|
|
|
Features
80 watts RMS per channel.
0.09 percent distortion.
Dolby Digital.
DTS Surround.
Acoustic settings.
Midnight listening mode.
Pros
Solid and functional unit.
Pioneer styling.
Cons
Remote could use some work.
Ratings
| Features: |
  |
| Build: |
|
| Performance: |
|
| Value: |
|
Distributor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pioneer VSX-D509S AV
Dolby Digital surround sound receiver
Recommended retail price: $999
(inc. GST)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Reviewer: Richard Morgan
This is a Dolby Digital and DTS Surround receiver with the ubiquitous Dolby Pro Logic sitting in the background. All this processing is on-board but a good deal of emphasis has been placed on another in-built feature; the DSP (digital signal processing) system used or acoustic effects.
Used ostensibly for music listening situations, the DSP system apparently uses high-speed dual LSI configurations for digitally simulating sound fields.
 |
The idea is to provide precise control over effects that create reverberation, reflection and delays to mimic acoustic activities of real world venues. There are up to 10 modes or venues you can choose and there's nine-stage adjustment over each (strangely no tone control capacity though).
It all works very well, particularly the new advanced theatre sound function that offers minor turbo-charging of surrounding sound fields, and the expanded mode that gives Dolby Pro Logic a kick along. The effects are not as grandiose as Pioneer makes out, but useful nonetheless.
Pioneer has value added the VSX-D509S in a number of ways. One is by adding convenience features such as the 'midnight listening' mode. Here the midrange area of the sound spectrum is enhanced to overcome our hearing peculiarities at low listening levels and the overall balance is restored to something more natural so we hear all the sound and minimise our contribution to sleep depravation in other people.
Another is the intrinsic electronic design of the power section where Pioneer uses a simple, straightforward circuit design to contain the five amplifiers, and short signal path topography to minimise interference and retain signal integrity.
The VSX-D509S pushes out 80 watts RMS into five channels. Which is a very healthy rating in this area of the market. The unit sounds clean and controlled and to these eyes has a pleasing chunky high tech look.
Sound quality is well rounded and operates over the full range. The VSX-D509 creates a great deal of sonic presence, which adds to drama and anticipation levels. The DSP functions work very well indeed and even though I rarely use such functions they are well above the standard in form and function for this price point in the market. The unit feels solid and functional 'under finger' and the tuner section works brilliantly, even in our fringe location.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Your reviews:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {ad-1} |
| {ad-2} |
| |
|
