- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"Great bang for the buck."
Pros: Features, Power, Ease Of Use, Set Up And Installation
Cons: Small Display And Remote
Summary: The VSX516 is a great receiver if you are looking for something simple to use, and you don't require a lot of inputs. It offers many of the features of the more expensive VSX816. If you don't use S video inputs and your digital equipment requires a maximum of 3 inputs I believe the 516 offers just as much value as the 816. As far as the 816's LCD remote is concerned, it's nice but there are plenty of universal ones on the market for under $25.00 that are better. The Auto EQ system on the pricier Pioneers are not accurate and most professional reviewers have recommended that you leave them off and do a manual set up. These built in EQ's are nice to have, but 5 bands don't do a heck of a lot. (I personally prefer my 10 band out board graphic EQ.) The 10 extra watts per channel from the 816 amount to an increase of about 3 tenths of a DB at full output which is not even close to audio able. Bottom line? If you don't need all the extra bells and whistles of the 816 and looking for something easier to set up, I recommend the 516,since I see no reason to spend the extra hundred bucks.

