Pioneer VSX-917V-K Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this receiver a few days ago to upgrade from my basic Pioneer XV-HTD540 receiver/DVD combo.I'm using the same speakers from before but I swear,this receiver has just breathed new life into them.They sound much more dynamic from the same movies I've been watching.
I really wanted the HDMI and Optical audio connections and am really happy to have them here. This reciever has more options than anyone is likely ever going to use but my favorite so far is the included microphone attachment that will automatically set up your equalizer to the specs of your room by audio noises through the speakers then received by the microphone attachment(note:hook up component cables from the reviever out to your T.V. to get on screen interaction to make this and other options easier).I know this isn't the only receiver to have this feature but it sure is nice to have on a relatively inexpensive one like this, especially if you don't feel like fiddling with the EQ to find your sound. I listened to it before doing the auto set up and it was nice but after the auto set up, WOW, what a difference. I also like how this receiver will tune into whatever source you've set to adjust the listening options(like Dolby Digital,DTS,or even the Sports setting during a game)for what your watching. It also supports both XM and Sirius radio.
Only downsides are that when your using HDMI through the receivers ports,you have to turn the receiver on for the signal to get to your TV. Not a big deal and there are ways around this if you get creative enough. The other being that this reciever only passes through audio via HDMI, it doesn't decode it to play through your speakers. That's only a big deal if you have HD DVD or Blu-ray, as HD audio can only be heard through HDMI or........
........you can get a player with 5.1 analog audio outs to hook into the 5.1 analog ins on the receiver. That's what I did. Now I have hi def movies with their hi def audio playing through my receivers speakers. It's the only way to get hi def audio if your reciever doesn't decode from HDMI. Most of those receivers though are alot more expensive, so I found this to be a great alternative.
Overall, I'm just glad to finally have a reciever with options now.I like this one alot,it's going for a really good price right now and is actually much less than the Harmon Kardon reciever I was looking at which offered the same features. Plus this one is much more powerful than the HK. I feel good about keeping this one around for years to come as it's able to pass through 1080p video, some of the best audio from HD DVD/Blu-ray dics and is 7.1 capable.If your looking for a good mid-range receiver for a good price, this is it.

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Pioneer VSX-917V-K Home Theater Receiver, Black

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