Features: 5 S-video inputs
Easy to use remote

Just a little more power would be nice

I recently purchase a Pioneer DVD Player and then upgrade my receiver from Dolby ProLogic. WOW - what a difference listening to movies in Dolby Digital vs Dolby Prologic!

I picked the Pioneer VSX-D608 because it was affordably priced and was one of the few units that had sufficient S-video inputs. In addition to the DVD player, I also have a VCR and 2 Direct TV receivers that require S-video inputs.

I have been quite happy with this unit. It was easy to set up and use and the sound quality is just fine for my tastes. I primarily use it for Home Theater. I would be nice if it had a little more power, but I found a way to tweak it that has made it more acceptable (boosting the channel volumes).

I tried out the Sony STR-DB930 and found it to have more power but fewer features and S-video inputs. It was also about $200 more.

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Sony STR-DB930

Awsome sound at an affordable price. lots of inputs

no sleep mode or video signal select

awsome sound it turned my living romm into a pounding dolby digital beast that never sleeps.Lots of inputs and features but the remote could be better. But this can be easily overlooked.

Similar Products Used:

pioneer dolby pro logic

Inputs, Inputs, Inputs. The 608 offers a great selection of 5 SVHS, 3 OPT in, 1 OPT out, Multi SVHS out. Puts other entry to mid level recievers to shame. Out performs the likes of ONKYO and DENNON (in the same league of couse) and still manages to pull of a GREAT PRICE POINT!

Remote could have been learning.
I would have liked to seen the banana speaker plugs for the center and surround posts.
Ability to use my SUPER VISION to read the reciever display!!!!!!

Do you like Pioneer?
Do you like a GREAT DEAL?
Do you want to make your friends with "Higher end" components cry?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, stop reading and start buying!!!!!!!

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Pioneer PD-F958 CD
Pioneer DV-414 DVD
Pioneer VSX-D608

Versatility and Sound Quality

Remote and Display

For less than $400, I was unable to find an AV Rcvr with more features and superior sound quality. The D608 has AC-3 and DTS. It also has more inputs/outputs than any other Rcvr in its class. The Sound fills the room and the DSP features work well in my home theater setup. While the remote is somewhat funky, it redeems itself by handling more than its share of the other devices in my system. I would add a on screen display or an lcd remote.

Otherwise, it's great!

easy to use - quick set up

stereo playback

The Pioneer 608 has plenty of power for surround playback. The crossover allows for high pass points at 100, 150, and 200 Hz allowing for flexible sub sat set-ups. This receiver will perform great when connected to small speakers and allowing a powered sub to handle the low frequencies. Great dynamic range in this set-up. Bought it at Circuit City for $299 open-box.

Price, Sound, S-Video switching, DTS

Somewhat lacking in power for Dolby modes; can't seem to get the analog signal from my VCR to play through the receiver onto the TV, even though the TV is hooked up to both RCA and S-Video from the receiver

I just bought my first home theater setup, and for an entry level system I think this is a good receiver. I also purchased a Pioneer DV-525 DVD player and the JBL SCS-125 6-speaker set. Overall I'm very satisfied, and I don't think you can do better for under $1000.

The receiver sounds good, especially for movies; watching The Matrix in Dolby Digital on this setup is pretty awesome. The fact that it has both DD and DTS was a big plus for me, and I'm eagerly awaiting my copy of Saving Private Ryan DTS. My TV only has 1 S-Video input, so the S-Video switching was a big reason I chose this receiver over the 508 that is bundled in their home theater kit. For music, I'm disappointed that I can't seem to use all 5 speakers; using just 2 of my satellites I can't really crank it as loud as I would like.

Setup was a bit difficult for me initially; considering this is a somewhat entry-level reciever the documentation should have been better. For instance, I thought there was something wrong at first, because I wasn't getting sound out of the surround speakers even though the test sound worked. Turns out the default AC-3 mode doesn't output to the surrounds, and I had to hit the DD button once to put it in Standard mode.

I like the remote fine except for having to use the Function key to cycle through my devices. It would be nice if you could at least disable the ones you're not using so you don't have to hit the button 6 times to get from TV/SAT to DVD/LD. Other than that it works fine, and also works for my other equipment.

One disappointment is the power; particularly in Dolby modes it seems to be lacking in power. My living room is pretty large, and I end up watching DVD's with the volume at around -25; it bothers me that I have to push it that much to get adequate volume. I guess as long as it holds up under repeated use at those levels I'll be happy.

All in all, I'd say this is the best receiver you can get under $400, and unless you have a huge living room the volume should be fine. S-Video switching is a must if you plan to use DVD and digital cable/satellite on a TV with only one S-Video in.

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n/a

Great sound, Loaded with inputs.

Great piece of equipment, purchased mine from Circuit City for $379.95 (Monwy well spent). Works flawless, Audio quality is impressive for its price.Would recommend it to anyone looking for a good receiver.

POWER for the $$$$. All the SVideo, Dolby Digital hookups i'll ever need.

using the function button on the remote to cycle through the different modes, VCR1, DVD/LD, ETC

I bought this as a display model at circuit city, with a 5 year warrenty for 340 with tax. This amp rocks, has all the features i want multiple SVHS, DD/DTS hook ups. Great power, LIGHTYEARS ahead of my old RCA home theater system :). The remote controls my Toshiba TV, VCR, my Sony DVD player perfectly except for the higher functions, it works best on the DVD player, i can turn it off and on play pause chapter skip, fast forward, and go to any chapter by pressing the proper number sequence on the number pad. My only gripe is I i have to cycle through the A/V modes by hitting the FUNCTION button, instead of hitting the individual labled light up buttons. I plan on upgrading to the new Pioneer 810 model for the 600 watt power DTS/ES capability and Component video switching, this amp will go to the bedroom.

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RCA Pro Logic 120 Watt home theater system

Nice but not professional.

The amount of different options for the money.

Remote

For the money you cant beat it. I looked at a wide range of products and this was by far the best. Ive read other reviews here complaining about how lacking in power this unit is. Well i dont have a clue what some of you are using in your system but for home theatre i found it excellent. I run aseperate sub (Mirage 10in) built in amp
and i found the combination with my other speakers AND this amp great. I found sound quality to be excellent and defination was great, for the money if your wanting something for home theatre this is it. If your wanting something loud (dont get me wrong i found this unit plenty loud enough for me) i mean really loud then buy something else. But ask yourself what do you want it for, if its for you and your family etc its great if your wanting to wake the guy down the road 25km away then dont buy it.

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Sony, Denon,