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Entered CNET Catalog: 01/08/2002
SKU: VSX-D811S
Manufacturer: Pioneer North America
Manufacturer description
Want a spectacular surround sound experience? The VSX-D811S delivers it, with 6.1-channel Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Discrete surround sound decoding, plus the new DTS NEO 6 music and cinema surround decoding. And, Crystal digital signal processing and 96kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog conversion provide extraordinarily pure, clean audio reproduction of music and movies. The VSX-D811S delivers 100 watts x 2 (stereo) and a full 100-Watts x 6 (surround), with pre-amp output for all channels. To complete the big picture, you get Dual Surround Back terminals for 7.1 speaker set-up and 7.1-channel inputs, plus component video switching (2 inputs/1 output) and 5 digital inputs/1 digital output (optical). A pre-programmed Smart Remote is provided.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 11/05/2002
Fully loaded
Pioneer positively stuffed the D811S with useful features and technology, but thanks to its nifty, flip-down front panel, the receiver's clean, unbroken lines bespeak a minimalist, high-end aesthetic. The flip-down door keeps most of the rarely used buttons, controls, and extensive front-panel-mounted A/V inputs out of sight. Surround-processing modes include Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Discrete to deliver six-channel sound for movies, along with Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS Neo:6 to synthesize natural-sounding surround from stereo sources such as CDs and radio. The D811S has six 100-watt-per-channel amplifiers.
The speaker outputs--which include hookups for a second room as well as a total of four surround speakers (two side and two rear) for the main room--use good-quality, binding-post connectors. The D811S also sports 7.1-channel input capability for Super Audio CD, DVD-Audio (DVD-A), and future multichannel formats; component-video switching, including two inputs and one output; and preamp outputs so that you can upgrade to a separate power amp. And Pioneer wasn't stingy with the digital-audio connections--we counted five inputs and one output. S-Video connections are also abundant. Only vinyl lovers' needs are unfulfilled by the D811S, as the receiver lacks a phono input.
The preprogrammed remote is 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 button click.
Since the D811S lacks an onscreen display, we expected to muddle our way through system setup. However, we found the procedure to be straightforward. Unusually, the D811S's subwoofer crossover can be adjusted to optimally blend with small, medium, or large satellites. Our review sample was finished in silver, but this Pioneer is also available in black.
Performance that you can feel
The best home-theater components deliver sound that truly adds a visceral kick to the experience of watching movies or listening to music. That's a tall order for a midpriced receiver, but the D811S--partnered with our Energy Take 5.2 satellites and Energy S8.2 subwoofer--was more than up to the job. We fully cranked up our favorite war flick, The Thin Red Line, but the D811S's power reserves were never close to being stressed. With 100 watts per channel on tap, we expected that kind of potency, but the receiver also had the ability to delve into the more subtle, ambient cues that populate the scene with John Travolta on the deck of a warship.
We trotted out a pile of DVD-A discs to fully exploit the D811S's highest fidelities, but it was Willie Nelson's smoky, all-instrumental Night and Day DVD that made us sit up and take notice. Nelson's tight, little band cooks up lush textures and full, rich harmonics from the jaunty fiddle, the piano, the bass, and the guitar. The surround mix is tasteful, and the sound quality is keenly balanced and natural.
Considering that the D811S costs just $475 (list) and has a street price as low as $299, this receiver is clearly one of the better deals out there. Its combination of features, performance, and value earn it an Editors' Choice award.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 User Rating: 
9/10
great buy for the money
Pros: flexible hookups
Cons: for the money,, can't find any
Review: I've had this unit for 3 years now,it performs very well.
You can spend a lot more money and get a lot less reciever.The pre outs and the ability to change speaker hookups, makes this the perfect reciever to play with, (for those who like to play). I'm running mine as a 10 speaker system with the aid of an QSC power amp and 2 Infinity subs.with the addition of an 120 inch HD projection screen, I am very pleased. My opinion, it's the next bext thing to the big dollar Denons.AS IN AVR 5805 !!!
You can spend a lot more money and get a lot less reciever.The pre outs and the ability to change speaker hookups, makes this the perfect reciever to play with, (for those who like to play). I'm running mine as a 10 speaker system with the aid of an QSC power amp and 2 Infinity subs.with the addition of an 120 inch HD projection screen, I am very pleased. My opinion, it's the next bext thing to the big dollar Denons.AS IN AVR 5805 !!!
User Rating: 
8/10
Definitely worth more than $300 price!
Pros: Optical and Coax inputs 6.1 Channel sound Plenty of inputs and outputs Many audio adjustments to tweak sound. Overall sound is great for this price point.
Cons: Be sure not to power speakers below 8 ohms. Runs hot and a noisy cooling fan comes on. Not Audiophile material, but great for simple home theater lovers who are not looking to spend a fortune.
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User Rating: 8/10
Pioneer reliability and performance
Pros: Does all you need. Very good value.
Cons: Be nice to have front panel display. Possibly a little on the bright sound. Not as expansive/open as I would like.
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User Rating: 9/10
Great starter A/V Receiver.
Pros: I bought mine at best buy, although I now regret it because I should have maybe waited and bought a better one like the receiver I have now.I bought a Pioneer elite tx-43 I believe is the model number, a great product and sounds great. To get back to the
Cons: The only con is it really does not have as good of sound as a slightly higher up receiver and hence, it does not sound very good with music. It's remote buttons wore out quickly and the remote is a little large for how many buttons it has. The back center
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User Rating: 9/10
GREAT SOUND LOVE IT!!!!!
Pros: been a adiophile for years money was no option. but i needed a new unit so i could scrap my jvc checked out other reciever some much more than my new vsx811s it put a sound whooping on the onkyo601 iwas going to buy.In short for almost half the price i ha
Cons: cant find any.
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User Rating: 9/10
For the money, a great piece of equipment.
Pros: Plenty of inputs, especially digital audio. Can hook up DVD, VCR, video game, TV and still have available inputs. Plenty of power, too.
Cons: Setup and adjustments are a bit confusing.
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1/10
Enough already...
Pros: Are you crazy?....
Cons: ...enough of the hype. It's this simple---100w per channel my butt. Go ahead and spend 300 bucks and you'll get what you pay for...a whole lotta nuttin. Spend a bit more on a Harmon Kardon 525 (or 7200) and you'll be rewarded big time. Hey, saving mon
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User Rating: 8/10
Sweet and Simple
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Review: I have not been disappointed and it probably has things I will never use. True audiophiles already know what they are getting but if something sweet and simple at agood price is your mantra, I think this is it.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Overall reciever
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Review: Great reciever for the price, $450 cad. Remote is fine, features is al there. I have definitive speakers all around and no problems with the setup so far. Only used it for 3 days and it did "overload" once when I really cranked it to max. volume. I will never crank the volume that loud in the future but close to it is all I'll ever need. Most Best Buys stores in canada is having a great sale on this item now, so if you could find one it's worth every penny. You can't find a smiliar reciever around this price with a pretty good built quality and feature.
User Rating: 9/10
Great Receiver, Better Price"
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Review: This receiver has is all. There are features on this reciever that I found on $600 receivers. Receivers that cost the same at this one did not have DTS-ES 6.1. Most were only 5.1. Great for Movies.
User Rating: 
10/10
should cost 3 time more
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Review: I have a high end stereo equipement and for me I was looking for something to decode Dolby when I watch DVD. I wanted good quality and pre-out to hook it up to the rest of my high=end gear. Did 'nt want to spend to much since I am not really into home theater. To get the same feature with other brand I sholud have paid 3 or 4 time the price. This receiver does the job so well that I am starting to think of buying a DVD-Audio player, and I starting to love my home theater. Great receiver. If Pioneer low end is that good, how good is their high end???
User Rating: 8/10
Great A/V Receiver for the Money
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Review: I?ve owned the Pioneer VSX-811D for a few months and for the money, it?s tough to beat. I have this receiver outfitted with Polk RTi70?s for the front, CSi40 for the center, FXi30?s for the surrounds and the PSW650 for a sub. Having the 7 channels is great if you plan on adding back surrounds ? I am not, but did add 2 additional speakers to test the quality. Movies in DTS and overall plain Dolby Digital or Pro Logic sound very rich ? This receiver performs well, once properly setup to match your speaker size/room size, etc. I do question the power rating of 100 watts per channel. There are many crafty ways to rate amplifier wattage and every vendor will use different methods. With this model, the ?continuous? rating given may truthfully fall below the presented 100 watt spec ? although the sound quality is still respectable. The power is ample, but does not have the punch (especially in stereo or direct mode ? even with loudness/midnight mode) of similar (high current amplifier) models from Denon, Onkyo, or Harmon Kardon that also boast 100 watts per channel. If you crave raw power and really want something that kicks, you may want to look elsewhere. If you only crave modest power and are more interested in movies, you can?t go wrong. Overall the receiver is very good (and probably the best in its price class) and I would recommend anyone not looking to spend lots and still crave solid sound!
User Rating: 8/10
Very good all-around receiver for budget-minded home theaters
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Review: The VSX-D811S is a very good receiver that offers all of the latest sound formats including Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES for a very low price. This means it won't go obsolete anytime soon. Power and sound quality are quite good. The receiver has fairly easy quick setup instructions, though fine tuning it for optimal use takes a bit of time. The universal learning remote is also very good, and is one of the few I've found that really can control all of my components. My only quibbles are that the instructions can be a bit confusing at times and I have yet to figure out how the receiver does video out. Otherwise a very good buy for the money!
User Rating: 9/10
Great receiver for the price
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Review: This is an awesome receiver for $265! I spent weeks and many hours listening and researching receivers. The learning remote and its arrangement is very nice, and it has all the latest 6.1 features. And it has the tape monitor loop which is very handy for EQing 2 channel audio. The untweaked sound performance is equal to any other costing hundreds more. It has 7.1 preinputs and 6.1 preouts. But there might be reasons to consider a couple others: If you want THX certification or a phono input, and are willing to give up the tape monitor loop, 7.1 preouts, 6.1 preinputs, the Kenwood VR6070 at $400 is a good choice. If you don't like the default flat sound of most receivers and the inability to adjust the bass/treble in surround modes, then the Sony DA4ES is the receiver to get at about $600 as it allows independent EQ adjustment of EACH channel independently with memories. I ended up getting one of these also. It also is great for future expansion with 7.1 pre-iputs, 7.1 pre-outputs, and full 7 channels of amplification. A 5 year warranty is nice also.
User Rating: 8/10
All the toyz for a price you can't beat!
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Review: This is my first receiver but I must say I am impressed. beyond doing all the decodings the little things were thought of also, like binding posts and a remote that can run about anything you throw at it. I am VERY happy with my purchase
User Rating: 10/10
Nice Home Theatre setup
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Review: I matched this reviever up with a speaker package from Cambridge Sound. For the money i saved on purchasing it from onecall ($260) i was able to purhase an upgrade in speaker package. Very Happy customer,
User Rating: 9/10
if you get this amazing reciever buy a sub too!!!!
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Review: Why is the economy so stagnant?lack of good sounding recievers!if you dont buy this Pioneer and get good sweet sound the hole world will soon plunge into mental depression, followed by economic depression. we may even have to get real jobs!
User Rating: 9/10
awsome reciever especialy for the $$$
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Review: everything you need dts-es, dts neo:6,pro-logic 2, and 6 channel stereo amazing reciever
User Rating: 9/10
For the Price, it doesn't get much better!!
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Review: I bought this receiver to upgrade my old Sony receiver. WOW! I couldn't believe how much of a difference it made. The subwoofer gently blends into the sound from all the speakers. It doesn't "BOOM" and become distractive like the other reciever made it do. This receiver provides a truly aestheic movie experience. Turn up the volume and you get little distortion if any at all. I hooked up my DVD Player AND Xbox to the component inputs on the back and didn't appear to get any video quality loss. I highly recommend this reciever to anyone who is looking into one.
User Rating: 9/10
Great Receiver..Good buy
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Review: I purchased this reciever from a great and reliable online merchant called ETRONICS.COM. I've purchased items from them in the past and will remain a loyal customer in the future. The Pioneer VSX-D811S performs like a dream. Connecting the receiver was a no-brainer and everything was functioning properly right from the get go. You will not be disappointed if you should choose to purchase this receiver for your home theater system. It can provide even the most demanding customer, like myself, with all of the neccessary functions, in order to make you home theater sound what it should be...enjoyable. I would seriously recommend this reciever to anyone who in contemplating on added a nice quality reciever to their system. You will not be disappointed. The Pioneer name speaks for itself.
User Rating: 9/10
A Complete Receiver
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Review: I can't believe everything that this receiver can do and do so well, all for about $300. You cannot get anything better. The sound is excellent. Many of the features on this receiver (like component switching) can only be found on higher end units. You cannot go wrong.
User Rating: 8/10
GREAT RCVR FOR LESS PRICE!!!
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Review: I got the 811S (for $261) to replace my 810 last Aug. 2002. So far, sound and features are great! No complains whatsoever!! I have used Kenwood, JVC and Onkyo's before and none of them compares to the 811s' price and features.
User Rating: 
7/10
Good, but Mic output cracks
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Review: This receiver is great. The sound was very good with the DVD's, cable, cd's and the normal stuff like that. Also love the monitor feature that seems to be missing from many other receivers, BUT.. I hooked up a CD-G and Reverb amp Karaoke system to it and it did not fair well. Tried all kinds of changes to get rid of the voice cracks with no success. Funny thing though, the music was flawless and it was fine with the DVD karaoke at all volumes, but the Analog mic output from the other components was unexceptable. and it wasn't my voice..-
So I went back to the Yamaha.. Sorry Pio fans.. But over all, I would recommend it for your non-karaoke folks.. Happy hunting..
So I went back to the Yamaha.. Sorry Pio fans.. But over all, I would recommend it for your non-karaoke folks.. Happy hunting.. User Rating: 8/10
If this isn't the best value in receivers I don't know what is...
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Review: I picked up this receiver for $279 based on this sites review. It's worth every penny. Clean, full sound. Adequate power. 6.1 Surround. Who can beat it at this price? Take the money that you save on this receiver and upgrade your speakers.
User Rating: 7/10
I have found what I was looking for!!!
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Review: I have found what I was looking for!!! Great sound quality, abundant features, and price that wouldn?t sent me to a homeless shelter. Based on cnet (thanks you all) reviews and user opinions I set my comparison list as follow: 1) Pioneer 811 2) Onkyo 600 3) Harman Kardon 225 4) Denon 3820 or Onkyo 800 if not satisfied with any of the above. Thanks to Circuit City return policy I was able to do the comparison at home using Polk Audio speakers - RT 7 for front and 6200 (including SW 250 sub) for surround and Panasonic 32K DVD player. I found the Stylish Pioneer 811 to be an exceptional bargain for video enthusiasts. The surround sound is rich and full and at times pleasantly surprising (some cool sound effect put a big smile on my face while watching ?Unbreakable?). Unfortunately, the 2 channel stereo sound was much less impressive ? simply on the flat and dull side. Certainly this is not a receiver for music lovers on a budget. But for video and mp3 listening you won?t find better deal ($280). My next choice the highly recommended by Circuit City employee, Onkyo 600 had a better stereo quality. The sound was much cleaner and more natural for both surround as well as 2-channel stereo. However it didn?t have the fullness and richness of surround effect I found in the $100 cheaper Pioneer. Overall this is a quite decent receiver but not as impressive as I expected. Wanting more for my money I decided move along with the goofy looking Harman Kardon 225 and that?s when I got this distinct feeling of being very close to home. The sound quality is truly amazing for a $349 (etronics.com) receiver. It has everything my ear was longing for the clarity, the depth and the warmness. The instruments had a distinctive tone and the vocals were natural and sweet. I knew right away this is what I have been looking for. However the 225 has got only 5 channel inputs and after trying Pioneer 811 I knew the two extra channels make a big difference (even if using 5.1 mode). So in the end I went for Harman Kardon 325 that sports the 7.1 capabilities and can be purchased well below the manufacturer?s list price ($549.99 at jandr.com). Needless to say I snubbed at the more expensive Denon 3802 and Onkyo 800, on an assumption that even if they sound better (but seriously doubt it) the price difference highly exceeds the value in comparison with HK. Well, I told you I have been looking for a bargain and excellence and since I found it, I?m one happy fella.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Value for budget purchase
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Review: Between Onkyo SR600, Denon 1803 and Pioneer 811S I found that Pioneer delivered greatest bang for a buck. Stereo Sound needs to be enabled with Loudness and Midnight mode to give warm, deep sound to music tracks at the lower levels. However, in Home Theater modes you really need to put effort to differentiate this receiver from the ones in higher class.
User Rating: 10/10
6.1 for $300 = Amazing sound and value
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Review: I just bought my VSX-D811S last night to replace my aging and failing Technics reciever. Out of the box and hooked up and pumping in no time and what a great unit!! my friend got the Kenwood VR-6070 and I don't see much difference for how much more he paid except the THX select the Kenwood has. I'd say get this unless you are looking to spend a grand or two on a high end unit
User Rating: 10/10
Well worth more than the $299 I paid!!!!!!!!!!1
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Review: I love it! Don't be fooled by the price. This unit is solid. I love the audio and video features, the SOUND, and the input options. Get this unit, you won't regret it.
User Rating: 9/10
Fits the budget.
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Review: for the 1% of humans who could care less about expenses, stay clear of this receiver. For the rest of us, its a great buy at a great price. 600W 6.1ch at a couple hundred bucks. Since I don't have the latest plasma TV or greatest $40,000 speakers, it fits the bill for the non-audiophile on a strict budget. Its just good enough to impress a female companion, which is all that is really required in the first place 
User Rating: 8/10
GREAT RECIEVER
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Review: DO NOT LISTEN TO RUSS IN S.F. I have the same set of speakers he has and after tweeking the music to your ear it is only outpaced by recievers costing twice as much, take it from an Onkyo 800 owner this Pioneer was only beaten in sound quality by a Denon 3802/4802 and for the $ this thing is awsome!!!
User Rating: 
6/10
Not good with Music!
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Review: I bought a new set of Polk RM6700/PSW303 speakers and this receiver. The sound with music was very dull when played in Surround mode. This receiver does not allow tone adjustments in any mode but stereo (not even direct stereo). The sound was lifeless, dull. Even midnight option didn't help unless played in stereo only mode. I knew it wasn't the speakers, because I heard them demo'd at the store. I went back and bought the Onkyo TX-SR600 receiver, and the difference was AMAZING. Music was much cleaner, had more depth - both mid and high end. Too bad, because this receiver has all the right features at the right price. But I wouldn't recommend based on music playback
User Rating: 9/10
Don't be fooled by the price
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Review: My wife had just bought me a set of surrounds to complete my Cambridge Soundworks speaker set up. Now I had to buy a 5.1 reciever, but didn't want to break the bank. After trying (and quickly returning) out a horrid little Sony, I had little hope for anything in the sub $300 range. Then I found this one. Hooking up was a breeze thanks to a rear panel with every conceivable input and output option. Then I powered it up and knew right away this was the real deal. There is plenty of clean power to drive the speakers effortlessly. And it feels like there's lots more in reserve. The low freq is so tight, sometimes I think my walls will come down. SFX sound great. Music sounds tight. I even ran an optical line from my Playstation 2 and it rocks. I would have paid a lot more for this performance. But I merely spent $299 at Best Buy. Amazing.
User Rating: 10/10
MAKES THEIR ELITE LINE LOOK OBSOLETE
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Review: Had this thing for months now and I must say it delivers on all acconts.I don't know why pioneer even has an elite line when this one is truly elite on it's own..
User Rating: 9/10
Love Mine
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Review: You have to spend quite a bit more $Z$4 to do better then this receiver. Their is nothing about it I do not like. I got everything I wanted and more for the $300 I paid. Best receiver for the price by far!
User Rating: 9/10
Great Receiver
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Review: I bought the Polk RM6700 speaker package and this receiver shorty after. I'm completely happy with this system. The VSX-D811S sounds great with these speakers and the PSW-404 sub. The price is great, and I'm glad I didn't spend more money in hopes of getting a better receiver. This receiver sounds great because it provides more power than you need for a typical living room system. Great sound, latest features, low price, enough said!
User Rating: 
5/10
Great specs-lousy build
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Review: This Amp/receiver is packed with all da lates specs DTS ES matrix and discrete. Dolby Digital EX. But, alas, i have seen skodas with better chassis.Everything is plasticy and feels like it is made out of rice paper. Pity. If they just made the volume nob and front flap out of some metallic substance it would have been a top notch amp. Otherwise, if youre not as retentive about build quality as i am. It does what its says. Smashing for everything else. But doesnt make you feel like you got your moneys worth when you take it out the box.
User Rating: 9/10
Incredible price and performance
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Review: A 6.1 receiver with 600W of power and the latest surround formats AND component switching for less than $300? I thought it was too good to be true. But after buying it and using it for 2 weeks, I must say that it is for real. There is almost nothing to not like about this receiver, except perhaps that the remote is not back-lit (it is a learning one though). But the sound is sweet and plenty, the connectivity options are more than you need, and it has all the latest surround formats like DTS-ES and Dolby-EX, not to mention Neo6 and Prologic II. The surround stereo is great for music and general listening. The loudness/ midnight feature works well for boosting bass at low volumes...I could go on and on. All in all, an incredible buy.
User Rating: 9/10
Great Value!!
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Review: I purchased this reciever 1-2 months ago. It has a lot of power! I like Neo 6 better than ProLogic2. The sound is great in midnight mode. Otherwise it is kind of dull. DTS-ES is great. It adds definition to surround sound. Tuner is somewhat weak. I would. Everything else is of very high quality. I would recomend this model (Sounds best with a sub)!
User Rating: 10/10
very good receiver!
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Review: I just got my 811 in the mail yesterday along with my JBL N311 II mains, JBL S-Center II and JBL N26 surrounds (NOT the wall mounted ones) It took me a little while to tweak the settings to where i like them, but over all i am very pleased with the audio quality of the 811, it produces everything from Linkin Park to Jimmy Buffett with awesome clarity, and the surround sound in the Matrix and K-PAX (the only DTS movie i have...) is just amazing. I would recommend this setup to anyone! now all i have to get is a subwoofer....Adire Audio Shiva anyone?? :-D eventually...but the bass is really pretty good even without a sub.
User Rating: 8/10
best poorman receiver
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Review: I had this receiver for for one month, I set it up with my 3 pair of old speaks, I had a HDTV,DVD,VCR,C-band sat receiver,HDTV receiver.The 811 remote leans all other remote so I can reduce the remote from 6 to 1.The sound was very good for music and movie.It also has bluit in test sound so you can adjust all speaks' sound level.
User Rating: 8/10
GREAT Sound!!!
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Review: I replaced an old Pioneeer receiver with only Pro Logic decoding, to this Dolby Digital/DTS-ES decoding, and it's an outstanding machine for the price. The universal remote learns the other functions of your remotes so you only need the one, and the sound is incredible. It also has provisions for Dolby 7.1, and Surround Back speakers, so it will grow with your system. The DTS sounds phenominal. I tested it using Pearl Harbor and I was blown away. If you're in the market for a receiver that packs a punch, but not in your wallet, this is the receiver for you!
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2/10
Great 6.1 Dolby Digital System
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Review: Has everything you need, including 5 optical inputs for future expansion.... 7.1, 6.1, and 5.1 sound systems...
