Customer Reviews

Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

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

 

 

Despite what the Amazon.com review says, this receiver does NOT offer true S-Video switching. It only offers video and S-Video SELECTING, which allows you to choose either standard video or S-Video sources, but the standard signal is not sent through the S-Video outs and the S-Video signal is not sent through the standard video outs.

SWITCHING, a term used in video production, indicates that any video source, regardless of the signal format, would be sent through the output channel. For an a/v receiver, S-Video switching implies that a unit allows you to hook up both S-video and standard video sources and view all of them through either the standard or S-video output. This model does not offer that feature.

For example, suppose that you hook up a satellite receiver to this a/v receiver by using it's S-Video output, and you also hook up your VCR to this a/v receiver by using standard video inputs and outputs. In this situation, you would never be able to record anything from the satellite receiver, because you do not have the VCR input connected to the receiver's S-Video output. Further, unless your television (or monitor) accepts both S-Video and standard video input and can switch between the two based on presence or absence of signal, then you will have difficulty using this receiver with both standard and S-Video sources.

Amazon.com does sell a Monster Cable standard- to S-Video adapter that works quite well. My solution was to use these adapters to "step up" the standard video signals from my older devices and connect everything to the S-Video inputs and outputs on this receiver. I did have my doubts, but I am very pleased with the results. However, at $99 each, this can be an expensive resolution.

My only other serious disappointment with this receiver is that there are only three sets of a/v/S-v inputs in the rear. Although the fourth set is a separate input channel, the connectors are located on the front of the receiver. This is fine for hooking up a camcorder on occasion, but it is very aesthetically displeasing to use the front connectors on a regular basis.

The 509S is nicely priced so that just about anyone can establish a home theater system without breaking the bank. I myself bought this to upgrade to DTS (my old Pioneer had only Dolby Digital), but I'll be using it as my primary receiver now that I've had a chance to use it.

If you've owned previous Pioneer receivers which were themselves noisy, you won't have to worry about this model. While there are some noticeable aspects missing in this model from previous Pioneer receivers (most likely absent to cut down on costs), most of these were bells and whistles that don't affect performance. I do wish Pioneer had kept the visual display of multi-channel sound, however; I miss being able to immediately see if a DVD actually has all of the multi-channel sound it claims to have.

The only real downside to this receiver is that it is only minimally intuitive. I had to spend a lot of time with the manual to figure out the proper outputs for connections. That wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that the manual isn't exactly intuitive either. One big hint: the outgoing connections are pre-set for certain items. I couldn't understand why I wasn't getting any audio from the optical digital connection to my DVD player until I found an oblique reference stating that the Digital 1 output was pre-set to "CD player"; changing the setting to "DVD" corrected the problem.

There were other issues too (a skittish remote that required multiple attempts at programming), but now that the receiver is set, I'm extremely pleased. I even went out and got some DTS Compact Discs to enjoy (which, when done right, harken back to the best days of Quadraphonic sound).

A nice receiver and a great value.

I had this receiver for about a month now and really like it. It sounds great, has some nice features, and was easy to connect everything to.

I can't give it 5 stars for a couple of reasons. The manual is not very well written. Sometimes you have to jump around to several sections to get your questions answered about a certain feature. I am also unimpressed with the remote. It is supposed to be a univeral/learning remote, and it does recognize my devices (mostly RCA) but it's hard to use. I have to press 5 buttons just to watch DSS on my TV. (press reciever on, press TV, press power on, press TVC/DSS, press power on). That assumes that the TV is already set for channel 90. If not, I have to change the channel also. You would think that I should only have to select DSS and it should assume that I also will want the receiver and TV to turn on also. Same hassle when using other devices like the VCR. On my original remote I just pressed DSS and everything came on and was ready to go. I tried to get around this hassle by using the learning mode but this hasn't worked out. The section of the manual that explains the remote is also poorly written and I had to figure some things out by trial and error.

Overall though this is a great receiver and you won't go wrong if your purchase it. (just don't throw away your old remote)

...

Bottom line up front: way to much GREAT sound for the money. Rated at 100 watts per channel, but that's sustained! Peak is around 153 per channel. Digital filters are incredible. Dobly Surround modes sound like Dolby Digital on good stereo sources. Its awesome! Stereo mode makes the wall on the opposite side of the room quiver! Sound is clear and never too "bright."

Don't listen to the yahoos that say the thing overheats or overloads too much. It features a Midnight mode that suppresses ALL audio signals as they are processed by the receiver. Volume levels across all frequencies are reduced significantly. Great for late night movies! The more reviews I read of this receiver, however, the more people I see saying that sometimes they forget they left it on and crank the beast up to regain volume. Bad idea, because its a one-way trip to overload city. Haven't done it yet myself: consequently haven't had it overload. Remember: midnight mode is not deactivated when you turn off the unit! So be careful!

Otherwise, this thing is awesome, and WAY under priced, even on Amazon. Dolby Digital and DTS sound like I didn't experience on my buddy's THX certified Yamaha. Sounds wacky, I know, but if you configure it right (takes time, trial and error, and a COMPREHENSIVE READ of the manual), you get LOADS of sound. Mine sounds better with front Pioneer floor standing speakers and JBL's Trio135 surround system and NO SUB than his full Yamaha set WITH sub (turn LOUDNESS ON). I love the DIRECT sound feature, which feeds DD and DTS signals directly from the source into the processor and out, with no added effects or routing. You get exactly what the director wanted you to hear, and its super clean.

The remote is just unbelievable. It does everything. Period. Never seen its equal, and I've used learning remotes before. It picks up every function on any of your remotes (but it does take a few minutes to find them all -- have a pencil handy so you can remember). Should you find one it hasn't picked up (and I haven't yet), then you can manually assign it using the learn function. Its unreal.

Only complaints, and they're small: no component video hook-ups, and no S-Video switching. Sure, 4 S-Video/S-VHS inputs and one out, but if you want to hook up any video components with S-VHS, then you have to hook-up ALL video components with S-VHS (unless your TV - RARE - has its own S-Video switching). MY VCR does not, so I'm out of luck using it for my digital cable or DVD player.

One last thing: HEED THE MANUAL! It offers suggestions, like not placing other components on top of this one, or not allowing analog cables to rest on top of the unit, that are best adhered to. Doing either of the above results in an annoying *thud* when dialogue is spoken and there are no background sounds. There are other examples that are system specific, but no matter which, if you take Pioneer's advice, then the adverse effects can be avoided.

I've had this receiver for about 2 weeks and I love it. I purchased it because it had 3 digital inputs, Dolby Digital and DTS, and the S-video inputs/outputs. I'm running a matched set of JBL speakers/powered subwoofer and the sound is fantastic. It would have gotten five stars if it were more intuitive operationally and had a better manual. Other than that, once you get it setup and running, sit back and enjoy!

I was astounded by how well this performs compared to similar systems for double the money. I got it for the digital (optic) inputs, which are great for dvd and newer cd players and the s video switching abilities. Also, the remote control is very good. It can learn anything that your old remote can do. This was nice for me because it elinimated the need to have 5 remotes on my coffee table. I also liked the dsp modes. The only negative is that the digital volume display is kind of odd. As you turn up the volume, it counts from -100 (low) to 0 (high) db, which I understand, but is still kind of strange.

OK I just want to tell people how to fix the overload problem what it is and i have the same problem on my old vsx d508 and its been a while since it has done this to me but the overload is a static build up in the amp to get rid of it unplug the reciever and ground it. Be careful it could give you a shock if you touch the metal plug ends but if you ground the plug out it will get rid of the static electricity and it should work perfect again. I dont know what causes it but i know mine did it in the winter when the humidity was low and i was using it alot. So i hope this helps the people who have had problems with theres.

This is the second Pioneer receiver I have owned. The sound that comes out of them is great. I really enjoy watching movies and listening to music with this receiver. Now the problem that I have is "OVERLOADING" it just started to do this in the past month. No one knows why. It is not even in the troubleshooting guide of the manual. Now I would not think much of this except for the last receiver I had also had problems and would cost more to fix than buy a new one. So I have come up with a solution.....do not buy pioneer, I think that should solve all my problems.

THE price is right and the performance is solid. Who said you have to pay $1000.00 for a full featured receiver,the only thing lacking is it doesnot have two coaxial inputs. Trust me for the quality and price purchase it. MACK

I am very disappointed in this receiver and Pioneer customer service. The receiver did not provide enough power to listen to both "a" and "b" speaker systems. I sent an e-mail to Pioneer only to get a standard reply "We will be in touch". I finally
called and talked to a customer service rep who said "if you don't like it bring it back" I bought a Yamaha and everything is fine.