Home > Consumer Reviews > Pioneer VSX-D509S Dolby Digital Audio/Video Receiver

Despite what the Amazon.com review says, this receiver does NOT offer true S-Video switching. It only offers video and S-Video SELECTING, which allows you to choose either standard video or S-Video sources, but the standard signal is not sent through the S-Video outs and the S-Video signal is not sent through the standard video outs.

SWITCHING, a term used in video production, indicates that any video source, regardless of the signal format, would be sent through the output channel. For an a/v receiver, S-Video switching implies that a unit allows you to hook up both S-video and standard video sources and view all of them through either the standard or S-video output. This model does not offer that feature.

For example, suppose that you hook up a satellite receiver to this a/v receiver by using it's S-Video output, and you also hook up your VCR to this a/v receiver by using standard video inputs and outputs. In this situation, you would never be able to record anything from the satellite receiver, because you do not have the VCR input connected to the receiver's S-Video output. Further, unless your television (or monitor) accepts both S-Video and standard video input and can switch between the two based on presence or absence of signal, then you will have difficulty using this receiver with both standard and S-Video sources.

Amazon.com does sell a Monster Cable standard- to S-Video adapter that works quite well. My solution was to use these adapters to "step up" the standard video signals from my older devices and connect everything to the S-Video inputs and outputs on this receiver. I did have my doubts, but I am very pleased with the results. However, at $99 each, this can be an expensive resolution.

My only other serious disappointment with this receiver is that there are only three sets of a/v/S-v inputs in the rear. Although the fourth set is a separate input channel, the connectors are located on the front of the receiver. This is fine for hooking up a camcorder on occasion, but it is very aesthetically displeasing to use the front connectors on a regular basis.

The 509S is nicely priced so that just about anyone can establish a home theater system without breaking the bank. I myself bought this to upgrade to DTS (my old Pioneer had only Dolby Digital), but I'll be using it as my primary receiver now that I've had a chance to use it.

If you've owned previous Pioneer receivers which were themselves noisy, you won't have to worry about this model. While there are some noticeable aspects missing in this model from previous Pioneer receivers (most likely absent to cut down on costs), most of these were bells and whistles that don't affect performance. I do wish Pioneer had kept the visual display of multi-channel sound, however; I miss being able to immediately see if a DVD actually has all of the multi-channel sound it claims to have.

The only real downside to this receiver is that it is only minimally intuitive. I had to spend a lot of time with the manual to figure out the proper outputs for connections. That wouldn't be a problem except for the fact that the manual isn't exactly intuitive either. One big hint: the outgoing connections are pre-set for certain items. I couldn't understand why I wasn't getting any audio from the optical digital connection to my DVD player until I found an oblique reference stating that the Digital 1 output was pre-set to "CD player"; changing the setting to "DVD" corrected the problem.

There were other issues too (a skittish remote that required multiple attempts at programming), but now that the receiver is set, I'm extremely pleased. I even went out and got some DTS Compact Discs to enjoy (which, when done right, harken back to the best days of Quadraphonic sound).

A nice receiver and a great value.

I had this receiver for about a month now and really like it. It sounds great, has some nice features, and was easy to connect everything to.

I can't give it 5 stars for a couple of reasons. The manual is not very well written. Sometimes you have to jump around to several sections to get your questions answered about a certain feature. I am also unimpressed with the remote. It is supposed to be a univeral/learning remote, and it does recognize my devices (mostly RCA) but it's hard to use. I have to press 5 buttons just to watch DSS on my TV. (press reciever on, press TV, press power on, press TVC/DSS, press power on). That assumes that the TV is already set for channel 90. If not, I have to change the channel also. You would think that I should only have to select DSS and it should assume that I also will want the receiver and TV to turn on also. Same hassle when using other devices like the VCR. On my original remote I just pressed DSS and everything came on and was ready to go. I tried to get around this hassle by using the learning mode but this hasn't worked out. The section of the manual that explains the remote is also poorly written and I had to figure some things out by trial and error.

Overall though this is a great receiver and you won't go wrong if your purchase it. (just don't throw away your old remote)

I was astounded by how well this performs compared to similar systems for double the money. I got it for the digital (optic) inputs, which are great for dvd and newer cd players and the s video switching abilities. Also, the remote control is very good. It can learn anything that your old remote can do. This was nice for me because it elinimated the need to have 5 remotes on my coffee table. I also liked the dsp modes. The only negative is that the digital volume display is kind of odd. As you turn up the volume, it counts from -100 (low) to 0 (high) db, which I understand, but is still kind of strange.

I've had this receiver for about 2 weeks and I love it. I purchased it because it had 3 digital inputs, Dolby Digital and DTS, and the S-video inputs/outputs. I'm running a matched set of JBL speakers/powered subwoofer and the sound is fantastic. It would have gotten five stars if it were more intuitive operationally and had a better manual. Other than that, once you get it setup and running, sit back and enjoy!