Customer Reviews

Pioneer VSX-917V-K Home Theater Receiver (Black)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got this receiver a few days ago to upgrade from my basic Pioneer XV-HTD540 receiver/DVD combo.I'm using the same speakers from before but I swear,this receiver has just breathed new life into them.They sound much more dynamic from the same movies I've been watching.

I really wanted the HDMI and Optical audio connections and am really happy to have them here. This reciever has more options than anyone is likely ever going to use but my favorite so far is the included microphone attachment that will automatically set up your equalizer to the specs of your room by audio noises through the speakers then received by the microphone attachment(note:hook up component cables from the reviever out to your T.V. to get on screen interaction to make this and other options easier).I know this isn't the only receiver to have this feature but it sure is nice to have on a relatively inexpensive one like this, especially if you don't feel like fiddling with the EQ to find your sound. I listened to it before doing the auto set up and it was nice but after the auto set up, WOW, what a difference. I also like how this receiver will tune into whatever source you've set to adjust the listening options(like Dolby Digital,DTS,or even the Sports setting during a game)for what your watching. It also supports both XM and Sirius radio.

Only downsides are that when your using HDMI through the receivers ports,you have to turn the receiver on for the signal to get to your TV. Not a big deal and there are ways around this if you get creative enough. The other being that this reciever only passes through audio via HDMI, it doesn't decode it to play through your speakers. That's only a big deal if you have HD DVD or Blu-ray, as HD audio can only be heard through HDMI or........

........you can get a player with 5.1 analog audio outs to hook into the 5.1 analog ins on the receiver. That's what I did. Now I have hi def movies with their hi def audio playing through my receivers speakers. It's the only way to get hi def audio if your reciever doesn't decode from HDMI. Most of those receivers though are alot more expensive, so I found this to be a great alternative.

Overall, I'm just glad to finally have a reciever with options now.I like this one alot,it's going for a really good price right now and is actually much less than the Harmon Kardon reciever I was looking at which offered the same features. Plus this one is much more powerful than the HK. I feel good about keeping this one around for years to come as it's able to pass through 1080p video, some of the best audio from HD DVD/Blu-ray dics and is 7.1 capable.If your looking for a good mid-range receiver for a good price, this is it.

I've owned 2 Pioneer receivers, and this one is really nice. It's got front-panel buttons to switch between each source (like a standard AV switchbox), TV out for the menus (so you don't have to do it all by looking at the tiny LED display), and a very nice universal learning remote with its own LCD screen. The 2 HDMI inputs are appreciated as well.

My only problem with Pioneer receivers is that they make it hard to tell if you're in the surround mode you want to be - a bunch of confusing, useless modes can potentially prevent you from just hearing the surround track in its original form. Still a great buy though!

This receiver has very good sound quality. For this alone and its various sound settings I would give this product a 5 star rating. But there are a few things you must know to make an informed purchase. First if you input an hdmi source you must output the same. The same also goes for component input and output. It would have been nice to have the ability to input any source (component, composite or s-video and have it output to hdmi. Also hdmi is pass through so if you want sound from your TV fine. Just don't expect sound to come out of the speakers attached to your receiver unless you use a digital coax, optical or component audio cables to make it happen. It's not a big deal for the sound quality you receive. The "On Screen Display" is not available in hdmi. This was a little disappointing. But my biggest disappointment was the remote. It's excellent at controlling the receiver itself but falls flat on its face controlling other units. It will not work with Samsung TVs. I called Pioneer on this and was told they do not support any Samsung TVs with this remote because they have problems with them. Of course it didn't work with my Toshiba or Sony DVD players either. I was looking forward to this unit being the control center for my AV experience, but I was wrong. As a test I went back and tried my old AV receiver remote (which is about 4 years old) and it worked right away on TV, HD dvd, DVD recorder and Xbox 360 units. Overall for the price this Pioneer unit is great for sound quality and this is of course what we're buying it for in the first place, so I will keep it and enjoy it. For the price it was one of my lowest price purchases and I think well worth the money. It would have been nice though to retire some remotes instead of having to add another to the growing collection. Maybe it's time to look at the universal to control them all.

My old TEAC A/V amp started dying about a year ago, but once it was unable to switch between analog & digital sources I had to give in. This was recommended by someone online, and the price was right so I bought it. So far it's been great! It switches quickly and really simplified my setup. The only downside is that while it will upconvert anything to HD, it won't downconvert. In other words, while I can watch a composite input on the HDMI or component outputs, I can't watch HD sources on my analog TV through the composite or SVID outputs. Other than that complaint, it's been a wonderful unit.

I got this receiever for christmas and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Great sound, amazing features and clarity you wouldnt believe. The auto setup mic works well..you may have to adjust the equalizer to your liking afterwards though. The problem was when playing the system at high volume (not hurting the speakers) it would say OVERLOAD and shut down. I checked all the wires..none touching, tried different speakers, different wire, couldnt solve the problem. So I looked online seems some others have this same problem..but since i like the quality and features of it, i am returning it and purchasing the Pioneer VSX-1017 a little more power, THX certified and a few more connections.

I'm very happy with this receiver, it has a lots of
power and sounds great through my JBL'S. I'm not even using
the surround sound capabilitys yet but just the stereo
mode sounds great with the CD's, DVD'S, and TV.
It looks great too with the blue lights.

This receiver is packed full of sound. I have owned Pioneer receivers before, and all have given me satisfaction over and over again. The 7.1 surround capability of this receiver gives you room to grow. There are plenty of connection inputs and in many different input types. The power in this receiver is plenty strong, and when using it with a powered Subwoofer, it gives you a whole lot of bass.
This is a great product for the money and the quality can't be beat.

This is my second Pioneer receiver. The first one worked great for 6 years or so - still is in my family room. I wanted an HDMI switching receiver for my DVD and satellite so I got the VSX-917VK. I checked out a few other brands but none matched the power output (110W/ch) and low price. I knew the sound quality would be great for my Polk speakers. It doesn't even get close to straining or distorting at levels high enough to make my family cringe. The new auto configuring MCC is really easy and sounds great. HDMI digital video switching quality seems fine - don't know there is a difference between brands there. It would have been nice to get the upconversion of standard video inputs in the higher end models for the convenience, but I wasn't willing to pay twice the price for something I rarely use.

We bought this to replace an old Pioneer receiver that was no longer working. It has the capability to be much more that what we need, so this is a limited review. It does get hot in our stereo cabinet when the glass door is closed if it is on for a few hours. I was disappointed with the remote. It will turn our non-Pioneer CD player on & off, but will not allow any other functions. Even to play a CD I have to go over to the unit and push the button. Also, we have a Pioneer duel cassette tape deck. The remote will not control that either. I was very disappointed with that since it is the same brand. That was one of the reasons I chose this item instead of another one, because it has a more comprehensive remote.

Great product for a good price tag. Got all the options and rear connections more than I need. Great sound. Sweet remote with LCD panel. I am satisfied with this product. The HDMI function included for this price earn the *****