Features:
- 50 watts x 4-channel audio receiver/tuner
- Dolby Pro Logic processing
- Subwoofer preamplifier output
- 4 special-effects modes
- Preprogrammed remote
Description:
The VSX-108 is Pioneer's entry-level multichannel audio receiver. Befitting an entry-level model, you don't get many of the home theater bells and whistles here (no video switching or digital audio inputs). And while the VSX- 108 won't fill your room with DTS digital surround or even Dolby Digital 5.1, it does come with four-channel Dolby Pro Logic processing and four special effects modes.So what does Pioneer's VSX-108 have going for it? Simple--its price, of course, and its sound, which is remarkably natural in this price range and sure to please the budget-conscious music lover. Vocals and instruments, for example, come through with remarkably fine detail and natural textures. The high frequencies are airy but not brash, and the bass, though not super powerful, has good definition. In our experience, these qualities are rare in this price range. Furthermore, a preamplifier output for a subwoofer lets you use the receiver in conjunction with a powered subwoofer to get deeper and more powerful bass than most speakers can muster. Four special-effects modes simulate in four channels the sound of a large open-air stadium (impressive with high- voltage rock), a midsize concert hall (too gimmicky for classical music), a disco (if you're into heavy pumping bass), and a small club, which adds relatively subtle ambiance to acoustic blues and folk CDs. In addition, the VSX-108 lets you tailor your center-channel speaker to receive more or less bass information. Your exact setting will depend on the size of your center channel. If your system has no center channel, you can create a "phantom" center mode. The "3 stereo" mode feeds center and surround information to the front left/right speakers and is useful if your system is stereo-only. The VSX-108's tuner works very well, capturing some hard-to-receive stations. The unit's full- function remote, thanks to Pioneer's preprogramming, works with other brands' equipment. We also like the VSX-108's clean layout and intuitive operation. Pioneer's VSX-108 is quite a good-sounding multichannel audio receiver, making it a fine choice for the music lover and casual movie viewer. But for the serious home theater enthusiast, its lack of video switching, digital inputs, and digital processing disqualify it from consideration. -- Wayne Garcia Pros: - Impressive sound quality
- Subwoofer preamp output
- Clean layout
Cons: - Limited functions
- No video inputs
- No digital audio inputs
| 
