Electronically reprinted from September 2006

Pioneer VSX-816

Chris Martens
7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver
procedures took around 8 minutes to complete, but the end results were worth the wait. We compared MCACC against Yamahas competing YPAO (Yamaha Parametric Acoustic Optimizer) EQ system and found that both systems improved the accuracy and tonal balance of our test speakers. However, the Pioneer system went even further, unlocking an extra layer of clarity and openness the Yamaha could not match. Wide-Open Sound Actually, openness and resolution are probably the two words that best describe the Pioneers sound. These qualities brought alive all kinds of cinematic and music material, enhancing everything from the creaking of the ships hull in Master and Commander, to the pared to this receivers strengths. The VSX-816 offers a user interface and remote control that are well thought out. The VSX-816s sheer performance per dollar is just remarkable. Highly recommended. TPV

AUDIO REVIEW

A Budget Product in Price Only
or years, Pioneer has offered both standard-series AVRs, thought to offer good value for money, and more expensive Elite-series models targeted toward performance-minded enthusiasts. Recently, Pioneer surprised us by replacing its entire standard AVR lineup with a handful of dramatically improved, value-priced receivers, such as the $399 VSX-816, whose feature sets remind us of those typically found in Elite models. Features Spoken Here The VSX-816 is a 7.1-channel, XM radio-ready AVR that puts out 110Wpc. The receiver supports multizone playback or can assign two channels to bi-amplify the front main speakers. The VSX-816 incorporates Pioneers

The Last Word

Open, richly detailed sound MCACC room EQ really works unny, it doesnt sound like a F budget receiver ould use greater bass weight, C warmth

Specifications

ower output: 7 x 110Wpc @ 8 ohms P urround-sound and stereo decoding S formats: Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital, and Pro Logic IIx; DTS-ES, and Neo:6; nine proprietary surround mode for music, films, games, and headphones; Sound Retriever (restores CD-quality sound from compressed sources); WMA 9 Pro decoder. ideo inputs/outputs: Composite and V S-video (4 inputs, 2 outputs), component video (3 inputs, 1 output) udio inputs/outputs: Digital audio (5 A inputs3 optical, 2 coaxial), stereo analog (7 inputs, 2 outputs), 5.1-channel analog (1 input), analog subwoofer (1 output), XM satellite radio. imensions: 17.1" x 6.2" x 16.6" D eight: 20.3 lbs. W rice: $399 P

Manufacturer Information

Pioneer Electronics USA (800) 421-1404 www.pioneerelectronics.com
MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration) room EQ system plus special features such as a Dialog Enhancement mode that localizes dialog in the center channel to make it stand out. A Sound Retriever mode promises to bring CD quality-sound back to compressed 2-channel audio. Elaborate MCACC test/setup
aggressive snap of Marcus Millers bass guitar on Rampage from The Sun Dont Lie [Sony]. The only drawbacks we observed were occasional traces of excess brightness on vigorous treble transients, and bass that sometimes seemed too lightly balanced. But these are very minor shortcomings com-
Pioneer VSX-816 7.1-Channel A/V Receiver (rated in comparison to mid-priced, sub-$1000 AVRs)
User Interface Sound Quality, Films

PHOTO CREDIT

Sound Quality, Music Value

Excellent

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VSX-816-K/S

A 7.1-channel A/V receiver with 110W x 7 high power and advanced functions including Auto MCACC, Sound Retriever, XM Radio readiness, and a wide range of surround formats and original surround modes
Advanced Surround (9 Modes) 7-Channel Stereo Dialog Enhancement Auto Surround Midnight Listening Mode Enhanced Convenience Features XM Radio ready with OSD Pre-programmed LCD Remote FL Dimmer (4 Steps) Terminals 5.1-Channel Input 5 Digital Inputs (2 Coaxial, 2 Optical, 1 Front Optical) Component Video Terminal (3 Inputs, 1 Output) 7.1-Channel Preamp Output S-Video Terminal (4 Inputs, 2 Outputs) Front A/V Inputs with S-Video Input and Optical Digital Input Audio (Tuner included)/Video Inputs: 4A/4AV Audio/Video Outputs: 1A/1AV+1V SR+ (Smart Remote) Terminal Out Large Banana Speaker Terminal (L/R/C/LS/RS/SBL/SBR) Specifications Power Requirements: AC 120V/60Hz Standby Power Consumption: 0.5W Dimensions (W x H x D): 16-9/16 x 6-1/4 x 13-7/8 inches/ 420 x 158 x 352.5mm Weight: 20 lbs. 4 oz./9.2kg
Pioneer-Exclusive Innovations Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Design Auto MCACC Setup with 5-band EQ Sound Retriever for Improved Sound Quality of Compressed Music Files Features for Superb Listening Experience Equal High Power for All Seven Channels (110W x 7) Built-in DTS-ES Discrete/DTS 96/24/ NEO:6/Dolby Digital EX/Dolby Pro Logic IIx Decoder WMA9 Pro Decoder Virtual Surround Back Mode XM Surround for Optimum Surround Sound from XM Radio New Freescale 180MIPS Processing DSP 192kHz/24-bit DAC

VSX-816-S

VSX-816-K

VSX-816-K Rear panel

The impedances indicated in the specifications are actual values that speakers can present to an amplifier while playing back music. They do not refer to the nominal rated impedances of speakers you use. Specifications and design subject to modification without notice. Stereo: Continuous average power output of 110 watts at 8 ohms, from 20Hz to 20kHz with no more than 0.7% total harmonic distortion Surround: 110W per channel (8 ohms, 1kHz, 1.0% THD) (front); 110W (8 ohms, 1kHz, 1.0% THD) (center); 110W per channel (8 ohms, 1kHz, 1.0% THD) (surround); 110W per channel (8 ohms, 1kHz, 1.0% THD) (surround back) Measured pursuant to the Federal Trade Commissions Trade Regulation Rule on Power Output Claims for Amplifiers.
PIONEER and the Pioneer logo are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation. DTS, DTS-ES, NEO:6 and DTS 96/24 are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Dolby, Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, Surround EX and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Windows Media Audio 9 Professional. Microsoft, Windows Media and the Windows logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Proprietary driver is required for WMA 9 Pro playback on computer.