Pioneer 509S Receiver

Okay, everyone has reviewed this clear crisp sounding receiver, and it's my turn.

I have owned 4 Pioneer VSX Receivers before, and this one makes the 4th one. Previous one was the VSX-D608 w/0.09% distortion, this one only has 0.02% and a better remote, but unlike the VSX-D608 remote did light up, but couldn't switch automatically from VCR to TV without pressing the function key on the remote.

The VSX-D509S, is the best one out all I have ever own. I use this one in my Master Bedroom with AudioSource System 380 which includes 80 watt subwoofer, dual 4 inch cone tweeter center speaker and 4 2-way 4 inch cone w/tweeter satellite speakers rated at 100 watts each.

In the bedroom the VSX-D509S is extremely clear, and the power delivery is right on track. DTS sounds the best, then second Dolby Digital and third Dolby Pro Logic.

It also has a Midnight mode for listening to the system after 12am, I use that feature when listening to Dolby Pro Logic, helps out. If you use the Midnight mode under DTS or Dolby Digital, it makes the system sound even better.

There is also an Expander Sound Field, which actually helps the system sound giving it a wider range.

Also you can use the Loudness button for deeper bass on low volume which I like to use it at a higher volume setting also.

With this system, I wanted to go all gold connections, which I did, going into Panasonic 27 inch TV/Monitor, Panasonic Hi-Fi VCR, Samsung DVD and Motorola AT&T Digital Cable Box, which I would wish it had Digital sound so I could use the receiver Optical Digital Sound input connector for TV/SAT also has S-Video which you can rig if you buy the Radio Shack Video Splitter which has S-Video, RCA Video/Audio gold connectors.

Going all gold you can see a big difference, but it's not cheap. I had to use Wal-Mart RCA and GE Ultra Gold Cables and some Radio RCA cables, just for shorter sizes like 3ft.

Right out the box, VSX-D509S has accurate full power for 100 watts per channel stereo and 5 x 100 watts for surround sound channels.

|Features

Total harmonic distortion
Range is 20,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz w/ 0.02% stereo
w/ 0.08% surround

Surround Power
Front Speakers 100 watts per channel
Center Speaker 100 watts
Rear Speakers 100 watts per channel

VSX-D509S:
Front Panel Buttons - TV/SAT, VIDEO, CD, CD-R/TAPE/MD, DVD/LD, VCR/DVR, AUX, FM/AM

Dolby/DTS and Advanced Theater Modes Button
Standard, Drama, Action, Musical, Expanded
DSP (Digital Sound Processor) Button (Instead of using 10-band equalizer used digital effects instead) Hall1, Hall2, Jazz, Dance, Theater2, Theater1 and DSP-Off
MPX Mode Button ? Used for FM stations that don?t come in so good w/ stereo
Memory Mode Button
Power On/Standby Button
Loudness Button
Midnight Button
Bass - +
Treble - +
Monitor Button
Direct Button
Speakers A/B Button

Gold Connectors for:
Audio Headphones
VIDEO Input - S-Video, RCA Video/Audio L-R

Front LED Display has 2 colors Red/Yellow
Displays: Signal Selection: Analog, Digital, Digital DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, DSP, Midnight, Loudness, Direct, Monitor, Volume Levels db

|Rear Panel

3 - Digital Optical
2 - Inputs TV/SAT, DVD/LD, CD or CD-R, MD
1 - Outputs CD-R

Digital Coax 1 Input DVD

DVD 5.1 CH Input
Pioneer Components Remote Control Output (daisy-chain with wires)

3 - S-Video / RCA Video/Audio L-R Inputs - all standard connectors
2 - S-Video / RCA Video/Audio L-R Output - all standard connectors

Center Pre-out
TV/Monitor Speaker can be used as center channel speaker

Subwoofer Pre-out
Amplified sub woofer, here I would use Monster 300 cable for the subwoofer.

Front Speakers
A/B R - L uses that better connectors push in
Center and Rear Surround uses that push tab up and push in, push tab down to lock

Extra Power Plug Input

Here are some of VSX-D509S
Other Features:

It has Signal Switcher

Dubbing from Video Input into Tape/Monitor, VCR/DVR or use the Video Input to connect your P2 game system, camcorder, digital camera an etc

The remote control is long and feels good in your hand. Once you get use too the placement of the buttons on the remote you'll start using it instead of your own equipment remote.

Remote as all the features for all the functions, Surround Mode, Front Panel Dimmer, Loudness, Midnight, Volume, Mute, Power for Receiver and Features Power.

Note Tips: Panasonic Universal Remote can control most of the basic features of VSX-D509S, mostly sound.

DTS is the best feature in this receiver and digital optical connector with a good DVD movie with the DTS turned on you'll enjoy this system.

Dolby Digital has excellent sound, and very good Dolby Pro-Logic, but in my opinion I still like the Digital DTS overhaul sound

Of course it does come with a manual about everything, but I think you get the picture here of what this system can do for you and it's not expensive.

Everyone in this review paid a lot for their VSX-D509, because I found it at Costco for only $199 with an instant rebate of $20 off and just paying $179.

It's well worth the money I paid, once you have it hooked up and make sure you get a Monster 300 subwoofer cable and powered subwoofer for it, you'll be happy with it.

Good Luck