Pioneer VSX-D409 Audio/Video Receiver

Pioneer VSX-D409 Audio/Video Receiver

Product Description
Amazon.com Review
The VSX-409 surround receiver holds a place in a stellar receiver lineup from Pioneer. Its features include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, and DTS surround decoding, future-ready 5.1-channel analog inputs, three digital audio inputs (including one coaxial), and delivery of 100 watts across all five amplified channels.

Like other Pioneer receivers we've auditioned, the VSX-409's sound is very fine--rich, airy, and involving. What's more, the VSX-409 is a snap to operate.

Even first-time users should have no trouble, thanks to the first-rate owner's manual.

Pioneer's four Advanced Theater modes (Musical, Drama, Action, Expanded) enhance both Dolby Digital and DTS playback, while six music-oriented stereo DSP (digital signal processing) modes 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.

The VSX-409 produced good detail and texture with our favorite CDs and DVDs, and its 100-watt amplifier showed no signs of stress or strain, consistently delivering tight, powerful bass. Vocals sounded natural and articulate--a must for quality home theater.

Pioneer's Dolby Digital and DTS surround processing are both excellent, and the DSP modes, essentially alternate surround-sound algorithms, actually work without sounding gimmicky.

Now for a couple gripes: though we loved the VSX-409's coaxial digital-audio capability, multiple digital-audio inputs, and 5.1-channel analog inputs, we wish the VSX-409 accommodated S-video, which is clearly superior to composite video. (Of course, while S-video is found on all DVD players and some VCRs, not everyone has an S-video-compatible television.)

Another drawback is the push (clip-type) speaker terminals, which demand bare-wire connections. Bare wire offers certain advantages over banana-plug terminations, namely a more direct connection, but banana-friendly five-way binding posts are both higher quality and more convenient for hookup than push terminals.

If you can live without S-video and aren't already invested in binding-post speaker terminals, Pioneer's VSX-409 packs a lot of performance into a moderately priced, high-value design. --Wayne Garcia

Pros:

Clear, robust sound

DTS decoding

5.1-channel direct inputs

2 sets of front left/right speaker outputs

Multiple digital inputs

Cons:

No S-video switching

Clip-type terminals for all channels

Average customer rating:

Superb sound and abundant features for a great price
I can't believe the difference!
Best performance vs price deal that I found
Awesome quality
A great receiever at a great price.

Pioneer VSX-D409 Audio/Video Receiver

Manufacturer: Pioneer
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Stereo Receivers | Receivers & Amplifiers | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

NETGEAR Wireless Digital Music Player

Product Features:

Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding
100 watts x 5 channels
5.1-channel inputs
4 Advanced Theater modes
Preprogrammed remote

ASIN: B00004SD9F

Amazon.com Review

The VSX-409 surround receiver holds a place in a stellar receiver lineup from Pioneer. Its features include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, and DTS surround decoding, future-ready 5.1-channel analog inputs, three digital audio inputs (including one coaxial), and delivery of 100 watts across all five amplified channels.

Like other Pioneer receivers we've auditioned, the VSX-409's sound is very fine--rich, airy, and involving. What's more, the VSX-409 is a snap to operate.

Even first-time users should have no trouble, thanks to the first-rate owner's manual.

Pioneer's Dolby Digital and DTS surround processing are both excellent, and the DSP modes, essentially alternate surround-sound algorithms, actually work without sounding gimmicky.

If you can live without S-video and aren't already invested in binding-post speaker terminals, Pioneer's VSX-409 packs a lot of performance into a moderately priced, high-value design. --Wayne Garcia

Pros:

Clear, robust sound
DTS decoding
5.1-channel direct inputs
2 sets of front left/right speaker outputs
Multiple digital inputs

Cons:

No S-video switching
Clip-type terminals for all channels

Customer Reviews:

Superb sound and abundant features for a great price.......2000-12-31

A few months ago, I was in the market for a surround reciever and had no idea what the terms were (s-video, component, optical, etc.) and was basically a newcomer to this type of field. However, after much research and shopping, I came across this Pioneer model (I picked it up at Price Costco for an unbelievable price ...!). I like practically everything on this reciever. It offers both Dolby Digital and DTS decoding which sounds so rich and full, and the 10 different adjustable DSP modes really can add to the experience w/o sounding too synthesized. The 100 watts x 5 amplifier drives plenty of power, and the bass is thunderous even w/o a subwoofer with ample size front speakers and the Loudness control switched on. What I liked most is all of the different customizable settings such as speaker sizes, crossover frequency, distance, and individual volume levels, plus features like Dynamic Range Control and Midnight listening mode. It does take a while to decipher all of the features and play with it, but once you do that the Pioneer offers such room to personally configure it to your own tastes. The only things I didn't like was the small remote with many confusing buttons that can be hard to operate in the dark (esp. w/ no backlight) and the sluggish FM tuner that scans much slower than most recievers. But these are very minor gripes and I'm much impressed with the excellent sound, number of features, and value this Pioneer receiver offers. A must buy for any home theater lover!

I can't believe the difference!.......2000-12-27

Just opened our Christmas gadgets and hooked the receiver up to a new DVD player and just 2 little speakers . . . WOW! The sound is incredible and the picture is great! It will take awhile to learn the range of features in order to fine tune the system, but the first 20 minutes of "Blade Runner" was absolutely fantastic. We also purchased a Monster digital-optical cable for $40 and the movie watching experience is so-o-o-o much better than before. I can't wait until our surround speaker system is delivered . . . I can't imagine how much better it could be! Since I don't even know what S-video is, I guess I don't know about what the other reviewers are complaining about. As far as I am concerned this receiver is everything I had hoped it would be. Happy New Year!

Best performance vs price deal that I found.......2000-12-09

I recently purchase this receiver to replace my Dolby 2.0 capable receiver. I bought the D409 because it offered good solid power (100W x 5 channels) and great features (DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital) at a much lower price than the other units that I researched.

I had no trouble getting my TV, VCR, two video games systems, CD player and DVD player hooked up and working. Note that I do not connect my video playback through my receiver - this unit does not have S-Video input/outputs, you need to buy the D509 for that.

After the initial set up, the sound quality was good. With a lot of tuning and playing, the sound in excellent. When you first hook up your system and begin trying the various sound processing modes, do not get discouraged if they produce too much echo effect, you can reduce the effect directly. You should also correct the delay between your speakers and adjust the channel outputs. Many DVDs such as Fantasia and Xmen have THX sound balancing tests that help you tune your system.

The only negatives are the clip type connections for the speakers rather than binding posts and a poorly remote layout. Each remote button has multiple functions and behaves very differently depending on which mode or source you are trying to operate.

Overall, a good receiver than needs a little playing to make it a great receiver.

Awesome quality.......2000-08-16

I got this receiver in a kit with 5 speakers and a subwoofer, and they all work together very well (logic, it was a kit)

The sound is very good and with DTS/DD sound what else can you want from a receiver?

The only drawback if one, is the absence of S-video inputs/outputs. Other than that it's perfect.

A great receiever at a great price........2000-06-21

I purchased this receiver just last week and I have been amazed since. For under 300 dollars you get not only Dolby Digital but also DTS surround. Most receivers cost 500 dollars or more if you want both components. Also the 5x100 watt power is more then enough to feel the wind of the helicopter or hear the ping of bullet shells as they hit the ground. If you are shopping for a great receiver for college definately consider this one.

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