Pioneer VSX-S520

price, usability, reliability, size, design

80% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Pioneer seems to be pushing the envelope of what we can expect in an entry-level receiver. We really think they have cut the right corners with the Pioneer VSX-520-K. While we think a lot of users will miss the MCACC auto setup, we think the inclusion...

This is the most compact AV receiver on the market.

It doesn’t have enough power to create great home surround sound.

The Pioneer VSX-S520 is a good fit if you plan on using smaller speakers to build a 5.1 system.

Classy design ; decent sound quality ; sports a healthy feature count

Springclip speaker terminals ; lacks a little punch ; no OSD

Pioneer's 2010 receivers are the best looking on the market, and that applies even to the bottom-end of the range, represented by the VSX-520

Solid build ; automatic speaker calibration ; focused, direct sound ; three 3D HDMI inputs.

Lacks the punch, scale and dynamics of the top amps at this money ; speaker terminals detract from the build quality

A solid performer, but sounds a little underwhelming compared to its rivals.

The sound quality of this system redefined my definition of good sound. It has plenty of inputs for me, and switches HDMI. It is 3D capable if I ever decide to buy into that scam. The receiver doesn't cause lag between my PC and my HDTV

The FM reciever is not very sensitive ; The Bluetooth module is another $100 ; Ever since I bought this, other systems I thought were great just seem mediocre now

does what it should and more for the money

none at this price point

This is a great receiver, it has become my hub for my entertainment system. It has crisp and clear sound

Won't do Dolby trueHD from my ps3, but that's my ps3's fault since the older fat models can't decode it

Wide variety of inputs, 3D ready, came with free Bluetooth adapter. Lots of decode options, inluding TrueHD and DTS-HD and passthrough of surround LPCM (for PS3, which decodes internally and sends the uncompressed signal to receiver) to speakers

Had multiple video connection issues on HDMI connection. Whenever input was shanged or source reset video connection roughly 60% of the time receiver would output an "Invalid Signal" output severely distorted video, output video with with layer of pink...

Decodes HDMI sound (no more running optical and digital coax to my receiver). 3D ready (don't have a 3D TV yet, but just in case I upgrade in the future)

Only works with powered subwoofer, not passive. Only a con for me because it was replacing my existing receiver and I can no longer use the sub I have ; Volume level is not displayed unless the volume is being adjusted. Where I would expect to see the...