CHET: Do you know about DVD audio level?

I noticed your comment on the DVD being quieter than other functions. this is completely normal. normal dialog etc. is alot quieter than VHs, but the inpact sounds, explosions etc., are alot louder. DVD has a much larger dynamic range, which of course, is why the audio quality is much superior. Too bad you took the 709S back. If you notice, the 710S is only about 1/2 the weight, the 709S was about 33 pounds, this one only 18. Also, I won't get into the actual items, but the 709S has much superior circuitry and parts inside an even larger chassis than the 710S.Also the 709S has an extra digital input and 4 large vibration dampening feet on the bottom, not only the 2 good ones up front where you can easily see them. Anyway, as long as you are happy with your's that's all that counts.

Great bass and sound for the buck!

Remote

So far so good. I had the 509 and Unfortunatley the DVD mode started playing really low volume compared to the other modes and I had to take it back. This receiver is an actual upgrade from the 509 so Im not too disappointed and I got a smokin deal on it. I really like the way it sounds.
Other parts of my sys:
JBL S-CENTER
JBL S-38'S FRONT
JBL S-26'S REAR
VELODYNE CT-120
VELODYNE CT-100 (Speaker level with s-38's)
Hughes 4532 DSS
Sony 41" projection
Pioneer DV-333 DVD

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer vsx-d509s, JVC 6000vbk

Great sound, good bass output, good presets, programmable remote

No bass/treble control, impossible to set/store special effects settings, remote hard to program, limited extra features

Before the VSX-D710S, I owned a VSX-3700S which was fantastic for it's time but needed replacing when I blew out some circuitry.

I bought the VSX-D710S for $484 CDN on sale and was definitely impressed with the sound over the earlier VSX-3700S. No question, it has good power, very good sound presets to achieve different effects and strong bass, even without a sub-woofer.

There were a few things I didn't like though.

The older VSX-3700S had two switched outlets at the back which was useful for powering non-remote devices using the VSX remote. Unfortunately, the VSX-D710S has only a single switched outlet which meant I had to find another way to control the power of an antenna booster I had plugged in earlier.

Another limitation was the lack of bass/treble control. Although the sound produced by the VSX-D710S is quite good, depending on connected equipment and signal quality, there might be a need to adjust bass/treble. While the older VSX-3700S was equipped with a graphic equalizer, the newer VSX-D710S doesn't have one and doesn't even have a bass/treble knob. I really missed it.

With the old VSX-3700S, I always liked to leave the sound playing using the built in timer while I dozed off. It would shut itself off after a set time but the VSX-D710S has no such sleep feature.

It's also disappointing that some setting changes can't be saved using the VSX-D710S. While it is possible to adjust the volume of individual channels and some minor effects, there doesn't appear to be any way to save those changes for quick access. THX videos and DVDs aside, it's also common to use this type of equipment with typical televisions shows with poorer sound. I found that television shows didn't sound quite right using the standard Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby Surround modes(without effects) or the Advanced Theatre modes (Musical, Drama, Action, Expanded) or any of the DSP modes (Hall1, Hall2, Jazz, Dance, Theatre1, Theatre2). You'd think that many presets would be enough... but they weren't. After making adjustments to achieve what I thought was acceptable for television, I wasn't able to store the changes.

While the VSX-D710S does come with a universal & programmable remote, it too wasn't what I hoped. Although hundreds of universal codes were provided, I was still unable to locate codes for some of my equipment and even where codes did exist, they didn't come close to programming all of the buttons of the other device remotes. I also had a considerable amount of trouble programming the remote. The instructions are fairly clear but the device is finicky so it takes many attempts before a button fuction is successfully stored. I also felt there could have been more buttons because there simply weren't enough to record all the used functions of several devices in an entertainment centre. If you can't record ALL the functions you use for ALL the devices you use and you have to keep other remotes around, where's the value in a universal/programmable remote? In the end, I bought a programmable console remote from Yamaha with 110 direct access buttons. Now I use only a single remote for a TV, VCR, Receiver, CD and DVD... and that's what the Pioneer programmable remote isn't capable of.

Another minor limitation on the VSX-D710S is the use of digital switching between Front A & Front B speakers. Again, my old VSX-3700S had two buttons to control the speakers. Fronts A on/off and Fronts B on/off. By selecting the appropriate buttons, it was possible to select certain speakers directly. Unfortunately, the newer VSX-D710S has only a single digital button which cycles through the various speaker combinations (A-on/B-off, A-on/B-on, A-off/B-on, A-off/B-off). The problem with that arrangement is that speakers are turning on and off as you cycle through the options. I found myself inadvertently "blasting" people in another room because of this. There is also no way to use special effects if the B speakers are in use. I use the B speakers for another room and often want to continue to hear the theatre effects through the A speakers while leaving the B speakers active so I don't miss anything when I have to leave the room. Unfortunately, all effects are terminated when using the B speakers on the VSX-D710S.

Bottom line - It's a good, cost-effective receiver with more than adequate effects and good bass output but there are only few additional options. Good bang for the buck though.

Similar Products Used:

Earlier Pioneer VSX-3700S

Great sound, easy setup, lots of audio and video outputs

remote design

I purchased this system about 1 week ago. I chose it over the Technics just because it has more functions and more output (svid, component, rca, coax, optical). I did not have an easy time putting everything together (I bought the 710 with a Quest 8" Subwoofer, Bose 210 front speakers, JBL center speakers, and JBL surround speakers)coz I did not have the right cables. But one I got it goin' it sounded great(specially when watching dvd's with dts). I connected my playstation 2 to it using the component out and got a better video output than just using s-video. I also used the ps2's optical audio out for more superior sound.
All in all, I'm extrememly happy with the 710 specially for the price I got it for!

Similar Products Used:

none

Awesome base, (YES, it has bass/treble control), learning remote, alot of features, excellent variety of inputs/outputs

NONE.

This is a great receiver. There are ALOT of options, and the learning remote is awesome. I can control ANYTHING in my living room. The bass output is the best, but you will typically find good bass on any Pioneer. All around, a great receiver for the price.

One note: the last contributor said there was no bass/treble control, which isn't true. It's right on the front of the receiver.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer, technics, sony

Good Sound, Smart Remote, Price

Remote is not ergonomic

The sound is certainly better than my old VSX-608. It sounds cleaner, richer and has more bass. But at the same time, Pioneer has dropped certain features that I
loved about the 608. The 608 had a more ergonomic remote (although not a smart remote). The remote for the 710 is a mess of tiny bottons. That a disappointment because Pioneer used to have such great remotes for their entry to mid-line A/V Receivers. Although the 710 has a dot matrix display, the 608 has more useful display information. Digital noise reduction has been dropped from the 710 along with 5-D Theater. So have the tape 2/monitor inputs. I can't use my equalizer anymore.

But overall, this receiver has better sound than my old one.
That's the most import thing. Plus I paid $150 less for the 710 than I did for the 608.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX-608

Many connections, good power, clean sound, component video switching, programmable remote

I haven't come into any limitations just yet. It's a nice receiver

I'm no expert but this receiver gives a good sound and a lot of options. I'm very happy with it as a mid-budget receiver. Nice front panel styling too... (not cluttered)

I also like the remote, and you can program it with other remotes easily.

price/performance ratio

none at this price

decided to get an a/v reciever with dolby digital, my previous one only had pro-logic. i purchased the technics
1040. it was pretty weak. this unit has better power, runs much cooler, and sounds a little more natural. the remote is also far superior to the technics. i believe this unit sounds as good as anything under $500.00

one more note. this unit seems to have much better base
control and authority than other comparably priced units.

Similar Products Used:

many

Audio quality, video switching

Remote OK, no on screen display

After buying a Sony 945 and sending it back, I bought the new 710s. I like Pioneer, owning a 906s and 710s.

Its audio quality is FABULOUS. It is matched with Definitive Technologies Pro 80 Cinema in my family room. Other components are a Sony T60 - DirecTV/TIVO, Toshiba 6200 Progressive DVD, and Toshiba 43hx70 HDTV. While this is not a top of line system, it is very good. The NHT subwoofer is much better than the DefTech - size matters and $$$ matters.

Minor side - I love it - I'm down to 2 components, receiver and TV. I have stacks of older components, and my previous system had 5, down from 7 in the phono/tape/cd/vcr days.

The audio imaging on the 710s unit is fabulous. Watching Bruce on HBO - we were there!!!! Its gui is weak because there is no on screen display. The remote is a good layout, but has a LOT of buttons.

My real issues are:
1. lightning hit us and killed it - so I bought an 810s to replace it - even better audio quality.
2. The TIVO remote is designed REALLY well.
3. So now I have more than one remote.

It is not too hot. If you can see the front pannel the LED display is useful. It has good DSP modes. You can get it for $275 online. At that price it is an excellent system.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer 701s, 906s, 810s Sony DE945

Ease of use. Good amplification. Nice style. Bass management

Remote Control (it's not backlit, and the buttons are not very ergonomic)

I traded the 608 for the 710, for I was always thought the former was underpowered. I'm very happy I did so. The 710 has very good amplification. It sounds much smoother and musical than did the 608, and it has better bass output. My room rocks and shakes now, and the front speakers are set at large!!! Amazing!!! With the 608 the sound always struck me as thin and harsh. I highly recommend the 701 for all those who want to have great home theater on a budget. It's a great buy!

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer VSX D608