Pioneer VSX-D810S 6.1 Channels Receiver

Pros: Good looks and able to accept almost any input device.
Cons: Pioneer service is terrible. Took over 4 months to have unit repaired.

This is going to be a biased review, but after over four months of waiting to get my unit repaired, I figure the least I could do is warn others. After spending almost $300 for a unit that I have yet to be able to enjoy, I feel that I have paid for...

Pros: Lots of inputs and pre-outs.
Cons: Lack of power. Now way this is 100 watts x 5. Not 6.1 Discrete.

I have used an older Pioneer integrated amp for about 10 years which was rated at 100 watts per channel. This VSX-810S is also rated at 100 watts per channel. There is NO WAY this thing has that much power. On my old amp, I would have the volume at...

Pros: DTS, 6.1, Component ins and outs
Cons: No Dolby Pro Logic 2

I've been through a number of surround sound minishelf systems, and I was looking for a good receiver for a good price. I did some research and narrowed my choices down to this and the Kenwood 509 (both list for around $400). Both have component video...

Pros: Price, 6 channels, tons of input and outputs, component video switching
Cons: Weak amplification, confusing remote, no DPLII

This is a very good receiver for the price. It has just about every feature an average consumer would want or need. It provides 6 channels of amplification for DTS ES, has component video switching and even Pre-Outs for all channels should you decide...

Pros: LCD is dimable,component video inputs, external Dolby decoder inputs, 7.1 channel sound!
Cons: Remote is a nightmare, no EQ

I bought this from Bestbuy 12 months interest free. I think it is a good product so far anyway. It came down to this receiver and the comparable yamaha but the yamaha did not have the ability to switch component video, so I went with the Pioneer.
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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 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...

Pros: When it works, it works well.
Cons: Right now my unit is a very expensive paper-weight!

I purchased this unit and was happy with it for some time. It has developed a problem though... At times it will flash "Power Off" and shut down. Other times, when I try to turn it on, it flashes "Power Off" and shuts down. If I repeatedly turn the unit on and off it seems to eventually stay on. Before taking the unit in to be serviced, I usually open it up, blow out any dust and it will usually come on again. This is very frustrating because of the time involved unplugging and re-attaching 7 speakers and multiple components. I have since learned to label all of my speaker wires to speed up the connection process. I sit at this time beside my unit turning it on and off repeatedly. I've heard of others having this problem with no solution because the problem can not be duplicated at the test center. I encourage everyone with similar problems to post them so that Pioneer service will be forced to deal with the issue.

Pros: Good sound, many options
Cons: This powering off thing is an issue

This unit has been a workhorse for me for years, but I am presently experiencing problems with the unit "Powering Off" a few seconds after turning it on. Repeatedly attempting to power the unit up appears to have worked for now. I have had this problem on and off for years, but it seems to be happening more frequently.

One fellow thinks it is the output transistors (http://en.allexperts.com/q/TV-VCR-Stereo-1749/pioneer-stereo-receiver-sx.htm)

I haven't resorted to replacing any components in the unit, but if it keeps this up I will have to.

Pros: Price, output power, input flexibility
Cons: Quality lacking, no on screen display.

I bought the VSX-D810S after reading several reviews, researching the specs and trying one at a local audio store. Unfortunately I did not note some issues with this receiver. First the receiver developed a problem turning on. Occasionally when it was turned on it immediately flashed "Powering Off" on the display and turned off. After anywhere from 2 minutes to one half hour of turning it repeatedly back on it would eventually stay one. I contacted Pioneer and took it to their recomended repair facility twice where they could not duplicate the problem. Of course as soon as I hooked it up again the problem came back. I just leave it on now. The other problem I have is that the receiver assumes that I have a 7.1 DVD player which I do not. Even though the DVD player is also a Pioneer (DV-F727) I am forced to manually change the input from 7.1 to 5.1 when I select the DVD. Finally the lack of on screen display seems like a real liability in a product with a relatively extensive setup. Otherwise when it stays on it has performed well for me.