low price tag

Low out effect

Nice low-price but still good product for home entertainment systems. Has proven to fill my need of a DD-reciever for now.

The 808 contains DTS/DD and MPEG-decoders. 5*60 watts (8 ohms) a RDS tuner and all the inputs/outputs that most people need.

The sound is neutral.

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Sony str 925

Features (DD/DTS etc) Display - clear and informative, Great remote (mulit-purpose), connections-inputs/outputs/optical, nice construction/design/finish

Center and surround speaker connections are way too small!! Pioneer: Use full-size connections on all ports!!!!

Hi!

Most is said about this player, but I still wanted to join Patrik in his complaints about the center/rear-speaker connections. This is the only weakness of the "808" that I have found yet. Regarding the power, (5 x 60W), I must say that it hasn't been any problem at all. I noticed that since I upgraded my speaker system to the Infinity Series, I hardly challenge the 808 at all. Normal listening level on DD/DTS is at -35-40db. -25db is too loud (But still crystal clear!). Stereo mode level (2x100W) is about -40-60db, depending on mood. I would presume that it has a lot to do with the speakers. 6 ohm-speakers should not be a problem. (Mind: My livingroom is 41m2!)
My friend has the same speaker system, but the Harman Kardon AVR-500 receiver (!) and he plays his speakers on the same level in stereo mode...

The missing star on the "Overall rating" is because of the speaker connections. It's a tough call, but if you find yourself in my situation, trying to connect my 2.5 mm2 cable into the same tiny, plastic hole that you find on a "UNITED" -piece of crap for $19.99, you get MAD!!! :-)

To conclude my review- the Pioneer 808 is all you need in a basic/enthusiast home theatre system. The value is amazing. The sound is very neutral and compability is great. One step up, and you are a "audiophile" dealing with high-end equipment. I would (and did!) put my money on speakers instead- this receiver is good enough for any speakers below $700.

Note: Check out the Pioneer VSX-609/709 (?) I think it's just about the same but perhaps with better connections?

Bye, Magnus

Similar Products Used:

Speakers:
Infinity Reference Series MkII (6 ohm, center + surround speakers in same series, model numbers: 61, 100, 11)
All cables from Aucustic Line 2x2.5 mm2
TV: Sony 29" Triniton
DVD: Cheap crap, but works well. Soon a Pioneer DV-333!
Optical cables/S-VHS

Price, connections

Output power, no phono input

A great AV-receiver for it's price. The output power has been enough for me and I'm using a system where I use 4 speakers connected to my 808 in other rooms of my house and 2 in my own, and still I can make my walls shake.

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yamaha 595

Extremely deep bass and a very functional remote control (multi-function,8 units)

Poor power-output, no bass-controlling on remote-control

A good receiver with an affordable price.
The power-output could have been boosted by Pioneer, but overall, it's a damn good receiver!

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Yamaha R595