Customer Ratings & Reviews

Our previous receiver was a Pioneer, and we were very happy with it. When it was time to replace it, getting another similar model was a no-brainer. This unit was a big disappointment, and had so many problems that I ended up returning it and going with a Sony. Before I go on, I need to clarify that I am not an expert. I'm just a guy who loves his home theatre and wants it to have good sound and a reliable receiver that is relatively easy to use. Having said that, the sound on this unit was very good. Now, on to the problems... The first and biggest problem we ran into was that the unit would not automatically switch into the right home theatre mode when watching TV. We have DirecTV, and we'd be watching an HD channel and have great sound, but when we would switch to a non-HD channel, it would not automatically switch to Dolby ProLogic but go instead to sound from all of the front speakers. In addition, the unit did not recognize some HD channels as being digital, and they were broadcast with all front speakers. We never had problems like this with our previous Pioneer unit, so this was a huge step down. The Geek Squad came out and tried to fix this and could not, so it wasn't a settings issue. Now to the smaller issues: the display choices on this unit are bizarre. There is no display of which speakers are in use, which I had loved on our previous unit. The Dolby symbol is so small that you need to be right in front of it (with your glasses on, in my case) to read it. There is not an option for a large display of the sound being utilized (digital, ProLogic, etc.); the only thing being displayed is what your already know you are watching (SAT, cable, etc). Finally, the onscreen set-up menu is pretty pedestrian; even the Geek Squad rep called it "weak." Again, all things that were much better on our previous model. They wouldn't be deal-breakers alone, but added to our disappointment. So ,,, this unit was a big disappointment, which I returned and replaced with the Sony STR-DN1040 - which I am thrilled with. The Geek Squad rep had never seen installed one before, and was really impressed with it. So, a happy ending. thanks! I hope this helps.

Replaced a 7+ yr old Kenwood HTIB. Wow, what a difference! Amplified for a Martin Logan MLT2 5.1 set and couldn't be more awed by the level up in music and movie enjoyment. Pandora, Airplay, NetRadio are stable.

I bought this system for a fitness studio installation, because it's a "boutique" rather than a place such as 24hr Fitness, so we didn't need monster sound. This was on sale at the time for $100 less than the VSX-823 which also didn't have A/B output options (although the two-years older VSX-821 did have such). Got the system all setup (no HDMI connected except when connected to a monitor for MCACC setup), and all was well. A few weeks after opening, I get a call that the system is down. Just the blinking HDMI indicator, and nothing else. Try to remedy it myself, to no avail. We need the system the next day, and every day after that. Our VSX-821 at our other location worked well, so I run out and pickup a VSX-823 because we don't actually need the A/B feature anymore. Should have heeded warnings about the VSX-43. It's just a rock. Going to try to get it serviced at the closest service center, 70 miles away, unless the Geek Squad can troubleshoot for free? I have a VSX-817 at home and it's been flawless. Pioneer needs to figure out its Elite problems.

I have owned Pioneer Elite equipment before and was very disappointed with the product. Its fine for a den or bed room for surround sound set up. Music is fine for small desktop speakers. If you looking for a home theater Av look elsewhere.

I expected so much more performance from a machine that claims to have a separate amp for each channel and deliver the full claimed power. Bought this open box (good price!) to replace a Yamaha RX-V1600 (circa 2006) that crapped out. Auto setup was useless, it pretty much eliminated my sub. I with went manual adjustments, but no matter what I did the result sounded flat, lacking in depth and detail. Ipod usage via USB port was temperamental, sometimes it worked, sometimes not. Bought a Yamaha RX-V475 last night and that sounded great right out of the box. Ipod also worked without a hitch. Returning the Pioneer to the store before my 15 days are up.

I returned the first VSX-43 because I could not get the DirecTV HDMI to work. The second unit had the same problem. I tried it with 2 TV's, a Pioneer Gas Plasma and a Samsung LCD. I replaced the HDMI cables with high speed HDMI cables. I tried every setting I could find, but no picture and no sound was to be found. I exchanged the 2nd unit for a Sony, which worked immediately when I plugged it in. I was so disappointed that I almost kept my old Pioneer receiver (without HDMI). This unit may work well with cable or Dish, but not with DirecTV.

I purchased this receiver because the sound was great. I have had to returne it 3 times now because the hdmi out keeps breaking.