Crap. Go elsewhere
Written: Dec 19 '02
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Pros: Good decoding of Dolby digital; High number of sound modes, OK remote
Cons: So many, I don't know where to start
The Bottom Line: Buy something else.
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| mdroc1's Full Review: Pioneer VSX-D409 5.1 Channels Receiver |
I don't know what the rest of the reviewers are thinking. This is a pretty damn-poor amp. I want to catagorize each part separately.
POWER
It is rated at 100W x 5, by this is not a true indication. In fact, it feels more like 60W. When I really crank in for a loud explosion, it draws back - scared to deliver any real punch. Some DVDs I have played on my replacement amp (another brand)didn't even sound the same. Overall, a very weak sound, even if you turn the volume extremely high.
EASE OF USE
Pretty easy to operate, provided you read and follow the manual. Plugging in speaker cables is difficult. They use old-style clip ins and there is very little room for the wire itself, so it doesn't take thick, quality speaker cable.
QUALITY OF SOUND
Despite the lack of power, the decoding is pretty good. Many of the essential elements are present as well as a few subtleties. But it just doesn't pack a good punch.
MUSIC
Disgraceful. Very disproportionate and echoed sound. Just unable to play an sort of music with any grace or style.
FEATURES
The features are pretty broad. It has a number of Dobly Digital modes as well as number DTS modes. Has enough to at least start a home theatre.
OVERALL
This amp is bad. Spend money on your amp. This is crappy, gutless and can't play music. If anyone wants a hint when it comes to buying amps, look for units which have high-current technology: brands like Denon, Onkyo, marantz or H&K (if your willing to spend) are based on this technology and outperform the rest. It is a pity, as I have an old pioneer mini-system which is fantastic, and I have a pioneer DVD player which is equally great. But Pioneer only gets good when you spend a lot of money on their products (as I did with the minisystem and DVD player). Their low-end stuff, like this amp, is to be avoided.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 300
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Epinions.com ID:
mdroc1
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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