Customer Reviews

Pioneer VSX-819H-K 5-Channel A/V Receiver (Black)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Went to Best Buy to compare the Yamaha RX-V465 and the Pioneer VSX-819H-k. I had read reviews on the Yamaha on several different websites and most were very positive. I could find no reviews for the Pioneer since it just started reaching retailers during the past 2 weeks. I noticed the Yamaha on display and didn't really like the appearance-seemed less substantial in appearance than the Pioneer. They both looked impressive with the online pics. I know you don't buy according to appearances, although aesthetics can weigh in on a tie/deal breaker. I asked to see the Pioneer and the sales rep had to check his stock. They had not displayed a model since they just arrive the day before. He brought a new box out and opened it so I could compare it to the yamaha and we talked about the different features that were important/meaningful on both receivers. The advanced digital sound fields mean nothing to me. On most receivers they are either a variation of Dolby Prologic II or provide sound stage fields with irritating echoes. Every receiver I have owned (currently we have Panasonic and Sony Models)have these digital sound fields and we never use them.

The Yamaha sounded pretty good hooked up to a blu-ray movie at the store. The True HD was unbelievable! The specs on the Yamaha were the same as the Pioneer as far as supporting True HD and DTS-HD through the HDMI inputs-all switchable to the one HDMI output. The Yamaha has 4 HDMI inputs/1 ouput and the Pioneer has 3 HDMI inputs/ 1 output. I did a mind calculation on the spot and decided 3 outputs were sufficient for my set-up (Dish sat/Sylvania blu-ray/Panasonic DVD Recorder.) The THD was .9 for the Yamaha and .05 for the Pioneer. I don't know how significant that is but the Pioneer seems that it would have clearer sound at low volume with less distortion. The Quick set-up using a microphone placed at your normal listening position are also similar. The Yamamha calls it YPAO while Pioneer calls it MCACC. Most receivers have some variation of this at the mid-price range. The back of the receivers were similar as far as inputs/outputs but the Pioneer had the banana plugs for wiring (which I prefer) while the Yamaha had spring clips for some of the speakers. I won't go into any further specs/features-just go to the company websites or here at Amazon.

Well, I chose the Pioneer. It looked more solid and had some additional features that seemed important to me. I could always return it if I was less than satisfied. I did mention (I am no slouch) that since it was an open box-could I get an "open box" discount? The sales rep laughed (he had opened it for me) and said "why not". So off I went with my 10% discount on a brand new Pioneer VSX-819H-K receiver.

Well, I am tired today! I spent about 2 hours setting it up in the den and removing a Sony which is going to the master BR. But I am VERY HAPPY. This thing sounds fantastic. The set-up was easy. I played the Blu-ray disc "Hitman" and it was like you were inside the screen with the DTS-HD giving you that feeling! Here's the weird thing- I have ordered a set of Yamaha surround speakers from another website (at that time I was somewhat sure that I was going to Purchase the Yamaha model) not that it matters-I'm sure that they'll sound fine with the Pioneer. Back to the weird- The speakers that I am currently using have not been placed on the walls or configured for surround sound-since I had taken them down and re-wired with 16 gauge wire. Since I should receive the Yamaha speakers in a few days I didn't replace the speakers back on the walls etc. I decided to do the QUICK SETUP with the right front on the floor tilted up toward my seating position-the left front 3 ft. off the floor on my AV rack- the center speaker on top of the TV- the 2 rear surrounds are on the floor behind me in the corners also tilted towards my seating position and my Sony subwoofer disconnected. (wired so I couldn't connect it to the Pioneer.) I guess the MCACC SETUP is really precise/accurate because the Blu-ray DVD was phenominal in it's surround direction. Just think when I get the new speakers appropriately set up in the surround configuration!? I think anyone will be happy with this AV receiver. I am a happy camper in my den surrounded by HD SOUND!! P.S. Try to find a store that just received them and ask them to open the box and then ask for a discount!! LOL

I have only had this receiver for a few days, so this isn't going to be as in depth as some of the reviews. I got the unit to replace an older model Pioneer receiver that didn't have any HDMI inputs or an on-screen setup guide. My TV only has 2 HDMI inputs and I have 3 components that can use HDMI (Blue Ray, High-Def DVR, and a Vudu box). Somewhere along the way, I was getting short changed. Instead of buying an HDMI splitter, I decided to replace my receiver with a more current model. Being familiar with Pioneer's Auto-calibration setup for the speakers, I stuck with what I knew. Besides, with the receivers 3 HDMI inputs and 1 output, I am good to go.

Out of the box, this receiver can deliver very good sound. Once connected and calibrated, there is not much that you have to adjust. If you use the HDMI connections and then run an HDMI cable to your TV, there is really no need to have any other cables with the exception of 1 set of component cables (more on this later). I now have the above mentioned components connected via HDMI cables to the receiver and 1 HDMI cable from the receiver to the TV. All switching between sources is handled by the receiver and video is upgraded to 1080i (except the Blue Ray of course, which is 1080p). When set to auto, the receiver automatically chooses the best audio format for the signal that it is receiving.

Now for the bad, and there isn't much. As mentioned by another reviewer, if you don't have component cables going from the receiver to your TV, you aren't going to be able to see the on-screen guide. The only mention made of this in the manual is in the footnotes. If I had not read this in a previous review, I would have been extremely frustrated. I am not sure why Pioneer did this when you are already using HDMI. At the very least, they could have made it a little clearer (or bigger) in the manual. My other complaint is the remote. It is not very intuitive and is pretty basic. I use a Logitech Harmony remote for all my stuff anyway, so this is not such a big deal to me.

Overall I have been VERY happy with this receiver so far. After using the auto-calibration microphone, the receiver made all the adjustments (speaker size, room size, sub-woofer present) and all I had to do was adjust the bass and treble to my liking. Another feature of this receiver is that it can control your iPod or iPhone. It comes with a special cable to connect them to the stereo and shows the information on the receiver and the TV and while the GUI may by pretty primitive (think VCR menus), it works and gives you the information that you need.

Bought this receiver because I wanted one that could decode Blu-ray audio (DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD). Came with an added bonus, a USB port for direct hookup of your ipod. This receiver is extremely easy to set up, no matter what your speaker configuration is, and it sounds great with my 5.1 system. It can also decode PCM audio for blu-ray, and it can control your ipod when listening to music. It also switches HDMI sources for you (the only 2 I have are my blu-ray and cable box.) All in all, I can't say enough good things about this receiver. Great value for the price!

Just got my new receiver about a week ago and I couldn't be happier. It works better than I expected and with the Yamaha speakers I bought the sound is phenomenal. I've heard higher end setups before that don't sound this good. If you're thinking about getting this one stop thinking and get it. With all hdmi inputs setup couldn't be simpler

I did my research and looked for what I wanted: a 5.1 surround system, able to handle Blu-ray audio formats, a second zone, and I-pod usability. Although now that I have the receiver, I can think of a couple more, this receiver is everything I was wanting and it does it very well. I love all the extra features, some of which I don't need, some of them I don't want to use. The Phase adjustment that enhances the highs and lows together, I thought, was not helpful at all. It sounded better to me off, as with certain mix options. I do like the Pro Logic II options and settings for enhancing sound for games and music. My wife and I enjoy listening to the radio and our iPods, so those options help. It also has an enhancement for "filling in the cracks" from your compressed mp3s.

I have a Harman Kardon 5.1 speaker set, HKTS 18, which sounds just great. I am still making adjustments here and there with the sound to get it just right. But, for any audiophile, that is an on-going quest.

Here are my dislikes, though small, are bothersome enough to lose a star. The remote control is...for lack of a better word, lame. I had an hold Harman Kardon AVR520 which had a remote that I fell in love with. It was a learning remote and controlled things very well and the button placements were thought out. I don't know if I was spoiled with that or what, but this is not impressive at all. Certain buttons have three different functions depending on the series of buttons that are pressed. The top third of the remote is just for choosing your source and they cram the rest into the bottom. I just think they could have done much better.

Dislike #2: This is my fault, when I did my research, I did not look into this. But whatever video you send to the receiver, that's what is coming out of it. No upscaling. So sadly, if you want to use the on-screen iPod menu or the setup menu for the speakers you have to use the composite output. I would like one cable to the TV, but instead, I have a composite cable for onscreen menus, component my Wii and HDMI for my Blu-ray player. Not that big of a deal, just means I have to change the input on my TV everytime I switch.

And my final dislike with a happy ending. Short story BUT IMPORTANT. I had my system all set-up, and had been watching some movies for a week and a half. I invited a friend over to watch a Blu-ray movie we rented and half way through I noticed that the audio was lagging behind the video maybe by between a quarter and half of a second. Not much, but it made me nuts. Found out it was only on the DTS-HD tracks. After talking to a couple of people at Pioneer, found a couple interesting facts not mentioned in the manual:
1. Pioneer guarntees that their system works perfectly with a Pioneer Blu-ray player (well, duh). Has issues with almost all the others. Mine happened to be one of the others (I have a Sylvania).
2. The Auto-Delay feature, according to the Pioneer tech I spoke to, sets the receiver to delay the audio how it is meant to be delayed ACCORDING TO THE DISC that is being played. For instance, after hours of testing with two brand new Blu-ray players, the movie I rented is perfectly fine for the first half of the movie, but in the middle of it, the audio starts trailing. With the auto-delay on, it is perfect throughout the whole movie. And kudos to te Pioneer techs I spoke with, they were very helpful.

Only one star is taken off because it is a well priced system for all of the features, being able to iPod (a USB port, not a headphone jack), and decoding the Dolby True HD and DTS HD tracks. Bottom line, I love this receiver.

Buy this receiver...

Then buy a universal remote.

This is an amazing receiver. Im fairly new to the world of surround sound and digital tv and audio, but I was dismayed to find out that to get surround sound I would have to pay 300-1500 dollars for a receiver to power speakers I have to pay for as well!! Well, after doing a bit of research, I found this great entry level "budget" receiver. Amazingly this baby has it all! I payed under 300 dollars and it has all the specs I need for my little 5.1 surround sound. Whats even better is that if I do decide to upgrade to some 7.1 speakers, I can add on an additional amp for expansion.

Ultimately, if you're on the fence about getting this receiver, or whether or not to get this one over the entry level yamaha, go for the Pioneer. Its worked great, has an additional HDMI input, it does audio over HDMI, which limits the use of cords, and it sounds great!!! Don't pass up on this great offer!

I purchased this product after comparing reviews of it and similar products. This is my third Pioneer A/V Receiver over several years. I am generally pleased with the product but there are a couple of things that could be improved. First, my Time Warner Cable box (Scientific Atlanta 8240HDC) does not play well with this receiver's HDMI "repeater". When going through the Pioneer, even though I program the cable box to output 1080i ONLY, it reverts back to the 480/720/1080 default output resolution mode every time I cycle power. This results in output to my HDTV being 480 or 720 lines depending on the source programming resolution. If I DON'T go through the Pioneer (i.e., I go directly to the HDTV), the cable box output resolution remains locked at 1080i (480/720 source is upconverted) as I had programmed it to, even after cycling power. Obviously, something in the Pioneer confuses the cable box. Of course, the underlying problem is with the cable box software but it's a major task to communicate this to Time Warner Cable via their customer service staff. Second, the receiver's onscreen iPod menu (OSD) is the worst I have ever seen, and I have been using PC's since the Commodore-Vic days. Onscreen resolution is unbelievably low and response is terrible. Connection to the HDTV is via composite video cable. Big disappointment. The iPod's own display and controls are disabled while the OSD is active. You can toggle between receiver OSD control and iPod control by pressing an obscure button on the remote.

I have to give this unit a low 2 stars. My warranty is about to run out and I've already been to my local authorized repair shop twice for what can be described as a glitchy mainboard controller. It freezes (won't turn on) and the only way to get the unit to power back on is to do a factory reset. The tech told me that if the controller failed more or in a different way, he could order new a controller covered under warranty, but for the way it's freezing, I'm stuck with a turd because standard operating procedure is to do a reset, pat me on the head and send me on my merry way. This is a situation when you'd want your unit to break MORE... ridiculous.

Audio drops happen from time to time while decoding through HDMI. You can see the light indicator on the face disappear, and then the audio goes out for 1-3 seconds. This is worse than Chinese water torture. I did not have this problem with my other AVR or even the stock HDMI stereo decoder that came with my TV so it is not a problem with the signal. This will happen about once every half hour of viewing until I unplug/replug everything. Again, this never happened with my old AVR or if I remove this AVR from the signal chain.

This is with clean power and cable going through surge protection.

Flakiness aside, the unit in practice suffers from general usability issues. On paper, the specs look impressive but try to use them. The unit will not drive headphones unless all other speakers are turned off. Why would I want this? Because I like to record audio samples from live and recorded TV onto a Flash recorder. Why don't I use the CD-R/MD recording line-outs for this (that's what they're made for)? Because no digital to analog conversion takes place anywhere except at the speaker stage and only 1 set at a time. How hard would it have been to run a line from that stage to the line outs? Even if I use the paired CD-R/MD Optical-In, it still won't send analog signal out unless an analog signal comes in on CD-R/MD L/R Line-In.

Others have touched upon the more obvious limitations of the unit so I won't go into detail there. I already knew there was no video upconversion but I didn't realize it was 100% parallel analog audio circuitry. Having a digital input (CDR) with an identically named analog output (CDR) on the rear implies that it can handle that conversion. It WILL NOT while my 4 year old "off-brand" Olevia TV does.

The iPod control works with my Gen 5 iPod Nano, but is unwieldy, seems gimmicky + it will not charge the iPod. I blame both Apple and Pioneer for this... Apple for changing the power leads on the iPod connector, Pioneer for not knowing this and not replacing the connector cord for those affected. You'd be better off running a splitter to the Aux in on the unit and controlling the iPod from the unit itself.

Alas, I've found some use for this AVR as purely a digital amp. It will drive a few speakers well as long as you don't ask it to do anything else. I now do my switching on the TV and run the Optical out into the Aux 2 of the AVR.

The receiver was a breeze to setup and gives plenty of input/output options that allow you to customize your setup with ease. For instance, I was able to hook-up the receiver to my dvr via hdmi. sometimes though, i want the TV off but I want to continue to hear sound out of the dvr, as i have sirus radio from the dvr unit. with optical output, i'm able to connect audio only to the receiver and turn off the tv.

I'm no home audio pro, but I consider myself a big fan of home and car audio and can differentiate between a good and poor sounding audio system. The crossover does a spectacular job of separating the highs from the lows. What an earlier reviewer said is true in that without a sub, the speakers will sound 'tinny' with weak lows. However, this is a double edged sword because the sound you get from your speakers are dedicated for its purpose. Once a sub is added, it translates into very crisp and clean highs with clear separation from the lows. Every home audio system should be setup with subwoofer of some sort anyhow, so this really should not be an issue. My pet peeve is when speakers are taken over by mid-range frequency and dialog/speech from movies are not clear. This receiever does a great job of separating the two. One caveat to take a note of is the on screen display will NOT appear unless a component cable is used. This is not a big deal since you really only need to access your osd when setting up the system, but something to keep in mind.

For the money, i think one would be hard pressed to find a receiever as solid as this one. The built in ipod connection is great. Keep in mind adapters for other systems can be an additional $80 accessory. If this is factored into the cost, it really makes this unit a great bargain.

Note: I paired the system with the take 5 speaker set by energy, with a matching 8" energy sub. I couldn't be happier with the setup.

I'm using this receiver as my main stereo connected to a blueray/vcr and an older 27" TV. I do not currently have surround sound or a subwoofer so I have it setup in stereo mode. The receiver works great. There are loads of options and I had no trouble connecting all my equipment and speakers.

Even though I don't have surround sound I do have a nice set of speakers, KEF iQ series. It took a while to get through all the settings to get the receiver out of surround mode. But once I got it setup it sounds good. One previous poster warned against not being able to get sounds under 50 hz. This is simply not the case, though the setup is confusing. You have to go in and tell the receiver that you do not have any surround speakers or a subwoofer, then tell it that your main front speakers are large size. When you turn off the subwoofer in the settings, it disables the crossover. This isn't overly clear in the way the settings are displayed, but it's disabled. The lowest crossover setting is 50hz, but it's not enabled so this setting doesn't matter.

The iPod functionality is nice but the on screen display is pretty much useless and looks VERY 1980. It's like you've connected your touch screen iPod to a Apple IIe! hehe But the ipod sounds good, it charges while playing and it lets you play other applications through it like Pandora (on a iPhone or iPod Touch). The receiver includes an algorithm that is supposed to enhance the sound of your mp3s. Careful with this. It sounds bigger and louder (which most people equate to better) but it will distort if the music on your ipod is overly loud, as most pop/rock records are mastered these days.

Overall I am very happy and I think you get a heck of a lot for ~$230. I would recommend this to a friend.