Features:
- Dolby Digital and DTS surround decoding
- 100 watts x 5 channels
- 5.1-channel inputs
- 4 Advanced Theater modes
- Preprogrammed remote
Description:
The VSX-409 surround receiver holds a place in a stellar receiver lineup from Pioneer. Its features include Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, and DTS surround decoding, future-ready 5.1-channel analog inputs, three digital audio inputs (including one coaxial), and delivery of 100 watts across all five amplified channels. Like other Pioneer receivers we've auditioned, the VSX-409's sound is very fine--rich, airy, and involving. What's more, the VSX-409 is a snap to operate. Even first-time users should have no trouble, thanks to the first-rate owner's manual. Pioneer's four Advanced Theater modes (Musical, Drama, Action, Expanded) enhance both Dolby Digital and DTS playback, while six music-oriented stereo DSP (digital signal processing) modes simulate the sonic environment of a large wooden concert hall, a modern hall with stone walls, a jazz club, a dance club, and two different movie theaters. The VSX-409 produced good detail and texture with our favorite CDs and DVDs, and its 100-watt amplifier showed no signs of stress or strain, consistently delivering tight, powerful bass. Vocals sounded natural and articulate--a must for quality home theater. Pioneer's Dolby Digital and DTS surround processing are both excellent, and the DSP modes, essentially alternate surround-sound algorithms, actually work without sounding gimmicky. Now for a couple gripes: though we loved the VSX-409's coaxial digital-audio capability, multiple digital-audio inputs, and 5.1-channel analog inputs, we wish the VSX-409 accommodated S-video, which is clearly superior to composite video. (Of course, while S-video is found on all DVD players and some VCRs, not everyone has an S-video-compatible television.) Another drawback is the push (clip-type) speaker terminals, which demand bare-wire connections. Bare wire offers certain advantages over banana-plug terminations, namely a more direct connection, but banana-friendly five-way binding posts are both higher quality and more convenient for hookup than push terminals. If you can live without S-video and aren't already invested in binding-post speaker terminals, Pioneer's VSX-409 packs a lot of performance into a moderately priced, high-value design. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
- Clear, robust sound
- DTS decoding
- 5.1-channel direct inputs
- 2 sets of front left/right speaker outputs
- Multiple digital inputs
Cons:
- No S-video switching
- Clip-type terminals for all channels
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