Pioneer VSXD411 5.1 DD/DTS Receiver - $169 @ Circuit City

[Slick5150]

Seems like a pretty good deal on this receiver. Its on closeout at Circuit City for $169 (w/ free shipping available).

Link

Best Buy also has this receiver on sale, but for $189. So, if your local Circuit City doesn't have this in stock, you could try pricematching at Best Buy to CC's price.

I haven't tried the receiver out yet, but it looks like it has some good reviews. Anyone have any experience with it?

 

[caribiner23]

I bought this receiver in December 2002 for $149 at Best Buy. They've had it on sale at that price a few times since then.

It's a pretty good unit, although I am not a home theatre expert. I bought it to replace the Pioneer SX-780 I bought in 1978.

 

[ivol07]

I bought this receiver a while ago for $199. It's a good entry level receiver. The only drawback is that it doesn't have any s-video or component video inputs or outputs. I only use it for audio. All my video hookups are straight. (I know that kind of defeats the purpose) But it has optical and digital audio connections which work great. And it also works great with my new Radio Shack Universal Remote!

 

[Wag]

The 511 is on sale at RadioShack quite often for $199.

 

[Rally1]

i think it's the 711 that is the radioshack clone , because the 511 looks different and has no component inputs.

So for a few more $ go get the VSX-711/RCA at Radio shack for $199.

711 specs

radioshack 4090

 

[DaPlayaz]

I'm a novice when it comes to recievers. If I want a basic surround sound reciever for 5 speakers + a subwoofer, what do I look for? What's the difference between Pro-logic, DTS, or surround? I'm so confused. I can value a company...but I can't figure out how to get a freakin system goin. HELP! Thanks.

 

[Wag]

Oops, you're right. I meant the 711- I started that thread about it a while back.

 

[scornful]

Originally posted by: DaPlayaz
I'm a novice when it comes to recievers. If I want a basic surround sound reciever for 5 speakers + a subwoofer, what do I look for? What's the difference between Pro-logic, DTS, or surround? I'm so confused. I can value a company...but I can't figure out how to get a freakin system goin. HELP! Thanks.

Basicly look for a decent power rating first off (AT LEAST 80W/channel on a cheap name brand). Go with a company you like and trust as well as the price. $200 is very cheap, so your name brands are gonna be few and far between but they are out there. Just dont expect it to perform like a B&K or McIntosh (sp?). Prologic and DTS are standards. ProLogic has been out for ages (think VHS.... analog), more of a 4.1 system (rear channels play the same track, hence no directional sound from the rear and the rear channels are typically way under powered by todays standards). With DVD's a newer standard came out AC3 (Dolby Digital), true 5.1 sound. All of the channels receive the same ammount of power with Digital receivers (and receive mid-bass notes as well). Look for DTS.... it basicly replaced the AC3 standard. There are newer standards out there (cant remember what they are though) at the moment but all DVD's have yet to make it to the DTS standard, so for entry level, DTS at least if you want to stay current for the next couple of years. That prolly just confused you.... heh

 

[scornful]

oops forgot to mention video.... ummmm use the best that you have.... if your TV has component video inputs use them, but cables are EXPENSIVE. Your choice of whether to run the video through your receiver. I do but I switch between VCR, DVD, computer, sattelite and the old N64.... makes life easier for me. Most receivers will switch between composite video, just make sure you have enough connections for your stuffs. If you want S-video it's prolly cost you more........

 

[ivol07]

Originally posted by: scornful

Originally posted by: DaPlayaz
I'm a novice when it comes to recievers. If I want a basic surround sound reciever for 5 speakers + a subwoofer, what do I look for? What's the difference between Pro-logic, DTS, or surround? I'm so confused. I can value a company...but I can't figure out how to get a freakin system goin. HELP! Thanks.

Basicly look for a decent power rating first off (AT LEAST 80W/channel on a cheap name brand). Go with a company you like and trust as well as the price. $200 is very cheap, so your name brands are gonna be few and far between but they are out there. Just dont expect it to perform like a B&K or McIntosh (sp?). Prologic and DTS are standards. ProLogic has been out for ages (think VHS.... analog), more of a 4.1 system (rear channels play the same track, hence no directional sound from the rear and the rear channels are typically way under powered by todays standards). With DVD's a newer standard came out AC3 (Dolby Digital), true 5.1 sound. All of the channels receive the same ammount of power with Digital receivers (and receive mid-bass notes as well). Look for DTS.... it basicly replaced the AC3 standard. There are newer standards out there (cant remember what they are though) at the moment but all DVD's have yet to make it to the DTS standard, so for entry level, DTS at least if you want to stay current for the next couple of years. That prolly just confused you.... heh

To add to this:

Pro Logic is technology that takes a regular stereo signal and turns it into faux surround sound. In my opinion DTS does sound better than Dolby Digital 5.1. But theoretically they do the same thing. In order to get Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS you are going to need a digital or optical connection. Not the usual RCA jacks.

Here are some links to help.


Dolby Guide To Home Theater
Setting up a home theater

I think if you want just basic surround sound this receiver would be perfect. It works great, trust me.

 

[ingenue007]

I bought the 411 receiver, KLH 5.1 speaker setup, acoustic research 16 gauge wires for ~250. I've heard other setups that cost more than mine, but do not sound as good. I think speaker placement is one of the most important things. Go to dolby's website and look around for their speaker set ups. Spend sometime marking out where you want your speakers. I had to build wall mounts to get them placed in the correct locations. I don't know how I lived without surround sound before hand. I love prologic II....

 

[scornful]

Originally posted by: ivol07

Originally posted by: scornful

Originally posted by: DaPlayaz
I'm a novice when it comes to recievers. If I want a basic surround sound reciever for 5 speakers + a subwoofer, what do I look for? What's the difference between Pro-logic, DTS, or surround? I'm so confused. I can value a company...but I can't figure out how to get a freakin system goin. HELP! Thanks.

Basicly look for a decent power rating first off (AT LEAST 80W/channel on a cheap name brand). Go with a company you like and trust as well as the price. $200 is very cheap, so your name brands are gonna be few and far between but they are out there. Just dont expect it to perform like a B&K or McIntosh (sp?). Prologic and DTS are standards. ProLogic has been out for ages (think VHS.... analog), more of a 4.1 system (rear channels play the same track, hence no directional sound from the rear and the rear channels are typically way under powered by todays standards). With DVD's a newer standard came out AC3 (Dolby Digital), true 5.1 sound. All of the channels receive the same ammount of power with Digital receivers (and receive mid-bass notes as well). Look for DTS.... it basicly replaced the AC3 standard. There are newer standards out there (cant remember what they are though) at the moment but all DVD's have yet to make it to the DTS standard, so for entry level, DTS at least if you want to stay current for the next couple of years. That prolly just confused you.... heh

To add to this:

Pro Logic is technology that takes a regular stereo signal and turns it into faux surround sound. In my opinion DTS does sound better than Dolby Digital 5.1. But theoretically they do the same thing. In order to get Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS you are going to need a digital or optical connection. Not the usual RCA jacks.

Here are some links to help.


Dolby Guide To Home Theater
Setting up a home theater

I think if you want just basic surround sound this receiver would be perfect. It works great, trust me.

true.... my old Onkyo 646 is still kickin so I havent gone digital yet. Willin to bet $$$ this will sound alot better than mine w/ tv or dvd, at about $400 cheaper. You might wanna check out the OEM Pioneer from Rat Shack for a little more money if you want video switching....

*ripped from another post
RCA - OEM Pioneer

 

[ingenue007]

DTS sounds better than digital 5.1 b/c the bitrate is higher. Not a large margin, but higher.