned with the home theatre performance, i recommend this highly. If, however you plan on driving inefficient audiophile speakers, or using it primarily for rock music, you may want to consider the superior current delivery and more potent bass/midbass punch of one of HK's analog models. I think the digital amp technology is in it's infancy, and although it's not quite there yet, in another few years, who knows?

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The 7.1-channel DPR 1001 digital path receiver features a full digital-signal path from input to output, combining high-power output, convenience, and leading-edge performance with a sleek, high-tech appearance. Winner of a CEA Innovations 2003 Design and Engineering Award, the 7.1-channel DPR 1001 delivers 50 watts into each of its seven main channels. It's also compatible with all popular 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1-channel surround decoding formats, as well as with all high-resolution video and audio formats and display devices, thanks to its wide-bandwidth HDTV- and DTV-compatible component-video switching, multichannel analog-audio inputs, and detailed bass management.
The DPR 1001's versatile setup and configuration options include independent multiroom-multisource operation and a comprehensive array of rear-panel and front-panel digital and analog video and audio connections. The receiver comes with Harman Kardon's programmed LCD remote control with EzSet functionality, plus a Zone II remote for control of a second-room audio system. The receiver uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) digital amplifier technology--which keeps digital-audio signals in the digital domain from input to the last stage of output--to achieve significant advantages in performance and physical design.
Harman Kardon's Triple-Crossover Bass Manager is among the most advanced bass-management systems available in any audio-video receiver or DVD player. This system lets you select from three bass-crossover frequencies for the front, center, and surround speakers to perfectly tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers for optimal frequency response and performance. This compensates for the absence of bass management on many high-resolution optical players (like DVD-Audio or multichannel SACD players), making it easy to enjoy maximal sonic benefits from high-resolution formats. Advanced 24-bit, 192 kHz D/A converters ensure the highest possible resolution, fidelity, and dynamic range. Two proprietary Harman audio technologies, Logic 7 7.1/5.1 and VMAx, deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo audio source material. When the unit's connected to a computer or sound card with a compatible coaxial digital-audio output, you can play back MP3-encoded CDs or Internet-delivered streaming media.
The unit's audio-video connections includes composite video, S-Video, and wide-bandwidth component video switching, plus a wide-bandwidth component-video output, which passes the full bandwidth of HDTV signals. Digital and analog front-panel jacks accommodate program sources such as game consoles, VCRs, camcorders, digital still cameras, and portable audio-video products. Exclusive to Harman Kardon products, the front-panel coaxial digital audio and analog audio-video jacks may be switched to function as record outputs for easy connection to portable recording devices.

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Denon AVR-2808CI 7.1-Channel Multizone Home Theater Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned a few receivers in the past (mostly Sony ES models), but none of them compare to this one. Denon specializes in audio, and it shows! Don't get me wrong, I love and own alot of Sony's products (two TVs, PS3, Vaio computer, DVD player, etc.), but after picking up this Denon and pairing it with a Polk speaker/sub setup, I've never been happier, and the upgrade from the Sony ES it replaced is substantial in many ways.
Denon AVR-2808ci Pros:
-Sound quality is absolutely incredible! Even compressed music from iPod is great ("Restorer" feature really helps!). Highs, mids and lows are all accurately reproduced, and there are tons of custom EQ options!
-Audyssey Auto-Calibration is accurate and thorough.
-Includes decoding of all current and future sound-fields (DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD, as well as Uncompressed PCM and everything else you can imagine, all via HDMI version 1.3a)!
-Display is large and includes alot of necessary info-this thing tells you what it's doing.
-Solid build quality and nice looking!
-Connectivity options (HDMI, toslink, digital coax, component video, s-video, etc.)
-Video upconversion via HDMI using built-in Faroudja DCDi processor, or just passthrough and use as a convenient HDMI switcher (assignable inputs).
-Excellent sound processors, both for movies and music, complement a solid, beefy amplifier.
-Customizable as all heck: 4-stage dimmer, "Quick Select" feature for three sources, learning lcd remote, volume level options, mute level options, default settings per-source, massive amount of EQ/channel level/crossover settings, and more!
-Main remote works great, learns and controls just about all of your gear.
This receiver is truly great for anybody who is serious about their Home Audio/Home Theater. The only drawbacks are that it is very complex, which is fine except that Denon doesn't make it any simpler to understand in the manual. It definitely takes some time to set this thing up and learn its interface. The Sony's I've owned in the past were far more user-friendly from the initial set-up/calibration onward. However, they never delivered results that were even close to this unit, and once you learn it, it does make sense and is relatively user-friendly after setup.
Cons:
-Complex manual and interface takes time to learn.
-On Screen Menu lags a little and blacks out picture rather than a nice overlay. Also, it's not the better looking, more user friendly GUI that more expensive models have (as well as all Sony's).
-Smaller secondary remote only works for other Zones (not a big deal really, but still...)
-Main remote takes forever to program/set up for universal usage. complicated.
-Only two HDMI inputs (could've used at least one more at this price range).
-No HD radio or Sirius support (does have XM).
Overall, minor gripes aside (nothing's ever perfect), I'm incredibly pleased and excited to own this unit and have it as the central hub to my Home Theater. I have Blu-ray now (PS3) and the advantages and options both now and in the future are vast. I'm confident that the Denon AVR-2808ci will allow me to take full advantage of that and other things for years to come. Mostly, though, it just cranks out amazingly good audio from any source, and that is ultimately what receivers are for. Highly recommended!

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Onkyo TX-DS989ver2 - AV receiver - 5.1 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the most incredible receiver ever put on the market, it does everything and more. It is heavy but with all the items it has, it has to be. It's a shame that Onkyo stopped making this model.

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JVC RX-9000VBK Dolby Digital/DTS Audio/Video Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)The JVC RX-9000VBK is apparently JVCs flagship reciever, and while it is a nice reciever, it does not present itself as boldly as some of JVCs other flagship equipment. This receiver is big and complicated, so I will try to divide it up into the different aspects that I feel are important for a reciever to have.
Frist and foremost, this is a reciever, so lets look at audio quality. I have hooked this unit up to a seven piece two-thousand dollar THX Technics speaker system, and it has very nice sound. Because this particular system has two active subwoofers (a left and a right one), I found the Subwoofer level adjustment a godsend. All of the speakers had individual level adjustment (less the mains which had balance control), which is very nice. The noise level is as it should be in any reciever in this class, non-existant. The unit has many audio inputs: One COAX PCM [or SPDI/F], three optical TOS-LINK, and 3 sets of standard analouge connectors. This does not include any of the sets that are coupled with video. The optical and coax digital inputs are software routable, which is good. The unit does have sub-room output with a second set of stereo speakers as an option, but I will not be using this setup. I also found the DSP effects to be genuinely lowsey. The Pro-Logic mode is VERY quiet and VERY noisy, and the other modes don't do much for me. The built in 3-band EQ on the other hand, I find quite useful, but 5 band would have made me like it a little more.
Next video and the like. The unit has inputs for DVD, TV, an I/O for VCR, also a front video input jack and in addition a VCR2 that is virtually useless. All of the inputs except VCR2 support both S-Video and Composite. Here is one spot where the unit looses points. The S-Video and Composite video are on seperate busses in the unit, i.e. if you have a video camera the uses composite video, all your output devices need to be wired for composite video. Its utterly redicilous. In addition, what is the point of a second VCR connector that has only composite video in? There is none. Very disapointing.
With DVD input you have four ways to connect your audio, you can use Coaxial Digial, Optical Digital, 2-Channel Stereo, and a 6-channel descrete mode with inputs for each of Center, Sub, Left and Right, and Rear Left and Right. I myself could not get my JVC DVD Player to send 5.1 Channel audio over optical and have my JVC Reciever recieve it, so I'm stuck with the 6-channel mode. I am still discussing this issue with JVC, but this is also disapointing that there seems to be prodcut compatibility issues between the same brand.
The unit does have an optical digial out, a feature I'm not using now, but mabye I will some time in the future. Its nice to have there.
Of corse there are AM and FM radio modes, but I don't have an antenna, so I don't get a single channel. Its probably a good tuner. I really don't know.
The manual is an abomination of technical writing. I recomend having a tech-savy friend help you install it rather than resorting to the manual. It only explains how to change settings without the remote, which leaves out the entire on-screen system. Thankfully, the design of the unit itself is good and relivelty easy to use, with a surprisingly small number of options.
The remote is well designed, but has no support for DVD players of any kind. This is unfortunate, because if not for that, I could have actually used one remote for the whole setup. JVC has invoatve technology called compu-link, and once you get by its primitive stages, its very impressive. All of the components in the system I was setting this up in (less the speakers which I've already mentioned) were JVC, a JVC D-Series 32" TV, an older (but still AWESOME) JVC-S9500U VCR, and a JVC BX2000 DVD Player. When you turn the reciever off, everything else shuts right down. When you power on the reciever and pick VCR, the VCR powers up. Good design here. JVC does include a remote sender to add a smiliar feature to non-jvc equipment, but it must be placed so that it can "see" all the other compoents, which can be very awakard. The switching can be annoying occasionally. Changing mixing modes on the DVD player often made the reciever switch to stereo analouge mode for DVDs insted of the 6 channel mode.
Its obvious that JVC still has alot of work to do in the reciever market. They should really invest more time into manual design. Also, at the retial price, its fairly expensive for what it does. If this unit were about $500, it would be a bargin.
The reason I bought this reciever is I thought it would impress me, and to be frank, it doesn't, but I'm not an easy person to please. I probably should have saved my money and bought a ONKYO TX-DS989 :)

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JVC takes the clean sound of Advanced Super A design to five channels in its flagship multiroom, multisource, audio/video control receiver, the RX-9000VBK. Advanced Super A design eliminates the crossover and switching distortion normally associated with high-efficiency class AB amplifiers.The RX-9000VBK, with built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, is compatible with multichannel audio and has 5.1-channel analog inputs and five separate amplifiers. Tested under all conditions, the fully discrete 120-watt-per-channel (stereo) and 100-watt-per-channel (surround) amplifier section is FTC rated into either 8 ohms or 4 ohms.Built-in multiroom/multisource capabilities are conveniently controlled by an RF/infrared multibrand audio/video/cable/satellite remote unit. The RX-9000VBK can send different programs to separate locations--for example, video sound to the den while CD audio is playing in a bedroom. The remote also controls TV auto on, for use with any brand of TV and all JVC audio-video Compu Link one-touch home theater automation systems.JVC's RX-9000VBK has a multitude of video switching capabilities, with five video inputs (including four S-video) and four audio inputs. In addition, one coaxial and three optical digital audio inputs are assignable for digital satellite, CD, minidisc, and DVD as needed.
The digital inputs feed JVC's legendary K2 interface, which compensates for the inherent jitter and distortion found in digital information. The K2 interface completely re-creates the incoming digital signal before it reaches the digital-to-analog converter. This new exact copy allows the D/A converter to create a more expansive and resolute sound stage on all six channels: front right, center and left; rear left and right; and the ".1" subwoofer.The JVC RX-9000VBK has many ease-of-use features. Text Compu Link displays CD Text or programmed title information on the receiver's fluorescent display and multicolor onscreen display. Users can select and categorize titles via the onscreen display and remote and can see title information even when CD changers are placed out of sight.Other notable features include the 1-bit P.E.M. D.D. audio converter for all six channels and banana plug speaker terminals with five-way binding plugs for added integrity.

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Pioneer Elite SC-09TX - AV network receiver - 10.2 channel Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been looking at this receiver for almost a year. My wife surprised me with it for Christmas/Anniversary gift. Well, i have to say it better than I have ever expected. I was able to Bi-amp my speakers now and I have never heard and experienced audio quality like I have now. Not only is the audio quality second to none, the video quality is great. This unit has many features for making home theatre a piece of cake to setup. I highly recommend this unit for anyone looking for the best in a high end receiver.

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Yamaha RX-V995 Surround Receiver with Dolby Digital and DTS Decoding Review

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(More customer reviews)This is such a feature-ladened high quality Dolby Digital Receiver that is blows the others away! My last receiver was a Denon, but I will tell you that this is heads and tales above the Denon. This Yamaha receiver is able to accurately reproduce the Dolby 5.1 format in all of its glory fully enabling the expressive power of Dolby Digital!

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