Pioneer VSX-815-K Receiver Review

[Buckeyefan 1]

Hi,

Could anyone help me to compare the Pioneer VSX-815 to two nearly identical Denon receivers? How does the 815 compare to the AVR-1506/AVR-486?

See here for the Denon receivers:
http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/257.asp?compareitem=243&compareitem=2120&imageField.x=94&imageField.y=22

Would you recommend the Pioneer or one of the Denon receivers?

Many thanks!

Denon 1506:
21lbs
75 wpc rms 20-20,000Hz .08% THD

Pioneer 815:
22.4lbs
100 wpc rms 1000Hz .1 THD

Since the Pioneer doesnt' rate it's power at .08% or full bandwidth, it's hard to tell. You're not going to hear .02% THD difference. Both are very entry level units, with budget transformers and capacitors, and small heat sinks. You'll want to run higher spl, 8 ohm speakers with these smaller receivers - say 93dB if you like reference levels. Also make sure to utilize the bass management and let the sub take over at 80 - 100Hz to maximize whatever power the above receiver has.

For another $100, you can really step up to a THX rated unit like the Pio 1015 or Yamaha 1500 that will drive a larger range of speakers.

 

[Coppertop]

Speaker decisions...

Hello all,

Being said this is my first post at this Audioholics forums, I got to say I am very impressed and grateful to have found this site. I'm overwhelmed actually by the number of information on audio / theater stuff you can find here. I actually was doing product look up on the Pioneer VSX-815-K and came across this very post discussion. While I'm not going to pretend I know what I'm looking for because I actually don't...I'm here looking for some assistance and feedback. So here goes:

I'm in the process of remodeling my basement in which the theme is having a Theater / Kitchen / Office Workspace. My number one goal is creating the theater on a strict budget, but yet maintain great quality output the best I can. I still need to educate myself a bit more on selecting a projector of my choice. At this time, I'm looking to decide on this Pioneer 815 as my main reciever due to what I'm looking to spend on in the $300 range. I know that I'd like to look for an equalizer that can compliment that reciever if possible and a nice set of speakers for both audio listening and theater purposes. I saw the Bic Acoustech Cinema Series (HT-75, HT-65, & H100) but that was a bit over the top for me (which goes $800+). Can anybody suggest a good set of speakers for both audio and theater use that can go with this Pioneer 815 in the $500 range?

I saw this ebay store called "All About Audio" ( http://stores.ebay.com/ALL-ABOUT-AUDIO_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm ) and was looking into this but I'm not sure I'd like to take that route. Has anybody here make a purchase through this store? I was looking into their DR-1610-1611 Home Theater Surround Sound System, and was wondering if anybody has any comments and or suggestions about this.

Sorry for the long post... much obliged on any feedback.

 

[madregal]

Using RadioShack SPL and Rives CD

"You'll want to run higher spl, 8 ohm speakers with these smaller receivers - say 93dB if you like reference levels. Also make sure to utilize the bass management and let the sub take over at 80 - 100Hz to maximize whatever power the above receiver has. "

----------------------------------
I would like a little more explanation about your quote above. I have the Pioneer VSX-815-K connected to Athena Micra6 speakers. I have done the MCACC calibration but am still curious if i can tweak a little more.

should i set the sub volume to where the RadioShack SPL meter will read 80hz? and set the volume of the other speakers to 93 db?

I am really new at this so please be patient with me.

 

[madregal]

Help

I bought this receiver... I even bought the Athena Micra speakers that were recommended.

I need some help on the receiver. So i do the quick set up and make sure that my speakers and my room (12 feet x 13 feet) are set to SMALL, (Medium is the default). I make the crossover 80 (from 100).

I then run MCACC auto setup with the calibration microphone.

Sounds ok to me but I would like the option to tweak it. The manual says I should copy the settings and work on the "copy." Can somebody tell me how to do that? I am confused to whether to copy it to C1, C2, etc.

If I use a SPL meter to tweak from the MCACC auto settings, what should I be looking for? I imagine the volume on all speakers should be the same measuring from the listening position...how about the sub? Do I measure it the same way?

Any input from you guys would help. Thanks in advance.

 

[tnguym]

video up conversion

When I bought the 815 I did not fully understand the advantage of the up conversion feature. With three different, and aging components - satellite box, VCR, DVD player - all with three different types of video connections - ... the VIDEO UP CONVERSION would have helped a lot - I am sorry I did not get it!!! It should be a requirement - expecially for an unsophisticated user. The one input into the TV would help a lot.

 

[GGG]

VSX-815 - how to manually adjust equalization for each channel

I own a VSX-815 a/v receiver with which I am extremely happy. I do however find that the auto-equalisation isn't quite right (in fact sometimes appears very not right). I thus seek to manually adjust the equalization for each channel individually using the receiver settings. For this purpose, I have a sound pressure meter and a test CD which emits tones at a constrant volume for varying frequencies. My problem is, I don't however know how to direct the tones to a single channel. I could I suppose in turn, connect each of the 6 speaker wires to the left front channel (with the receiver on stereo), leaving all other speakers disconnected; adjust the equalization settings for the left channel and record these; and later enter these settings to the receiver for the appropriate channel. Does this make sense, or is there an easier way?

 

[wafflebird]

Try this

I have the VSX-816 and I took the time to look in your manual as well. You have to go to set-up menu (Make sure your TV is on so you can see the menu) then speaker set-up, then Ch level (channel level) select manual tone and then you should be able to use the arrow keys on your remote to select each speaker and adjust the level. The receiver will play a tone for you. I do not know if you can integrate your Test CD or not, while in the menu.

I found my 816 to set the bass very low, and because I have a Klipsch center (very efficient speaker) it turned it way down as well.

If you follow these instructions you should have no problem. If you still have a problem send me a private message and I can e-mail you the manual if you need me to. Good luck.

 

[GGG]

VSX-815 - how to manually adjust equalization for each channel

What you suggest should work for adjusting the 'level' of each channel, but not equalization. All the best.

 

[wafflebird]

Your right my mistake

Does that receiver actaully allow that adjustment? I have the 816 and I can adjust the way each speaker plays certain Hz although I do not use that feature.

 

[skipsterut]

I own a VSX-815 a/v receiver with which I am extremely happy. I do however find that the auto-equalisation isn't quite right (in fact sometimes appears very not right). I thus seek to manually adjust the equalization for each channel individually using the receiver settings. For this purpose, I have a sound pressure meter and a test CD which emits tones at a constrant volume for varying frequencies. My problem is, I don't however know how to direct the tones to a single channel. I could I suppose in turn, connect each of the 6 speaker wires to the left front channel (with the receiver on stereo), leaving all other speakers disconnected; adjust the equalization settings for the left channel and record these; and later enter these settings to the receiver for the appropriate channel. Does this make sense, or is there an easier way?

I don't have an 815, but do have an Elite 72 and I suspect the MCACC works the same (but maybe not). Anyway, on the 72 using the manual MCACC settings I can set each speaker as Small/Large/No. I assume the 816 lets you do this also, so why not set all speakers to "No" except the one you want to hear the test tones from?

 

[Wafflesomd]

I don't have an 815, but do have an Elite 72 and I suspect the MCACC works the same (but maybe not). Anyway, on the 72 using the manual MCACC settings I can set each speaker as Small/Large/No. I assume the 816 lets you do this also, so why not set all speakers to "No" except the one you want to hear the test tones from?

The 815 can do this, I own one.

 

[hyghwayman]

<A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PioneerVSX-815ReceiverReview1.php"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2><IMG style="WIDTH: 125px; HEIGHT: 94px" alt=[PioneerVSX815Kreceiver] hspace=10 src="http://www.audioholics.com/news/thumbs/PioneerVSX815Kreceiver_th.jpg" align=left border=0></FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>Despite all of the mid-fi and hi-fi product reviews written by the editors at Audioholics, we get a steady stream of reader requests for more entry level systems. In fact, it's almost imperative that we provide them because to assume that a manufacturer's flagship products necessarily reflect the quality and usability of its entry-level units ignores the lessons learned from our article on </FONT><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/amplifiers/receiverpower.php"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>Product Managing Receiver Platforms &amp; Power Ratings</FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>. So, it was with a desire to investigate Pioneer's new entry-level line of receivers that we requested the </FONT><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PioneerVSX-815ReceiverReview1.php"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>VSX-815 receiver</FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2> and </FONT><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/PioneerHTP-4600review1.php"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>HTP-4600</FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>&nbsp;home theater system, two products that give us a nice slice of Pioneer's lower-priced offerings. The VSX-815 is a 100 watt x 7 product with auto setup and room EQ. Read on to find out our results.</FONT>
<P><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>[</FONT><A href="http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PioneerVSX-815ReceiverReview1.php"><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>Read the Review</FONT></A><FONT face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size=2>]</FONT></P>

Just wanted to let everyone know the Pioneer VSX-816, now has on-screen display for system setup( speakers, audio inputs digital and coaxial and vidoe) and Power
Power Amplifier Design - Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Design
Surround Power 770 Watts Total System Power - 110 watts x 7 (1kHz 1.0% THD @ 8 Ohms)
Stereo Power 220 Watts Total System Power - 110 watts x 2 (20 Hz - 20kHz .7% THD @ 8 Ohms)


Hyghwayman, helping others hear the truth.