Pioneer VSX-515 6.1 Channels Receiver
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- Surround Sound: Dolby Digital® DTS® DTS ES® Dolby Pro Logic II DTS Neo:6 Dolby Pro Logic DTS 96/24
- Number of Channels: 6.1 Channels
- Type: Receiver
- Surround Mode Power: 110 Watt @ 8 ohm, 1 kHz, THD: 1%
- Stereo Mode Power: 110 Watt @ 8 ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD: 0.7%
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Going Digital Made Easy with the Pioneer VSX-515
Pros
inexpensive, great sound, easy to use, multiple sound environments
Cons
Amplified Subwoofer connection/configuration is not intuitive!
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
If all you need is a receiver, this one will meet and exceed your needs!
Introduction
I decided to put together a home entertainment system for myself using spare electronics from my relatives. This consisted of my CRT television, Digital Cable Box, an extra DVD player, and my desktop 5.1 Klipsch Promedia Ultra speakers (which come with a builtin analog receiver). The only missing component was a digital receiver. Yes, I could use a computer but the receiver has a lot of extras such as a remote, instant on, lots of inputs, and a radio. Currently, I am not using the Pioneer to switch the video input to the TV. However, I would not recommend this use because composite video (and S-video) is transmitted in an analog form which may suffer signal degradation with longer cables. Also, most newer TV sets have multiple inputs anyway. Also another perk is when I connect up my laptop with digital out from my USB SB Live box to the system to listen to free music from the web.
Features
The Pioneer receiver supports several different configurations (example: 5.1 sound, 6.1 sound). In addition, it has inputs for 5.1 analog, various digital connections (coax or optical), subwoofer preamp, etc. The remote is a nice feature too for those who do not want to risk knocking over the beer on the way to the receiver. This system supports speakers with different resistances. There are some nice advanced sound features which help improve the music listening experience.
Hiccups
It turns out the subwoofer preamp does not work with the Klipsch Promedia Ultra subwoofer. (It expects an amplified sub signal?) I had to hookup the sub to the front speaker. Then I changed the setting to 5.0 speaker config with base frequencies output to the front speakers.
Price
This receiver was relatively inexpensive at Best Buy. The specs showed low total harmonic distortion (THD) compared to other systems.
Conclusion
This is an affordable receiver that makes transitioning into the home entertainment center easy for anyone who owns a nice sound system (for PC or TV) and wants to connect it to their TV or a newer 5.1 (or 6.1) setup.
I decided to put together a home entertainment system for myself using spare electronics from my relatives. This consisted of my CRT television, Digital Cable Box, an extra DVD player, and my desktop 5.1 Klipsch Promedia Ultra speakers (which come with a builtin analog receiver). The only missing component was a digital receiver. Yes, I could use a computer but the receiver has a lot of extras such as a remote, instant on, lots of inputs, and a radio. Currently, I am not using the Pioneer to switch the video input to the TV. However, I would not recommend this use because composite video (and S-video) is transmitted in an analog form which may suffer signal degradation with longer cables. Also, most newer TV sets have multiple inputs anyway. Also another perk is when I connect up my laptop with digital out from my USB SB Live box to the system to listen to free music from the web.
Features
The Pioneer receiver supports several different configurations (example: 5.1 sound, 6.1 sound). In addition, it has inputs for 5.1 analog, various digital connections (coax or optical), subwoofer preamp, etc. The remote is a nice feature too for those who do not want to risk knocking over the beer on the way to the receiver. This system supports speakers with different resistances. There are some nice advanced sound features which help improve the music listening experience.
Hiccups
It turns out the subwoofer preamp does not work with the Klipsch Promedia Ultra subwoofer. (It expects an amplified sub signal?) I had to hookup the sub to the front speaker. Then I changed the setting to 5.0 speaker config with base frequencies output to the front speakers.
Price
This receiver was relatively inexpensive at Best Buy. The specs showed low total harmonic distortion (THD) compared to other systems.
Conclusion
This is an affordable receiver that makes transitioning into the home entertainment center easy for anyone who owns a nice sound system (for PC or TV) and wants to connect it to their TV or a newer 5.1 (or 6.1) setup.
