Entered CNET Catalog: 06/19/2005
SKU: 0012562738062
Manufacturer: Pioneer North America
Manufacturer description
Isn't it time you got more out of your movies, music, games, and PC? With Microsoft Pioneer co-developed a Windows Media Audio 9 (WMA-9) Professional Decoder, allowing you to listen to two-channel and multi-channel WMA compressed audio files directly from your PC in your living room! The VSX-515-S is also ready for super high resolution DVD-Audio and SACD multi-channel audio discs. This powerhouse receiver delivers an equal 110 watts to six channels and features advanced surround processing, with DTS-ES, Dolby Digital-EX, and Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoding. Plus, Virtual Surround mode deepens and broadens the sound stage by creating a "phantom" rear surround effect - without using a rear speaker. With Pioneers Thermal Compensation Amplification Design, the amplifiers main components are built onto a single integrated circuit, for perfect precision even when processing high-level current and a variety of temperatures. To eliminate undesirable electrical influence, Direct Construction keeps critical circuitry separate (for example, digital from analog, and video from audio). Also, the positioning of key parts is carefully mapped out to optimize signal transmission efficiency. For superior performance, the VSX-515-S employs a double-precision Motorola 48-bit DSP engine that's used in top theaters worldwide. Component Video Switching provides a connection for DVD players and even high-definition TV tuners, providing convenient control through the receiver without any degradation in picture quality. The VSX-515-S provides the convenience of Quick Setup and an easy-to-use remote that also controls other Pioneer "System Remote" equipment.Product summary
The good: Affordably priced 6.1-channel receiver; two component-video inputs; 110 watts per channel; bass and treble controls.
The bad: Limited connectivity options; no onscreen display.
The bottom line: Pioneer's entry-level, 6.1-channel A/V receiver won't sway audiophiles but certainly provides value for the money.
Average user rating: 
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 User Rating:
4.0 stars
out of 1 user reviews
From Rags to Riches....or somewhere in between
Pros: Lower Cost for a High Quality Machine
Cons: Not the simpilest thing to adjust settings on
Review: The Pioneer VSX-515 is definately no Walmart surround sound system. It's heavy, well built, and it's very obvious if you pull it apart that some ingenuity was actually put into it. However, it's no $1000 Harmon Kardon either. For Most movies or music, this machine produces very good sound, in fact better than many receivers I've heard. However, getting that sound out of it can be a little tricky; especially when it comes to working your ways through the lenghty setup using only one dial and a few buttons. Also the base coming through a subwoofer can be very difficult to control, and a bit undecifered, almost as if the receiver couldn't decide between the high base, or the deep base, so it picked somewhere in between. This problem is completely eliminated if you hook up to large stereo speakers instead of the surround option. It will accept any speaker setting between 2.0 (Stereo) and 6.1 surround. To say the least, this is an excellent product for it's price. Not one of those little chinsey Emerson or RCA receivers that will only last a year. I'd give it an 8 out of 10 stars.
