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Pioneer VSX-920-K review : 7.1 Channel 3D Ready A/V Receiver

Posted to Audio Components 2010-11-26

With the ever-changing advancements in technology, A/V receivers tend to cost upwards of several thousands of dollars, but fortunately the Pioneer VSX-920-K 7.1-Channel 3-D Ready A/V Receiver is one exception. For just a few hundred dollars you get the latest HDMI 1.4-compatible device with 3D support and 7.1-channel high definition codecs. While this model has a few negative perks, such as lack of HDMI pass-through in standby mode, overall it is an excellent choice and tough to beat in a crowded electronics market.

Measuring 16.55" x 6.23" x 13.71" and weighing just over 21 lbs, this A/V receiver is average in size but above average in the number of new features and capabilities. In fact, the most notable aspect of this product is the fact that it now has many of the functions previously seen in more expensive models. The price itself is hard to beat, so aside from a few minor annoyances, this A/V receiver could not be any more perfect for the average home user.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Value

Being a feature-laden receiver usually means the price tag will be extraordinary, but such is not the case with the Pioneer VSX-920-K. In addition to support AM/FM, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth, consumers will be pleased to discover that it is fully 3D-capable, so your entertainment center is nearly future-proof. The standard HDMI 1.4a is also an upgrade from other receivers that only support the 1.3 specification. To top it off, this model comes with Acoustic Calibration, Advanced Sound Retriever, Auto Level Control, and Anchor Bay Video Processing. For the price, this is certainly one of the best-valued A/V receivers.

Features

As with many high-quality top-brand devices, this A/V receiver nearly has too many features to list. The strongest point is the 7.1-channel surround-sound capability, enhanced by Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz and DTS-HD Master Audio decoders. For connectivity, this model offers four HDMI slots (which support the latest 3D technology), two component video ports, two digital optical audio, one coaxial audio, headphone jack, USB port, Bluetooth port, and several front A/V connectors. If you want to connect various devices, such as your iPod, along with standard A/V electronics, then you will enjoy getting the benefit of this receiver.

Summary

If you do not mind a few minor issues, such as lack of HDMI pass-through in standby mode or backlit remote, then by all means this is probably the A/V receiver for you. Some consumers have gone as far as comparing the Pioneer VSX-920-K to competing devices that cost upwards of $1500. Needless to say, with the latest technologies and support for advanced devices and codecs, this receiver is definitely one of the best for the price and one of the best for the average home user.

Pros

Quality- great price, great features, trusted-brand
Superior- offers advanced 7.1-channel audio and video upconvert
Featured- plenty of HDMI 1.4a ports, Bluetooth and iPod compatibility
Advanced- comes with several experience-enhancing technologies

Cons

Improvable- underpowered with a few minor flaws