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Features
DTS Surround.
Dolby Digital.
5.1-Channel Output.
Advanced Theatre.
Midnight Listening.
6 DSP modes.
Accurate Imaging System.
100 watts x 5 channels.
Pre-programmed Remote
Pros
Solid power output.
Modern array of features.
Future input facilities.
Cons
Very few at this price range.
Ratings
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Distributor
Pioneer Electronics
TEL: 1800 060 852
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Pioneer VSXD-409
AV digital surround sound receiver
Recommended retail price: $699 (inc. GST)
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Reviewer: Richard Morgan
Pioneer's new VSXD-409 AV receiver brings solid levels of functionality, operation, features and performance to the entry level of the home theatre market. It's a nice looking unit with what appears to be typical Pioneer styling that matches its DVD players and other equipment. Plus, it's available in black or gold.
Pioneer promotes the unit as suitable for first time buyers and younger buyers, though I would add a third category and that is anyone not wanting to spend a fortune on good gear.
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In terms of features it's well endowed, particularly for such a low cost unit. And even a couple of years ago you certainly wouldn't have found on-board DTS decoding (Digital Theatre System) at the price of $699 (including GST naturally). Of course, there's Dolby Digital and Pro Logic for those discs that aren't at the cutting edge of audio processing.
In typical fashion, Pioneer has added its own surround sound enhancement to this receiver and, I presume, others in the new range.
The VSXD-409 pumps out five channels of equal high power output, a technology developed for Dolby Digital and DTS. Both these digital systems feature five discrete full-range channels designed to deliver dynamic surround sound from DVD discs that have been engineered for it.
Pioneer has also added to the '409 its newly-developed Expanded Theatre mode to broaden surround sound's sense of space created by the DVD soundtrack. It's especially effective for Dolby Pro Logic-encoded sources where it can create the impression of a much larger sound stage and by adding a virtual stereo effect to the rear speakers (Pro Logic is a dual-mono rear channel format), improve the quality of the sounds within that illusion. The results are an enhanced sense of left to right directional sonic movement in surround channels.
I didn't notice all that much difference with the Expanded Theatre system over the conventional set-up, but I guess it's nice to know that the system is in the background and that if anything can be maximised to enhance my enjoyment, it's being done.
High levels of user convenience are almost guaranteed (well, enhanced, anyway) thanks to the receiver's remote controller that comes pre-programmed with a bunch of commands that activate other components from not only Pioneer, but also other brands. It's not an unusual feature by itself, but is not all that prevalent at this price range.
There are comprehensive DSP (digital signal processors) modes to let you optimise the movie experience for different movie types including musicals, dramas and action. A Midnight listening mode restores the balance of sounds when the volume is turned low to let viewers experience the full range without disturbing (sleeping) others. But my advice is to watch movies before noise levels contravene local pollution ordinances.
Most connection facilities are fitted to the VSXD-409 including a 5.1 channel input facility to cater for future upgrades and a digital output for digital-to-digital dubbing. In operation the VSXD-409 is really nice. The control buttons generate a reassuring click when pressed, they act positively, and the display tells you what you're doing clearly and concisely.
Sound quality is really very good for the class. There's enough good power for smaller situations and enough inputs to keep most people happy. It's not the equivalent of, say, a Ferrari (and doesn't pretend to be either) but looses it a bit of control and capacity during heavy movie passages where action sequences can really tax the way power supplies do business.
Mind you, this can be said for the majority of low priced products and in world where you usually pay for what you get, you get a lot for not very much with this receiver. It'll form the basis of any good quality entry-level system. Maybe we should add a fourth category of potential purchaser for this unit: every bargain hunter out there. The VSXD-409 will not disappoint you.
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