The main strength is the power. It will power anything you need and sound good. The sound is a little flat but adding a Audiosource EQ100 makes this a pretty high quality receiver. Durability and quality is excellent.

If you are looking for a home audio system for you're TV... This isn't it. This is best as a basic stereo system with possibilities of 3 channel music.

Have the pioneer VSX505S. Handed down from the days of laser disc Top Gun. Just calculated my ohms but my sub is not pushing enough bass. What contacts should I hook this bad Larry up to

I think the majority of the reviews here are dishonest and/or by people who have no experience in high quality home audio. This receiver does have good power yet that is where the benefits begin and end. The surround sound is absolutely terrible. The best way I can describe the problem is to say it will suddenly play a sound meant for the front or surround channels too loudly and it always plays the other channels at a level much higher than the center. Unless you plan on running this amp for stereo only, junk it in favor of a Yamaha receiver. I have owned many Yamaha receivers in my lifetime and from 1994 to today I have yet to ever own a Yamaha that doesn't embarrass this receiver. Stay far away!

The best still in 2012 for the money. Better than 2k systems. I have new speakers that push it nice.

Paid about $495 back in 1996

The best receiver I have ever owned period Sounds great with my Pioneer tower speakers. Try listening to Rush on a bookshelf system. It is not the same these old school speakers with this Pioneer VSX-505S rocks

I got this unit brand new I've had it for years repaired twice but with that said I just love it compared in 2009. you cannot find this can of power in a a/v rec. today for the kind of money this was purchase. I have a 5.1 speaker config : BIC DV62si bookshelf speakers for front;BIC DV52 series rear;DV62CLR-S center and the V1520 sub. the sound is just freakin great :) I have the sound I want !

One word describes this receiver. JUNKY! If you have a fairly revealing system, as I do, you'll notice that the other lesser known brands sound much more clean and dynamic. Instead of the big names like Pioneer, Sony, and Bose, buy from companies like Harmon Kardon, Marantz, B+W, and Paradigm and you'll be much happier. They may not imress your friends with all of their lights, dials and fancy names, but they will imress you with their quality. Just give them a listen and you will know the truth.

pioneer_vsx505spioneer_vsx405s

power, power, power. Loud, loud, loud

overheats if played at high volume for an extended period of time

Mine is currently being replaced. It was struck by a power surge and since it doesn't have dolby digital, its getting replaced. I loved it, I want that power in my new receiver. I hope that it can come close. The 505s was good, I would recommend one to anyone.

Similar Products Used:

Older Pioneer receiver.

This is an excellent receiver for the money. Considering the fact that it has been on sale in many chain stores for under $300 lately (I purchased mine for $299 but have seen them for $279). The sound quality is perfectly acceptable, and the home theater options (sound fields and overall power) make it a great starting point for basic home theater. Too bad it has cheap quick connect speaker terminals...