Review: Pioneer VSX-915 home cinema receiver

Pioneer has a penchant for producing high performance home cinema receivers at affordable prices. And the VSX-915 follows in those footsteps, offering a surprising list of specifications and several technological advances over its already-able predecessor, the VXS-D814, without pushing up the price.

The budget bracket of receivers priced below around £400 is grounds for one of the most hotly contested battles in the home cinema arena. To gain a competitive edge manufacturers have been forced to sharpen performance and enlist features that were once only reserved for more expensive models. The VSX-915 is a case in point and, even in today's aggressive market, you'll struggle to find such a well-equipped receiver for the price.

The reassuringly weighty design is well constructed and neatly finished featuring a stylish, brushed aluminum front panel that wouldn't embarrass far more expensive systems. And there's an all-new LCD learning remote that appears if anything, overcrowded with controls, offering an indication of the number of functions at your disposal.

Several improvements have been made over its ancestor but the most obvious is the addition of an extra channel of amplification, offering full 7.1 capability for systems using supplementary rear channels to enhance ambient effects. Pioneer claims a power rating of 100 watts for each channel - but this has been exaggerated on paper using Pioneer's somewhat unique means of measurement and in practice, the figure is closer to 70 watts per channel.

Internally, the direct construction strives to separate analogue and digital circuitry to prevent unwanted influences from affecting the sound. All digital processing has been integrated into a single, compact, digital core engine that shortens signal pathways and reduces radiation. Incorporated within this circuitry is the latest 48-bit digital sound processor (DSP) from Motorola - it's the same as one used in Dolby and DTS theatres around the world to produce high speed processing with low jitter and virtually no audio degradation.

There's a complete choice of surround processing formats that range from the traditional to the trend setting. For the first time there's WMA-9 processing that allows you to play stereo and multichannel Windows Media files directly from your PC - it's a feature shared by the remaining receivers in Pioneer's latest range and another step towards the inevitable convergence of our home entertainment systems.

Rear panel connections could be better arranged and speaker terminals in particular are tricky to access. But there's a full selection of socketry to supply all your audio and video sources including 5.1 inputs for multichannel music formats like DVD-A and SACD, component inputs for video switching and video upconversion from composite to S-video. And, like some other Pioneer receivers, you can reassign surround back channels to a second zone or to bi-wire a pair of large front speakers to improve stereo performance.

Installation is a breeze courtesy of Pioneer's MCACC (Multichannel Acoustic Calibration System) automatic set-up. While these systems were once the preserve of high-end models they can now be found in receivers across all prices. The VSX-915 uses a more advanced system than earlier models featuring five-band graphic equalisation for each channel. Simply position the supplied microphone in your listening position and allow the speaker to determine the speaker's size, level and delay distances using a series of electronic test tones. Manual set-up modes, including a Quick Set Up option, are also available but the absence of on-screen menus (unless you own a Pioneer plasma with SR+ compatibility) and the comparative accuracy of the automatic system make it the best bet for most users.

Performance
In action, the VSX-915's upfront presentation sounds instantly energetic and engaging - a characteristic that's typical of Pioneer receivers at this price point. On first impressions the brightly balanced sound is exciting but, like with some relationships, spend extended time in its company and the initial allure wanes once the honeymoon period is over. Brightness at the top end reveals plenty of detail, which suits some soundtracks but verges on the aggressive elsewhere, leaving scores sounding brash and coarse.

Using the extremely accurate automatic calibration system effectively draws tonal consistency from the speakers to provide the basis of an enveloping listening experience. Surround effects are quickly and cohesively steered around the room opening up an expansive sound stage that fully immerses you in the action on screen with distinctive depth and direction. Listen to the 'Echo Test' scene in House Of Flying Daggers and you'll become lost in the choreographed cacophony of the swirling sounds. Dialogue carries the same traits as the overall sound, offering crisp resolution but compromised by brightness that robs voices of natural sounding emotion.

While you shouldn't expect to be overwhelmed by power from a receiver at this price, the VSX-915 still lacks a little scale and weight - despite Pioneer's overstated claims. There's still enough oomph to satisfy a medium-sized room but the sound feels strained when presented with demanding, adrenaline-fuelled soundtracks like Blade Trinity.

Finally, for the musically minded, the VSX-915 performs surprisingly well with both multichannel and stereo (especially if you choose to bi-wire your front speakers) where a controlled sense of timing and decent detail are enough to induce toe-tapping excitement.