Not happy with sound on Pioneer VSX D412

[emrliquidlife]

I recently retired my old stand by, a Pioneer VSX D901S. This receiver was purchased about 13 years ago, for about $1,000. I liked the sound, and signal processing, and never felt the urge to upgrade. Now I have a DVD player with a 5.1 optical out and a friend had a used Pioneer VSX D412 that he gave me.

I was excited about what I thought was an upgrade, but have found myself unpleased with the sound. Without processing the sound is tiny, and without merit. Like being in a small room. With processing it sounds absolutely too processed. As if the effects are way overdone.

The speakers I use are Polk Audio S10 speakers and the center channel is a CS275.

Should I go back to the D901S? If it is a decision based on sound only, yes I should. But I'm wondering if there is something I am not adjusting correctly in order to get the processing better. I did get the remote for it, but no manual. I looked at the Pioneer site, and they don't have that manual up anymore.

Any thoughts? Is there a place to get a manual for this. Is there an adjustment for the amount of signal processing on the D412?

E

 

[m_vanmeter]

there is a multi-step setup required and you need to assign the digital audio input to the DVD setting.

manual available here...its the 414/514 but should be close to the 412/512 setup
http://www.retrevo.com/search/v2/jsp/downloadPage.jsp?doc=d01b85f7247955a9907687269cc0ec0b&q=Pioneer+VSX-D514-K

 

[emrliquidlife]

okay, this would make sense. Let you know how it goes tonight.

Which is better to use, a coax digital in from my source or the tosch link (fiber optic) in?

E

 

[mtrycrafts]

okay, this would make sense. Let you know how it goes tonight.

Which is better to use, a coax digital in from my source or the tosch link (fiber optic) in?

E

They are equals as far as transmitting the digital audio. Durability may be a different story if you keep playing with the cables in the back. The optical is a think fiber line that may be damaged if bent too much.

 

[emrliquidlife]

Well, I did the setup, and it was pretty accurate to my model. The system I'm running right now is 3.0 that is to say, L, R, and a matched Center. I need to get off my butt and get the rear engaged. The sub I'm not too concerned with. I have upstairs neighbors, and I don't think they would like a sub.

Any case, after going through the quick setup, and listening, I was much happier. But once I got the Fiber optic line setup from the HDcable box, and the distances from listener to speakers done, things snapped into much better attention. I don't like the loudness and midnight buttons, but hey, I got the unit quite cheap. Now, what to do with my old war horse?

Thanks again,

Ed

 

[mtrycrafts]

... I don't like the loudness and midnight buttons, but hey, I got the unit quite cheap. Now, what to do with my old war horse?

Thanks again,

Ed

Don't have to use them
the old warhorse can be stored for later use in a second application, give it away if you don't have the storage space.

Yes, if you have close neighbors, subs can be an issue.

 

[Systems]

Ill agree it offers a less than rich sound very cheap ...the systems of years past well the unit type amps blow these cheap ones. Just bought one and could suggest im displeased but it was 50 bucks. I had a pioneer elite toasted the the main channels out .. It was rich in sound lacked the the watts but a quality of sound. I guess u pay for what u get. I just dont understand all these distorted features ...if they left the features out just a plain simple wealth it would serve a justice for a poor mans pocket book. It will do but I will be searching once again to relive my frustration. If you wana crank it ... a bit of fun but it lacks any basement effect..no snap ..very tinny ..ENjoy SYstems