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Entered CNET Catalog: 05/24/2003
SKU: 0012562631134
Manufacturer: Pioneer North America
Manufacturer description
Want a spectacular surround sound experience? The VSX-D812 delivers, with 6.1-channel Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES Discrete surround sound decoding, plus the new DTS 96/24 decoder for playback of high resolution audio with video. And, a double precision 48-Bit Motorola digital signal processing DSP coupled with 96 kHz / 24-bit digital-to-analog conversion provide extraordinarily pure DVD-Audio quality audio reproduction from any music or movie source. The VSX-D812 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: 06/10/2003
We were surprised to note that the D812K lacks an onscreen display for menu navigation, but we found the setup routine easy enough.
The remote provides direct access to stereo mode and standard Dolby or DTS surround and synthesized-surround modes. We programmed it to work with our TV and DVD player in just a few minutes. Pioneer's upgraded digital-to-analog converters are responsible for the D812K's superior sound quality, and the receiver's extensive surround modes run the gamut from Dolby Digital EX and Dolby Pro Logic II to DTS ES matrix and discrete processing. This model even includes the latest trick from DTS, 96/24 decoding, which lets you play DTS-encoded DVD-Audio discs without a DVD-Audio player.
The D812K's connectivity suite should accommodate all but the most complex home theaters. There are 7.1-channel SACD/DVD-Audio inputs, and--rare for receivers in this price range--the preamp outputs have a separate power amp, opening the door to future upgrades. Component-video switching for two sources is available, as well as inputs for three composite-video or S-Video sources. Digital-audio connections are plentiful: four inputs (two optical and two coaxial) and one optical output. You also get A/B speaker switching and heavy-duty speaker-binding posts. A full set of front-mounted A/V inputs is provided. We were skeptical about the D812K's generous 100-watt-per-channel power rating, but we were convinced once we heard how easily it drove our inefficient Dynaudio Contour speakers. Even after we had increased the power demands by running the three front speakers on the Large setting, the D812K didn't say uncle--this receiver will satisfy all but the most power-hungry home-theater fans. Even as we pushed the system to neighbor-deafening levels, the metal cover never got hot.
A number of scenes on the Auto Focus DVD take place in nightclubs, and the D812K put us in the thick of the action--the crowd's noise enveloped and filled our listening room. The onstage bands sounded as though they had actually been recorded as the cameras rolled, which added to their realism.
For the ultimate test of the D812K's sonics, we auditioned a few spectacular DVD-Audio discs. Fleetwood Mac's new one, Say You Will, came through fine, especially "Red Rover," with its ricocheting guitars bouncing across the surround speakers. That was pretty cool, but listening to Yes's 31-year-old Fragile album, recently remastered on DVD-A, was even better. Its rich tonal balance was sweeter, and the surround mix was more holographic. In other words, this receiver will let you hear all the quality encoded in your DVDs and your CDs.
For its part, the AM/FM tuner sounded cleaner and quieter than average and captured tough-to-receive college stations.
User opinions
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9/10
best in this category
Pros: lots of connection, easy set-up, good sound
Cons: didn't find yet how the "Virtual" surround back works
User Rating: 
8/10
thank you pioneer
Pros: Has awsome sound for the money, only costs$250, and options you come to expect from high end products. Hey people out there, shop around and listen to the product, high price doesnt mean its the best.
Cons: all these features for $250, if you dont like it, you must be lossing your hearing
User Rating: 8/10
Nothing else comes close for the price.
Pros: Plenty of power, 5.1 preouts and inputs, multiple DSP and surround modes. Good remote, nice build quality. Binding posts for all speakers. Quiet but effective cooling fan. I compared this unit w/ the JVC RX-8030VBK, and while the JVC had an additional op
Cons: I'd love to have another optical in and a phono input, but seriously, for <$300, I've managed to get over my dissapointment.
User Rating: 9/10
This is an above average receiver in this price range.
Pros: I actually researched this and many others in this price range before buying. I ended up with this one because it is easy to get to functions not just at the front panel but via the remote also. I cannot say the same for the Onkyo TX-SR600 which the Pione
Cons: It does take some time to learn how to use it. But, everything should fall into place once you do. A phono stage would have been nice to have,but that is a very minor omission.
User Rating: 9/10
Great Sound, Great Price
Pros: A noticeable improvement from my Yamaha receiver purchased in '97, using the same Mirage speakers. Love the multiple digital audio inputs, easy to set up.
Cons: My only beef is the remote is a little confusing, and I can't program my cable box to it, so I can't use just the one remote. Also, there is no option for "disc skip" if you use a cd/dvd changer.
User Rating: 8/10
Easy to use, easy to setup
Pros: Styling - mine in silver. Speaker sound quality is good, but loudness is not great - still playing with the options.
Cons: Remote is somewhat difficult to use, but I've only had the thing for a few weeks...
User Rating: 
10/10
What more could you ask for???
Pros: For the money this is the hands down best reciever period.Oh ya and neo6 is awsome turns 2 channel stereo into super super surround sound..
Cons: For the price are you kidding..
User Rating: 8/10
Amazing performer for cheap!
Pros: Great, crisp sound separation with 6.1 and DTS soundtracks, easy to use features and easy setup. Puts my 6yr old Denon receiver that died to shame and I only paid $210 for this vsx-d812! Higly recommended if looking for a amazing A/V receiver while on a
Cons: Slightly bright sounding when paired to my Polk R30 fronts and Csi30 center, but pretty much disappears when adjusted to "large" speaker setting.
User Rating: 8/10
Amazing receiver for not much $$
Pros: Amazing sound reproduction for price point. Decent features and nothing can really compare in this low price range.
Cons: Lacks some features like onscreen menu and front panel optical in, but not such a big deal for a sub $250 receiver that outperforms much more expensive kit.
User Rating: 9/10
The best receiver for much in this range of price
Pros: All, i make test in the store of several a/v receivers with the same Definitive-Technology speakers connected and this was the best receiver for my ears per much (better than $2,000 and up receivers)
Cons: Will be nice with one video output for any kind of connection (RCA, S-Video or Component Video)video source connected
