Pioneer VSX-815 Receiver Review
- Product Name: VSX-815
- Manufacturer: Pioneer
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: June 19, 2005 19:00
- MSRP: $ 365
Power Amplifier Design: Thermal Compensation Transistor Surround Power: 100 watts x 7 (1kHz; 1% THD @ 8-ohms) 700 Watts total system power Stereo Power: 100 watts x 2 (20Hz-20kHz; 0.7% THD @ 8-ohms) 200 Watts total system power Digital Decoding & Processing: Double-precision 48-bit Motorola DACs; 192kHz/24-bit DACs, 96kHz/24-bit ADCs DSP: Dolby Digital 5.1/EX, DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete, DTS 96/24/Neo6, Pro Logic IIx/Game Mode, WMA9 Pro, 9 Advanced Surround modes, 7-chanel stereo, Virtual surround bac Inputs: 4 audio/video/s-video, 5 digital ins (2 optical/1 front optical/2 coax), 5.1 multi-channel input, 3 component video, front AV inputs (including optical) |
Outputs: 1 component, 2 audio/video/s-video, headphone output, 7.1 preamp outputs (includes subwoofer) Room EQ: Auto/Manual MCACC (including 5-band EQ), Additional Features: Sleep timer, dimmer option, multi-way loudspeaker binding posts, AM/FM tuner Remote: Preprogrammed with manufacturer codes and 1-line 8-character LCD Dimensions: 16 9/16 " W x 6 1/4" H x 15 13/16" D Weight: 22 lbs. 4 oz. Warranty: 1 year parts & labor MSRP: $365 |
Pros
- Three (3) 40MHz HDTV-compatible component video inputs
- Plays loud
- Flexible amplifier assignments
- Dolby Pro Logic IIx Game Mode
- Front A/V Inputs
- Easy to Setup
Cons
- Auto Setup not accurate for bass management
- No video upconversion
- No On-Screen Display (expected at this price point)
Pioneer VSX-815 Introduction
Despite all of the mid-fi and hi-fi product reviews written by us at Audioholics, we get a steady stream of reader requests for more entry level systems. In fact, it's almost imperative that we provide them because to assume that a manufacturer's flagship products necessarily reflect the quality and usability of its entry-level units ignores the lessons learned from our article on Product Managing Receiver Platforms & Power Ratings .
So, it was with a desire to investigate Pioneer's new entry-level line of receivers that we requested the VSX-815 and HTP-4600 , two products that give us a nice slice of Pioneer's lower-priced offerings. The VSX-815 is a 100 watt x 7 product with auto setup and room EQ. Main features for this receiver include:
- MCACC auto setup with calibration microphone
- 100 watts x 7 (1kHz; 1% THD @ 8-ohms)
- Integrated biamping mode for 5.1 systems (using Surround Back amplifiers)
- Powered Zone 2 (using Surround Back amplifiers) *not independent source
- Programmable remote control with 1-line 8 character LCD
- Speaker delay settings with 0.5ft increments
- Selectable crossover (50/80/100/150/200)
Confused about what AV Gear to buy or how to set it up? Join our Exclusive Audioholics E-Book Membership Program!