[July/August] Pioneer packed the VSX-815 with an enticing combination of features and performance, then gave it a pretty much irresistible $365 price.

This receiver was not only the clear standout among the three in our “Cost Control” spotlight comparison, but it would hold its own against any receiver in its price range. It has all the up-to-date 6.1- and 7.1-channel Dolby and DTS surround processing modes, and even slam-bang soundtracks aren’t likely to stress its seven 100-watt channels. But I was even more impressed with its Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system. Just plunk down the supplied microphone at your listening position, press a few buttons, and the receiver will do all the speaker adjustments and setup chores that are a pain to do manually but are necessary if you want to get the best performance from your home theater rig. For the price, nothing could be simpler.

The VSX-815 was a godsend for the less-technical, entry-level consumer, and the price is even lower for its almost-identical replacement, the $300 VSX-815-K. Now if it could only hook itself up! —David Ranada
pioneerelectronics.com

View Another Editors' Choice Award Winner
Product of the Year and Best Video Product: Sony KDS-R50XBR1 50-inch SXRD HDTV
Best Portable: Apple iPod nano portable music player
Best Network Product: Sonos Digital Music System whole-house audio network
Best Audio Product: Denon AVR-5805 multiroom receiver
Retail Innovation Award: Best Buy
Visionary Award: Mark Cuban

Creative Zen Vision portable video player
Delphi MyFi XM2go satellite radio
HP Pavilion MD6580n 65-inch DLP HDTV
JVC Everio GZ-MG30 hard-drive camcorder
Klipsch iFi iPod speaker system
Pioneer PDP-4350HD 43-inch plasma HDTV
Pioneer VSX-815 surround receiver
Revel Concerta speaker system
Sling Media Slingbox TV extender
Sony Cineza VPL-HS51 LCD projector
Sony HDR-HC1 high-def camcorder
Yamaha YSP-1 digital sound projector

Back to Intro

Back to Homepage
What's New on S&V

Print

Stumble It