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Entered CNET Catalog: 01/08/2002
SKU: VSX-D711
Manufacturer: Pioneer North America
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Manufacturer description
Get ready for intensely great music: the VSX-D711 features Crystal digital signal processing and 96kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog conversion for exceptionally pure, clean reproduction of your favorite music and movie soundtracks. And its Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 surround sound decoding, along with Expanded 5.1 Surround, offer a true theater-like movie experience. The VSX-D711 delivers 100-Watts x 2 (stereo) and 100-Watts x 5 (surround), plus component video switching (2 inputs/1 output) and 3 digital inputs/1 digital output (optical) reinforce its versatility as an A/V centerpiece. A preprogrammed remote is provided.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 11/13/2002
Design
The D711's uncluttered faceplate presents an informative display, a volume control, and an input selector. All of the rarely used controls and buttons are tucked away behind a flip-down panel.
Since the D711 lacks an onscreen display, we expected to muddle our way through system setup, but the procedure was straightforward. Pioneer's product designers are hip to the fact that most home-theater novices never even attempt to perform surround adjustments, so they provided what the company calls a Quick Setup option. Punch the QS button, and the D711 prompts you through a few easy steps. Die-hard home-theater fans can bypass QS in favor of a more advanced setup procedure.
The full-sized, preprogrammed remote is exactly the same unit that Pioneer includes with its pricier receivers. It's fairly easy to use overall, and we appreciate the fact that Pioneer doesn't lump all Dolby/DTS surround and synthesized signal-processing modes together. That's cool because you can always get to standard Dolby/DTS with just one click of a button.
Features
The D711's feature list includes the latest digital-to-analog converters along with DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround decoding for music and movies. We were surprised to note the D711's power--it's rated at 100 watts per channel. In this price range, 60 watts per channel or less is typical.
Also noteworthy are the component-video-switching facilities: two inputs and one output. In addition, you get three digital-audio inputs and one output, all of which are above par. Sure, the D711 has 5.1-channel DVD-Audio/Super Audio CD inputs, but the standard audio and video connections, though adequate for use with small systems, aren't particularly generous. We also spotted a preout-center jack that facilitates hookup to your TV's audio input, thereby eliminating the need for a separate center speaker. There's also a front-panel-mounted set of A/V jacks that'll come in handy if you need to occasionally connect a camcorder or a game console.
Performance
The D711's effortless sound was evident when we settled into our listening sessions with the Frailty DVD, a stark psychodrama about a man summoned by God to kill people. This film's enveloping surround mix and creepily powerful score communicate incredible tension. Neil Young's Red Rocks Live concert DVD is decidedly a bottom-heavy recording, but the D711's awesome, low-end punch brought a real swagger to "Cowgirl in the Sand."
Elvis Costello's new live CD Cruel Smile contains a brilliant update of "Watching the Detectives"; the D711 conjured up every last bit of the performance's immediacy and raw energy. The Pioneer's sound is neutral and clean, but it's nowhere near as warm and posh as that of the pricier Denons that we've heard recently. However, the D711's audio quality is richer than that of Yamaha's latest offerings.
With its cheap and cheerful price of just $365 (list) and an online price of around $230, the D711 more than delivers the goods. Its potent power reserves, generous connectivity options, substantial build quality, and stellar sound add up to an irresistible package. However, if you need the latest and greatest Dolby EX/DTS ES 6.1-channel surround, which adds two more rear speakers, check out the D711's big brother, the VSX-D811S.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 User Rating: 
9/10
Great Receiver For Great Price
Pros: Perfect receiver for those who want nice 5.1 sound with many features for not a lot.
Cons: Only one optical digital input - not good.
Review:
User Rating: 
7/10
There seems a bug in the video chip
Pros: For the price with these feature, it's a good buy.
Cons: There seems a bug with the video chip, occasionally the screen blank out and if you turn off and on the receiver problem go away. One out of the 4 DVD movie I play have this problem. Kind of hard to use.
Review:
User Rating: 7/10
Not Bad, but there are better
Pros: Price, Price, Price! While the 711 isn't the best reciever by far, for a 5.1 setup it's tough to beat, quality product with decent options.
Cons: The lack of optical inputs is where this really falls out. For the same price you can pick up a JVC 7020 and get 4 optical inputs, 1 coax and have plenty of room for video games, digital cable box, dvd players. If you don't care about true 5.1 surround
Review:
User Rating: 
8/10
Nice receiver for a second system!!
Pros:
Cons:
Review: Need another dts receiver for another room and got this onsale as an open box. Features compare to my Harman Kardan and many other onkyos for more than half the price. Nice receiver for under $200.
User Rating: 
10/10
Nice basic A/V receiver for a very nice price
Pros:
Cons:
Review: In May I bought my first new TV in ten years, an HDTV-ready Hitachi, but it only has one set of component inputs, which I was using for my DVD player. Last month I decided I wanted to upgrade to HDTV, but in order to do so I would have to replace my old Yamaha receiver, which didn't have component video switching (or digital audio inputs). I wanted something simple for not a lot of money, and this fit the bill perfectly. For $250.00 I could not have chosen a better receiver. I looked at the comparably priced JVC (7020) and Sony (685), but in the end I chose the Pioneer because of some "little" things. The JVC's "B" speaker connections were clips, not binding posts. Sony didn't mention the bandwidth the component video inputs could handle. The Pioneer was the only one with two digital coax inputs. The sound I'm getting is wonderful. I also have both the HDTV tuner and DVD player running through the component video inputs which is giving me a great picture on top of the great sound. Overall, I have to say I love this receiver.
