1104wv17 Pioneer VSX-D814

20/9/04

9:39 am

Page 98

FACT FILE

q 7.1 channel 100W

home cinema receiver

q Six channel

inputs/outputs

q MCACC microphone

set-up system

q Component video

switching
q Dolby Pro-Logic IIx and

DTS 96/25 support

q No onscreen menus

Pioneer VSX-D814

FEATURES AV receiver, 7 x 100W; supports Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital Surround EX, DTS Neo:6, DTS-ES Matrix 6.1, DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, DTS 96/24, Additional DSP presets for Movie, Game, 6ch stereo, Music, Virtual Surround Back, Expanded Theater, TV Surround, Sports; Virtual Surround Headphone; no onscreen display; MCACC automatic set up; preprogrammed/learning remote control SOCKETS Front: S-video/component video input; L/R stereo input; measuring microphone minijack; headphone socket Rear: 2 audio only phono inputs; 1 audio only record phono input/output; 3 audio/video phono inputs with composite and S-video connections; 1 audio/video record with phono, composite and S-video inputs/outputs; 4 extra phonos for DVD 5.1 input; 2 component video inputs; 1 component video output; 6 channel amplifier outputs; subwoofer output; 2 coaxial, 2 optical digital inputs; optical digital output; 7 speaker terminals; AM/FM aerial inputs; control minijack input/output CONTACT www.pioneer.co.uk TEST DATA Manufacturers output: 100W (1kHz, 8, 1% THD) Power output @ 1kHz: 60W (8, 0.1% THD), good; 70W (4, 0.1% THD) good Fidelity firewall: 85W @ 0.04% THD (8) good Distortion @ 50W: 0.002% (8, 1kHz) excellent Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz 0.2dB excellent For a full explanation of test data, see page 128

AV receiver 250

from a home cinema expert. A microphone installation system buys you consistency, without the poorly-set sound quality such systems often suffer from. A word of warning though like all microphone systems the subwoofer setting is not as predictable as others, so be prepared to turn it down. Pioneer has made a starter receiver to be proud of here. Its a ground breaker in its subtle way, with the automated microphone set-up democratising installation at all prices. The sonic performance though good is secondary. Buy the VSX-D814 and youll know your system will sound right Alan Sircom
couple of years ago, Pioneer began a process that would culminate in revolution. It put a measuring microphone in with a top-end AV amplifier. Now, this hardly puts Pioneer up with Mao, but this addition originally on amps costing more than a grand now appears on much cheaper receivers. Pioneers 250 VSX-D814 is the first home cinema receiver to support a measuring microphone (or Multi Channel Acoustic Calibration System) for less than about 400 and it will doubtless prove so successful that virtually every company will include automated set-up systems in all bar the cheapest amplifiers and receivers by this time next year. The mic itself is not of the finest quality, but it is all you need to accurately install the speaker system inside of 10 minutes. Aside from the microphone, the rest of the VSX-D814 is extremely well specified in its own right. The receivers lack of an onscreen display is the only obvious sign of its low price. It can deliver 100W into each of its seven channels and bristles with the latest Dolby Digital EX and DTS ES algorithms, plus Dolby Pro-Logic IIx and DTS Neo:6 and 96/24, along with dozens of surround modes no-one ever really uses after the first few days. In terms of connectivity, the receiver includes composite, S-video and component video switching (normally at least one of these is sacrificed at the price). It also has provision for six channel inputs and outputs, although the rear panel layout is dreadful.

In most cases, though, the installation is straightforward and logical, although its unclear whether the manual is a help or a hindrance, because its not the best laid out information sheet around. MCACC does make setting up the system a breeze, however, and you find the lack of onscreen display almost ceases to be an issue. Best of all, the overall ergonomics of the receiver are surprisingly hand friendly, although the remote is both plasticky and rather daunting at first. Unless you are a complete newcomer to home cinema, the VSX-D814 can be fully up and running inside an hour.

PERFORMANCE

This is no miracle receiver, but it does turn in a good basic performance for the money. The overall sound is clean, bright and ultimately not that powerful sounding, but perfectly controlled and exciting. In other words, it produces a typically Pioneer sound at the price, with no real surprises. No real surprises is no bad thing, though. The exciting sound is very alluring and perfect for home cinema when played through satellite/subwoofer systems. Its sound is fast and fun, too. Its not exceptionally detailed or precise, although it sounds more precise than it really is. This comes across as lots of high-frequency information in the final sword fight in Pirates of the Caribbean but in fact the information is just brightness. The big change is the use of MCACC, though. Most people who buy AV receivers at this price often do so without much in the way of set-up guidance

WHATS GOOD

Price; automatic set up; exciting sound quality

WHATS BAD

Not that powerful; terrible back panel layout; plasticky remote
SOUND FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE ALSO CONSIDER.

77777 77777

YAMAHA RX-V450 A full spec sheet (barring set-up microphone) and a very fine sound make this the obvious rival Reviewed: Aug 04 PANASONIC SA-XR30 A digital amplifier is the other alternative for the money. This Panasonic lightweight thin-profile player looks the part but doesnt have the sound quality Reviewed: N/A

OVERALL VERDICT

Pioneer brings microphone set-up to a new price point. Watch the rest follow the leader
98 November 2004 s WHAT VIDEO AND WIDESCREEN TV