Pioneer VSX-815K 7.1 Channel Discrete/DTS Audio-Video Receiver

by Pioneer

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 20.4 x 19.2 x 10.4 inches ; 25 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 27 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0009292RG
• Item model number: VSX-815-K
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,664 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The fully-featured Pioneer VSX815 home theater receiver provides a high-power 700 watts of power, seven-channel surround sound, the latest in digital decoders, heat-reducing construction, and a high-end Motorola digital signal processor (DSP). The input terminals on the VSX815 are configured for 7.1-channel processing for DTS-ES, DTS, Dolby Digital, and other multi-channel sources such as DVD-Audio and SACD.

Its double-precision, high-speed Motorola 48-bit DSP is the same chip used in Dolby and DTS theater systems worldwide, as well as in the creation of music, movies, and television shows. This DSP provides low jitter, a super-accurate PLL sound-processing clocking module, and virtually no audio degradation.

The VSX815 offers the most precise acoustic calibration available without professional support. It's called the Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System, or MCACC, and it works in any room regardless of shape or size. Automatic MCACC set-up uses a microphone to monitor a room's acoustic environment, then determines the size and number of speakers, as well as channel level and listener-to-speaker distances. The VSX815 even has a 5-band equalizer for more precise adjustment.

The VSX815 offers new Pro Logic IIx for 7.1-channel playback of traditional stereo and 5.1/6.1-channel content. It can apply Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES decoding to 6.1-channel output, and its DTS NEO:6 capability can produce 6.1-channel surround from 2-channel sources. The three component video inputs and one output offer high-quality picture for DVD players and HDTV. It offers the following connection options:

• Composite AV In/Out: 4 in/2 out
• S-Video In/Out: 4 in/2 out
• Component video (YPbPr) In/Out: 3 in/1 out
• Digital coaxial audio In/Out: 3 in/0 out
• Digital optical audio In/Out: 2 in/0 out
• Headphones: 1
• Subwoofer output: 1

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control (with batteries), AM and FM antennas, microphone for MCACC setup, printed operating instructions

Product Description

The VSX-815-K A/V Receiver blends power, performance, ease of use, and value into one home entertainment multi-channel audio component. With 100 Watts per channel for up to 7 channels, the VSX-815-K always has power in reserve. DTS-ES Discrete, DTS 96/24, and Dolby Digital-EX processing will decode the latest multi-channel audio programs and distribute sound precisely where it needs to be. Pioneer's exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (Auto MCACC) system makes initial set-up easy and extremely accurate; just place the included room calibration microphone at your listening position and press the set-up button from your remote. Once Auto MCACC has completed its calibrations, your speakers and living area will work together to create a true 3-Dimensional soundfield from any source material. 3 Component video inputs and 5 digital audio inputs provide advanced HD-Video and multi-channel audio connectivity with switching capabilities while a supplied LCD Preset Remote puts you in complete control of your entire A/V System.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High-feature, High-value, plenty of power, September 4, 2005

By 

Riley Sanders "DonnieDarko" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pioneer VSX-815K 7.1 Channel Discrete/DTS Audio-Video Receiver (Electronics)

I have this reciever hooked up to Klipsch Quintet II surround sattelites and the Klipsch synergy sub-10 in my dorm room. Basically it puts out enough power that i have been cited by not only the dorm's resident advisors but also by the cops, and I am still letting two channels go to waste. This is a very high feature reciever, even including an automattic accoustic calibration system and microphone, at a very low price. The bottom line is that you cannot find a better reviever in this price-range.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fairly Satisfied with the Pioneer, February 28, 2006

By 

P. Lopresto (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pioneer VSX-815K 7.1 Channel Discrete/DTS Audio-Video Receiver (Electronics)

I recently bought the VSX-815 after doing a lot of reasearch in the budget reciever field. I came to the conclusion that this reciever was the best value for my money becasue it had many features. Some features that are most notable, are the number of inputs (both digital and analog), power handling, and customization options. I used the auto-matic setup, but found that much better sound can be achieved from tweaking the EQ settings yourself.

Some draw backs for potential buyers of this reciever would include difficulty of navigation through display menus, figuring out what the abbreviations mean on the menus, finding information in the manual (all of these problems would apply to the beginner home theatre addict). I didn't have much trouble settig it up myself, it just involved a lot of patience.

Here are a few things worth noting:
-When adjusting the EQ manually, it is hard to tell that you changed any sound qualities since all adjustments can only be done by listening to a static test tone.
-I would not recommend this reciever for those of you powering two sets of front speakers(A and B sets). There is no manual toggle switch to select speakers. Plus my recieve has a defect that makes the B set speakers sound less robust then the A set (I'm going to have to take it in for service).
-The remote is a bit daunting. Too many buttons, not enough space. I have to read the manual everytime I want to do something new, not very user friendly.

Don't get me wrong though. This is a good reciever. It outputs good crisp sound, has high customization levels, has large amounts of inputs, all kinds of decoders for surround sound, and is just a very solid performer. I'm satisfied with it, all but the gliches I listed above. I would recommend buying it for those who are looking for a well-priced entry level reciever that will last for a long time due to a wealth of features built-in.