Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver
Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver
Product Description
Amazon.com Review
With both Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding, S-video switching, 5.1-channel analog inputs, four digital-audio inputs, and the ability to deliver 100 watts across all five main channels, Pioneer's VSX-D509S is poised to satisfy many a movie and music fan. Its value goes deeper than its feature set, however: the VSX-D509S offers full-bodied sound with fine detail and texture. Vocals sound clear and well-defined, while the bass--crucial for dynamic surround-sound reproduction--is taut and authoritative. Operation is a breeze: the receiver's setup and controls work perfectly, and radio signals come in clear as crystal.
Pioneer's four Advanced Theater modes (Musical, Drama, Action, and Expanded) enhance DTS and Dolby Digital playback, giving you plenty of options when it comes to surround-sound playback. Six stereo DSP (digital signal processing) modes for music simulate the sonic environment of a large wooden concert hall, a modern hall with stone walls, a jazz club, a dance club, and two different movie theaters.
We like that the VSX-509S has S-video switching, a coaxial digital input, and 5.1-channel direct inputs, all of which are aimed at superior audio-video performance.
Radio signals come in clear as a bell. Dolby digital and DTS surround processing are both excellent, and we even found the relatively subtle DSP modes to be more to our liking than usual.
While we're pleased that Pioneer uses five-way binding posts for the front three channels, the surround channels use cheaper spring-loaded terminals, which require bare-wire connections--something to consider if you currently have banana-terminated speaker cable. This isn't a major shortcoming--most receivers use them--but we wish manufacturers would use identical connectors for all channels, especially in a performance-driven machine like this one.
Pioneer's VSX-D509S's strengths are many, and the receiver represents a very fine value. --Wayne Garcia
Pros:
Clean, rich sound
DTS decoding
S-video switching
5.1-channel direct inputs
Cons:
Spring-loaded push terminals for surround channels
The VSXD509's internal amplifier drives 100 watts to each of its five channels--two front, two rear, and the center channel. You'll benefit from the 10 digital signal processing (DSP) environments, including "hall," "jazz club," "stadium," and others, for a truly customized sound. Great for all kinds of movies, these settings let you experience a favorite movie in a new light, hearing sounds that may have been buried previously. There's a six- channel input around back that will allow you to boost your processor down the road, too. For everyday use, the VSXD509 has A/B independent speaker settings, so you can enjoy a more stripped-down two-speaker sound.
Another unique touch is the "midnight" DSP mode, which compresses the sound to hush louder volumes and showcase quieter dialogue and music. Midnight mode also dims the front-panel display for a suitable late-night environment.
There are plenty of standard features as well. Four A/V inputs can accommodate a DVD player, VCR, laser disc, and another piece of equipment, such as a second VCR. The S-Video inputs--four in, two out--let you hook up the VCR, DVD, or video game system of your choice. A preamplified subwoofer output, center-speaker preamp out, and three digital inputs--one coaxial and two optical--are nestled in back. Around front there are A/V inputs and a headphone jack. An A/V learning remote is included, and this model has a one-year warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship.
Average customer rating: 
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Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver
Manufacturer: Pioneer ProductGroup: CE Binding: Electronics  Stereo Receivers
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| Audio & Video
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Home Theater Receivers
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Audio & Video
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Product Features:
ASIN: B00004SD9G |
Amazon.com Review
With both Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding, S-video switching, 5.1-channel analog inputs, four digital-audio inputs, and the ability to deliver 100 watts across all five main channels, Pioneer's VSX-D509S is poised to satisfy many a movie and music fan. Its value goes deeper than its feature set, however: the VSX-D509S offers full-bodied sound with fine detail and texture. Vocals sound clear and well-defined, while the bass--crucial for dynamic surround-sound reproduction--is taut and authoritative. Operation is a breeze: the receiver's setup and controls work perfectly, and radio signals come in clear as crystal.Pioneer's four Advanced Theater modes (Musical, Drama, Action, and Expanded) enhance DTS and Dolby Digital playback, giving you plenty of options when it comes to surround-sound playback. Six stereo DSP (digital signal processing) modes for music simulate the sonic environment of a large wooden concert hall, a modern hall with stone walls, a jazz club, a dance club, and two different movie theaters.
We like that the VSX-509S has S-video switching, a coaxial digital input, and 5.1-channel direct inputs, all of which are aimed at superior audio-video performance.
Radio signals come in clear as a bell. Dolby digital and DTS surround processing are both excellent, and we even found the relatively subtle DSP modes to be more to our liking than usual.
While we're pleased that Pioneer uses five-way binding posts for the front three channels, the surround channels use cheaper spring-loaded terminals, which require bare-wire connections--something to consider if you currently have banana-terminated speaker cable. This isn't a major shortcoming--most receivers use them--but we wish manufacturers would use identical connectors for all channels, especially in a performance-driven machine like this one.
Pioneer's VSX-D509S's strengths are many, and the receiver represents a very fine value. --Wayne Garcia
Pros:
Cons:
Customer Reviews:
fixing the overload.......2006-07-01
Disappointed.......2003-04-10
This sucker rocks.......2002-05-02
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.
Disappointed.......2002-01-08
I would rate it a negative five if I could.......2001-03-05
It's been in service three times since September. I'm sending it back again this week. What part of 'it doesn't work, please fix it or replace it' doesn't Pioneer understand? The last excuse they gave me was I didn't connect the speakers correctly.
Avoid this model like the plague.
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