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| Date Reviewed: 09/22/2005 |
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Strengths: Switches between three component video inputs.
Comprehensive manual; easy to set up.
Comprehensive Dolby Digital and DTS support and pre-programmed listening modes.
Weaknesses: Short FM wire antenna.
Rear panel connectors are close together, so it can be tough to get everything plugged in if you're working in cramped quarters.
Summary: The VSX-815-K is an excellent audio/video receiver. I bought it for its ability to switch between three component video sources, since my television only has one set of component inputs.
In addition to its digital audio inputs, it has 5.1-channel analog audio inputs, which are useful for listening to multichannel DVD-Audio discs. DVD-Audio players usually (always?) can't output multichannel audio at high sample rates (96 or 192 kHz) through digital outputs, so they use their analog outputs instead. It's very easy to switch between digital and analog 5.1-channel input on the VSX-815-K depending on what you're watching.
Of course, there are also several sets of stereo audio, composite and S-video inputs and connectors for the AM and FM antennas. I found the FM antenna too short to acquire a good signal in my apartment, but you can easily purchase an FM antenna for a few dollars if you have that problem.
The volume control is responsive and the volume can even be controlled from the remote. The unit features pre-programmed "advanced surround" modes for movies, music, and games, and will generate multichannel sound from stereo sources (via Pro-Logic and DTS neo:6 decoders), but you can easily switch back to stereo output at the touch of a button.
Overall, I've found the VSX-815-K easy to use and packed with useful features. The sound quality is excellent, and the unit is definitely the best value I've found in an A/V receiver. I would recommend it without reservation.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/22/2005 |
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Strengths: The setup was quite easy and the sound quality is really good. The plethora of inputs is nice and the features are really quite nice. Sound quality is great and the available auto-calibration feature seems great (does it do a lot better than just setting
Weaknesses: I wish there were more digital inputs. For a device that advertises all the nicities of digital conversions and features, there are an awful lot of analog connections. The speaker connections are a little difficult , unnecessarily so in my opinion. It wou
Summary: I don't know if you're going to find a better system for the money. It really quite good and worth it. More digital inputs would be nice, and maybe some sort of pass-through functionality would be better, so I didn't HAVE to turn it on to use it as a consolidation device. Just make sure you've got some time to set it up and are committed to making the most of it.
100% of People (4/4) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 11/08/2005 |
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Strengths: Digital connection options, multiples sources
Weaknesses: None so far
Summary: I replaced an older Sony model which only had 2 digital inputs, 1 optical, 1 coaxial. I needed something with more digital inputs and this is by far the best deal. The sound quality is better than the Sony in my opinion. I don't have the 7.1 channel's hooked up, only 5.1 so I can't comment on that portion. I also like the fact that I can easily hook up my VHS, DVD, Playstation, and HD receiver to this one device, all using Digital sound inputs. If you are looking for a receiver for your HD television and are like me needing those additional inputs, this is the one for you. Highly reccommended.
100% of People (2/2) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/20/2005 |
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Strengths: Great Value - lived up to its technical reviews and then some. A huge number of interconnect options for A/V systems.
Weaknesses: with the great number of options it takes a bit of time to sort out the alternatives. When it comes to the remote, just find a tech savy teenager to help us old folks.
Summary: This item was purchased after receiving a number of favorable reviews in several tech web sites and A/V publications. The unit lived up to the hype and has proven to be a great value.
80% of People (4/5) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 08/11/2005 |
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Strengths: Strong Clean Sound
Weaknesses: none
Summary: 2005-08-11 19:06:22 This is my 3rd a/v receiver since 1992 the othe two were Sony. But what a diffence. Great sound and features. I very happy. It be the geat surrond chip and 7:1 channel feature.
67% of People (8/12) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 02/28/2006 |
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Strengths: You can feel the weight when you first pick it up. That shows a qulity reciever. It has ample power and connections so unless, you have a lot of items this will most likley handle your needs.
Weaknesses: Wish the manual was a bit clearer on how to insert your speaker wire..or maybe I was missing something.
Summary: This product has entered my audio visual equipment rack and has stayed there. It deserves its right to be among hd up converting DVD players and hd cable set top boxes. While there are a limited number of componet connections, most people will likely connect directly to the source for best clarity, although using its own componet connections was no major hassle and proved excellent. However, the lower quality inputs such as s-video and compsite seemed slightly better when used in this receiver, likely due to its up converting the signal to componet. You won't get top notch with this thing but you will be satisfied. On a side note I highly recommend Digital Photo discount club due to their speedy service(ordered Saturday, received Monday and because of their low-prices. In short BUY THIS THING!
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| Date Reviewed: 02/14/2006 |
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Strengths: Simplistic design with lots of hidden features. Lots of connectability in rear. Detailed instructions and great performance after it's setup right. MCACC fine speaker tuning is a huge timesaver.
Weaknesses: No DVI/HDMI out to TV. Difficult to fine tune the speakers when MCACC doesn't sounds right.
Summary: It's a great reciever for those who want to do some heavy console gaming, watch occasional DVDs and listen to loud music. the price is outstanding for the featureset you get. It needs an HDMI/DVI out to the TV so i could consolidate all the outputs to tv into one plug. The box's fan can be alittle distracting if you're listening to some quiet music. Overall it's a solid performer, well worth the price if it fits your meager needs.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/14/2005 |
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Strengths: Easy, automatic setup with included microphone. Great sound, plenty of power for the money.
Weaknesses: None yet.
Summary: I don't even have my rear surround sound speakers yet and this thing sounds great with Dolby Digital or DTS movies. My subwoofer has never hit harder! Very easy to setup, and the assignable digital inputs were a big plus for me. I couldn't be happier with spending $300.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/20/2005 |
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Strengths: ease of setup, many inputs, 100 wts x 7.
Weaknesses: none so far
Summary: This is my second Pioneer receiver. I purchased this item after receiving a number of favorable reviews in several tech web sites and A/V publications. The unit lived up to the hype and has proven to be a great value. The autimatic audio set up is a great feature. Am very happy with this product so far.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/17/2005 |
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Strengths: 100 Watts/channel, Easy to use
Weaknesses: None yet
Summary: The best feature about this unit is the auto setup for your surround system. You put a mic in the middle of the room and the unit does the rest. Amazing sound (combined with Infinity speakers).
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