Great receiver with tons of options and a great look
Written: Feb 05 '02
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Pros: DTS-ES, Great DSP, Tons of Inputs/Outputs, Video Switching, Looks Beautiful (Just like the Elite Series)
Cons: Orange display reminds me of the dash of a 1984 Corvette.
The Bottom Line: If you want the features, functionality, soundquality, and elegant apearance of a high end receiver (Pioneer Elite), why spend $3000 when you can get the VSXD810S for $300?
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| nehpets4627's Full Review: Pioneer VSX-D810S 6.1 Channels Receiver |
The Pioneer VSX-D810S was the only receiver I could find in my price range with DTS-ES 6.1. After deciding I wanted (based on listed options and good reviews), finding it was the next step. I went to 5 Circuit City's in the Metro Atlanta Area before tracking one down that had just come off lay-away. I considered my self lucky.
After getting the VSX-D810S home, hooking it up to all of my A/V components, going through the lengthy yet simple(45min, guided by the manual) set up, I began to consider myself VERY LUCKY. I tested the DTS-ES 6.1 with the opening battle of Gladiator and was blown away. I was amazed at how much the 6th channel added to the home theater experience. With everything set up and powered on, this receiver does great with DVDs, TV, and Video Games in DD, DTS-ES, and DPL.
While comparing this receiver to others online and in the stores, I fell in love with the clean and elegant look of it's front panel. Buttons and front inputs are hidden by a fold down panel and all markings are tasteful and in an elegant gold tone. Other receivers look cluttered with unnecessary buttons and gaudy markings. When comparing receivers in the store, I found that this receiver had the same elegance and design cues as the amazingly expensive Pioneer Elite series. I also think it performs just as well, and you aren't paying for the Elite name or the THX certification.
The DSP settings are also surprisingly helpful (with my past 2 receivers, DSP hurt more than it help). With this receiver, 6D-Theater DSP down-mixes the surround-right and surround-left channels on DD and DPL soundtracks and outputs it to the surround-back, adding a 6th channel to any source. The 6D-Stereo mode is great for CD and 2channel audio, down-mixing left and right to the center, and outputting right and left to the surround-right and surround-left, and also down mixing right and left to the surround-back speaker. This creates an enveloping stereo environment and makes music more enjoyable than basic stereo.
The video switching built into the VSX-D810S is really great. This was a big selling point for me, since I have 5 A/V components (DVD, 5-Disc CD, PS2, Nintendo GameCube, and VHS) to connect to one receiver and TV. It took a little creative engineering to accomplish this (the PS2 is plugged into the VCR input of the receiver using S-video and optical, and the GameCube is plugged into the VCR input of the receiver using RCA for audio and video) but I was able to get everything working, even a little outside the limitations of the receiver itself.
I have no plans of upgrading to separate amplification, but I'm glad I have that option. I also don't plan on upgrading to a DVD player with 7.1 outputs, but I'm glad if I ever do, this receiver is ready to go. My current DVD player uses S-Video, and not component output, so that's another feature of the VSX-D810S that I don't plan on using, but I always can if I want to.
My only true complaint about this receiver is the color of the display. The burned orange color reminds me of the computerized dash display of a 1984 Corvette. I never have liked this color. It just screams out 80's to me. I guess if this is my only complaint, I should find something else to complain about.
Other reviews have complained about the lack of DPLII. I have compared DPL and DPLII at HI-FI Buys, Best Buy, and Circuit City and have found very little difference in their decoding abilities. I can do without DPLII.
This is my third surround sound receiver, which I even find hard to believe, since I’m only 19 years old. My first set up was top of the line three years ago (SONY ES DPL Receiver, Bose acoustimass 7 and Bose 100 rears). Don't think I paid retail for that set up; I got it all for $200 from a guy who needed cash quick. After that, I felt the need for 5.1 Dolby Digital, and was able to sell my sony/bose set-up on eBay for over $800, so I went to the Aiwa (made by Sony) HT-D970 home theater in a box. I got this full set up (120x5, 5 good speakers, and a 50W powered sub) for $260 refurbished. The step up to DD 5.1 was breathtaking, and the receiver was great, but the speakers and sub (however great for a beginner) just didn't blow me away. To remedy this, I replaced the right and left with KLH 1230B 3-Way 170W Floor standing speakers, the center with a KLH 325 Platinum Series 3-way Center Channel, KLH TW-09B 2-way 100W Surround Speakers, and a KLH ASW120 120W Powered Sub. Many people rag on KLH, but I have found they make great speakers and are one of the few speaker companies made in the USA. By replacing the AIWA speakers and sub, I had a great set up that made me like watching DVDs better than going to the theater.
That little biography of my HT setup before purchasing the VSX-D810S is meant to show you what kind of equipment I’m pushing with the VSX-D810S (no where near top of the line, but even to the trained ear, it performs superbly). When I purchased the VSX-D810S, I also purchased a KLH 931 3-way 100W center channel speaker to use as the surround-back speaker.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299.99
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Epinions.com ID:
nehpets4627
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Reviews written: 5
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