Entered CNET Catalog: 05/17/2003
SKU: VSX-D912K
Manufacturer: Pioneer North America
Manufacturer description
If it is power, fidelity, and convenience you're looking for, the VSXD912K is the receiver for you. With 110 watts x 6 channels, the VSX-D912K has power in reserve. The Auto MCACC (Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration) provides a microphone that listens to each of your speakers and automatically adjusts them for distance and sound level ensuring that each channel of sound reaches you at the right time and at the right volume; all automatically! Extra digital inputs; 5 total with a front optical digital input provides needed flexibility when the video game or camcorder may be on the move. A pre-programmed learning LCD remote is the control center for all of your equipment; even in the dark. The VSX-D912K is a serious A/V receiver equipped with an all aluminum front panel and cool blue volume LED indicator putting this A/V receiver in the same league as the big boys.CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/13/2003
We were surprised to note the D912 lacks onscreen display for menu navigation, but the automated setup function makes the loss easier to take.
The large but comfortable remote has a small LCD and provides direct access to standard Dolby or DTS surround and synthesized surround modes, as well as stereo. We programmed the remote to work with our TV and DVD player in just a few minutes. We'll get to the D912's battalion of features in a minute, but first we want to give you the lowdown on the impressive MCACC automated setup routine. At first, we thought it was similar to Harman Kardon's EzSet feature--found on the AVR 325, for example--but Pioneer's system is considerably more sophisticated and accurate. EzSet balances only the satellite speakers' volume levels, so you still have to input other information, such as how many speakers you have and speaker-to-listener distances, then select the various sizes of the speakers. MCACC automates those functions, and even more impressive, it was quite accurate in its work. It set the levels of the subwoofer and the six speakers nearly as precisely as we could with a sound-pressure-level meter. With most receivers, setup is completely manual, and most folks never go through the hassle of properly establishing and balancing speaker levels. That's unfortunate; they're missing out on a lot of the sound quality they paid for. Since the D912's setup takes about five minutes, we expect most owners will use it and enjoy better-sounding systems.
This Pioneer's extensive surround modes run the gamut from Dolby Digital/EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS/ES Matrix and Discrete processing. It even includes the latest trick from DTS: 96/24 decoding that lets you play DTS-encoded DVD-Audio discs without a DVD-Audio player.
The D912's connectivity suite should accommodate all but the most complex home theaters. There are SACD/DVD/7.1-channel inputs and--something rarely seen on a receiver in this price range--pre-amp outputs that open the door to future upgrades with a separate power amp. Component-video switching for two sources is available, as well as three composite or S-Video sources. Digital audio connections are plentiful: five inputs (three optical--one front--and two coaxial) and one optical digital 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, including that optical digital input. Considering its price, we were skeptical about the receiver's 110-watt-per-channel power rating, so we fully flexed the D912's muscles on the latest Austin Powers DVD, Goldmember. Dr. Evil's rap ditty, "Hard Knock Life," had the sort of full-fledged dynamic swings and room-shaking bass that humble lesser receivers, but the D912 never faltered.
The Standing in the Shadows of Motown documentary DVD has some rousing concert footage. Joan Osborne's "Heatwave" was hot, thanks in no small part to the band's hard-hitting rhythm section. The "live-ness" of the surround mix added immeasurably to the realism of the sound.
For the ultimate test of the D912's sonic prowess, we auditioned a few spectacular DVD-Audio discs. Fleetwood Mac's new one, Say You Will, sounded fine, especially "Red Rover," with its ricocheting guitars bouncing across the surround speakers. That's pretty cool, but Yes's 31-year-old Fragile album, recently remastered on DVD-A, sounded even better. Its richer tonal balance sounded sweeter, and the surround mix was more holographic. In other words, this receiver will let you hear all of the quality encoded in your DVDs and CDs.
The tuner sounded cleaner and quieter than average, and it captured tough-to-receive college stations.
We had such a great time with the VSX-D912 that we temporarily forgot how affordable it is. Yes, directly comparing it with Denon's wonderful AVR-2803 receiver (review coming soon), we were aware of the Pioneer's cooler tonal balance. The Denon's sound exhibited greater weight and refinement, and the bass went deeper with more impact and verve. But the Denon is almost twice as expensive and doesn't have the D912's automated setup feature. If you can get along without the D912's automatic setup and LCD remote, we'd recommend checking out Pioneer's nearly identical but less expensive VSX-D812K.
User opinions
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User Rating: 
8/10
Very good receiver just needs a little more in the EQ section.
Pros: Great looks, black, aluminum front. A lot of input/output opoptions, great sound, great remote. Easyest setup you could imagine. And if you wnat to set it up the old fashion way - you can do that too!
Cons: The only issue I have with this receiver is the EQ. The EQ is all factory presets. Most of the factory presets are great for any DVDs, TV, games, and sports. But it doesn?t handle music well.
Setup: So it shows up on my doorstep and I rush to get it hooked up. I'm a bit of a music freak so I was quite worried about purchasing this receiver without first hearing it in the store. But I really took c/nets review to heart and decided to trust them. I hooked up my TV, speakers, DVD and CD player, to give it a proper setup and test. Within a few minutes I had the entire thing up and running. I plugged in the audio mic (comes with the receiver) and hit the auto setup button. Nice tones of white noise began to pour fourth. With in a couple of minutes my system was properly balanced.
Test: So I test the sound by placing several types of DVDs in the Panasonic DVD player and connect the optical pipe and RCA connectors. Everything from the lush, quiet, surround of 'The Others" to the manic, intense, gunfire of "Heat" to the pounding bass of "AC/DC Live" came out in crystal clear, beautifully full surround sound.
So far so good right?
Step 3: Audio CD test. I'm sorry to say, but this is where the receiver fell a bit short. The audio from my Techniques CD player just seemed a little flat. The higher range was great, the guitars shimmered and the vocals were clear and crisp. It was the lower range that seemed out of sorts. The bass and drums were crackly and thin. I just wanted to reach over and grab the bass knob and turn it to about 2 O?clock - unfortunately, because the VSX-D912K only has a factory programmed EQ, I was unable to do just that. Don't get me wrong - the factory presets sound great. The presets handle there respective designations very well - i.e. movies, games, sports, etc. But neither the music preset nor any of the other presets seemed to be able to beef up that low end. Due to this fact I still have my Aiwa receiver, purchased in 1998 for $500.00, in my den just for listening to LP's, CD's and tapes. The Aiwa doesn't have a lot in the way of EQ but it does have a simple 3 stage bass boost as well as a 3 stage high-end clarifier. In general the tones I get from the Aiwa are smoother, bigger and warmer.
This would be my suggestion to you - Buy the Pioneer for (it's currently available new on eBay) about $200-250 and spend another $150-250 on a good outboard EQ. For the $400-500 you will spend on this great sounding system you end up with a lower cost system that will sound as good as a $700 Onkyo or Denon - and about the same features too!
User Rating: 
9/10
GREAT for the money
Pros: I found this reciever at COSCO a few months ago for $300. It is wonderful. Full beautiful sound. DVDs, CDs and HDTV sound full and clear. Don't waste money on more bells and whistles. The sound and features are way better than you need in home A/V.
Cons:
User Rating: 
10/10
GREAT RECEIVER
Pros: GREAT SOUND, AUTO SETUP IS A PLUS, AND PRICE IS AFFORDABLE. I DID THE RESEARCH AND HEARD NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS RECEIVER, IT PAID OFF.
Cons: SEEMS YOU HAVE TO TURN THE SOUND UP 3/4 OF THE WAY WHEN LISTENING TO DVD/TV. THAT SEEMS ODD WITH 110WATTS/CHANNEL. I HAVE HEARD THAT OTHER POPULAR BRAND NAME RECEIVERS DO THE SAME WHICH PUTS ME AT EASE.
User Rating: 
3/10
Poor Longevity in a Sweet Box
Pros: Complete A/V Package up to date with current specs. Awesome Digital Capability
Cons: Just poor quality plan and simple. Runs very hot and circuit boards prone to melt down of solder links....where was the craftmanship?
User Rating: 
4/10
Nice Receiver until it BROKE!
Pros: Sound - Multiple settings - ease of use and auto-setup.
Cons: Had receiver for about a year and then it shutoff without warning. I was simply watching TV and it turned off and never turned back on. Of course right after the warranty ran out so now I am screwed. Nice Longevity
User Rating: 10/10
Best mid-price receiver
Pros: this receiver left behind all those expensive. Well done PIONEER.
Cons: Too much features for the price
User Rating: 
7/10
Love it! Specs are wrong
Pros: Component input Low price ($179 on sale at Best Buy Programmable inputs
Cons: Specs say 2 optical inputs, and 1 coaxial input. That's reversed, there is 1 optical input. Remote control is compact but confusing
User Rating: 7/10
good, seems to need more power?
Pros: auto setup, clean look, good sound with right sources
Cons: Is there something wrong with mine or does the volume need to be at 35-25 for dvd's and tv's? not sure if this is an issue because i'm using my monitor for center channel or if this reciever lacks power. Sub doesn't seem to be as loud as I'd like it to
User Rating: 8/10
Value for Money product
Pros: Definitely a value products that offers MCACC for automated speaker settings, 7.1 ch with ample no. of digital inputs and learning capable remote for a price that is postioned better than a YAMAHA or a Denon.
Cons: It lacks the convenience of OSD
User Rating: 8/10
It rocks!!!
Pros: Easy automatic setup. Support latest formats (Dolby, DTS) Load and clear sound (both movies and music)
Cons: Manual poorly organized and missing key info.
User Rating: 7/10
Good 'value' purchase.
Pros: Easy setup. Power. Surround modes. Can add seperate power amps - flexibility. Auto speaker setup - MACC.
Cons: Documentation a little vague. No FM signal strength meter.
User Rating: 9/10
Great Receiver!!!
Pros: This receiver rocks! Has more than enough power to run my MTX Monitor 12 speakers and Sony surround speaker set-up. Does not produce any noticeable distortion even at very high volumes. Good bass and treble reproduction. Has a very good remote.
Cons: The manual is hard to follow. The remote takes a little time to get used to.
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent Movie Receiver
Pros: Auto setup helps to configure the distance and delay of each speaker. The 48 dsp make the movie sounds more realistic. The voice is better than the Yamaha or the Onkyo receiver. Don't forget to adjust the subwoffer setting to SW Plus instead of SW. Ever
Cons: poor remote and poor manual
User Rating: 8/10
Best AVR in the $300 range
Pros: This product has everything you could want in an AVR without spending $600. The MACC is worth it's weight in gold, especially if you change listening positions often (We have two primary listening positions and I can change the speaker set up in 2-3 minut
Cons: No unfiltered sub out. Only 3 choices for sub crossover setting. No on screen display. BUT these are 3 minor complaints that I am willing to live with. If I wasn't, then I'd cough up double the money and buy something else (and then there would probably b
User Rating: 
6/10
It's not as good as cnet states
Pros: 7.1, sleek design
Cons: Frst off my unit came damadged even though the box wasn't even scatched. I guess I got a bum deal. My front panel was broke on one side. Of course this is not a con as far as the unit goes but nevertheless I was bummed. I bought it from e-tronics and to r
User Rating: 8/10
Pioneer Service / Repair - Non Existent
Pros: Strong features availabe. Connectivity is excellent. Bang for buck on performance. Non performing items are the cons.
Cons: Remote control power button received broken and hinge to receiver front drop down door droops. Pioneer is a very difficult company to obtain customer service to repair or replace these concerns. To date (two weeks of inquiry) they haven't responded with
User Rating: 7/10
Retracting my original rating
Pros: Great for the money. mcacc.
Cons: Flat sound, hard to see display. I returned my vsx-d912k and bought a Harman Kardon AVR 430. It's twice the money, but it sounds so much sweeter. I didn't think the Pioneer was bad, and I do recommend it for someone on a budget. The mcacc is really easy
User Rating: 9/10
Excellent and affordable!
Pros: Looks good, lots of power for a great price. More options than most receivers in its class. Excellent automated setup feature. A great buy!
Cons: Remote is not backlit and no on-screen display.
User Rating: 
5/10
Good by not for 4 - 8ohm speakers
Pros: - Good features - Good price - Remote control easy to use - Clean design.
Cons: - WILL NOT WORK WITH 4 - 8 OHM SPEAKERS. I purchase a set of Definitive Technology ProCinema 60 (5.1 speakers) and when I turned the Pioneer up, it overloaded the system - auto shutting it down. It even shut off when listening to the radio at normal lis
User Rating: 8/10
The standard for value at this price range!
Pros: Like many that reviewed, I am no audiophile, but am learning. I found this receiver a cinch to set up and get good sound in just minutes. It has excellent clarity in almost all modes, although it really shines with DTS-you have to pump up the sound out
Cons: The virtual surround, especially for analog inputs, is pretty ordinary, nothing like, for example, Yamaha's DSP. The analog six channel is especially disappointing. Also, there is lack of flexibility in adjusting cross-over frequency when you have large
User Rating: 8/10
Incredibly sweet
Pros: So easy to setup and the sound quality surpasses many far more expensive receivers.
Cons: The remote is a nightmare.
User Rating: 9/10
This system kicks @$$!!!!
Pros: Sounds Great! Plenty of Power 7.1 ch inputs for DVDA/SACD Nice remote with lcd guided setup
Cons: No OSD Remote presets dont include all buttons
User Rating: 10/10
Stellar System, Stellar Price
Pros: I am not an audiophile, I am not a novice. This system is great. Setup is incredibly easy (10-15 mins from box to bump), remote controls everything (the learn feature couldn't be easier), MCACC is an incredibly easy route to great sound and surround. N
Cons: NONE!!!
User Rating: 10/10
Great recevier, great price.
Pros: Great set up. Dvds and music sound great. Different sound settings at the touch of a button. The automatic is excellent.
Cons: Remote not backlit.
User Rating: 8/10
Great sound even an idiot can use
Pros: -Inexpensive, under $300 @ www.abesofmaine.com -Terrific sound. -Great flexibility. -Did I mention inexpensive? -There cannot be an easier system to set up. Built in configuration software is awesome. If you choose to change positions on your sofa, you
Cons: -No coax input for AM/FM antennas. -Front panel display could be bigger since no onscreen displays. -Like most high end receviers, the remote is awkward to use to tune radio stations. -Cooling fan would be nice
User Rating: 9/10
Automated Surround Sound Setup is Fantastic
Pros: I love this receiver. The price is unbelievably low for what you get. The automated adjustment for surround sound speakers is really nifty. It automatically detects what your speaker set up is and then, at your command, goes ahead and sets distance, sp
Cons: None.
User Rating: 9/10
Great A/V flexability...and value!
Pros: Good looking. Cool MCACC setup. Lots of A/V inputs; 7.1 SACD/DVD-A input; Pre-outs for future upgrades. DTS Neo6 and Dolby PLII! Flexable remote. Clean amps; great for music.
Cons: Only 1 set of 7.1 inputs.
User Rating: 9/10
A solid value - auto setup nails it.
Pros: The automatic level and distance setting for your speakers is very accurate - for the first time you can get that pesky subwoofer level properly set. Unlike a previous reviewer, I find music playback to be very good - and it really shines with a high reso
Cons: On-screen displays would have been nice, as well as a phono and AC-3 RF input. But at this price point it can be understood why some features were not included.
User Rating: 9/10
The ideal combination of performance and value!
Pros: Set-up is a snap and took less than 10 minutes from opening the box to sound pressure adjustment of my home theater speaker system. Sound quality is clean and very precise. With multiple digital connectors, the superb feature set can meet almost any con
Cons: Not having an on-screen display is a minor inconvenience but only during initial set-up.
User Rating: 6/10
Horrible music playback quality
Pros: Fantastic A/V receiver. Great for DVD. If you don't care about music playback, this is a great receiver.
Cons: Amazingly poor music playback. I've tried every option with this receiver and music just sounds aweful with it.
