Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Product Review

A key to great audio performance is proper speaker setup. The 82TX provides an excellent tool to accomplish this: MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System).

By way of a microphone supplied with the unit, and a built-in test tone generator that provides several types of test tones, the 82TX is able to automatically calculate the size of your loudspeakers, their distance from your listening position, and other parameters that will enable your system operate in your listening environment.

Although no automatic system can be perfect, or account for personal taste, the MCACC did a very credible job of setting up speaker levels properly. The MCACC caclulated my speaker distances accurately, and even adjusted the audio levels and equalization to compensate.

I found that after the MCACC procedure was complete, my speaker balance was very good, especially the balance between the Center and Main channels. I did, however, manually increase the surrounds slightly for my own personal taste.

Audio Performance

Using both analog and digital audio sources, I found the audio quality of the TX82, in both 5.1 and 7.1 channel configurations, delivered an excellent surround image, with both analog and digital sources.

The 82TX provided a very clean signal via the direct 5.1 analog audio inputs from both HD-DVD/Blu-ray disc sources, in addition to the Blu-ray/HD-DVD HDMI audio connection option.

The TX82 showed absolutely no signs of strain during very dynamic audio tracks. I found felt no sense of listening fatigue over long periods of time.

Video Performance

Utilizing several video connection options, I found that the 82TX delivered well in the video department. Although there wasn't a big improvement of analog video sources when converted to component video or HDMI, the fact that you didn't need to use several types of video connections just to see everything on one video display is a great convenience.

Although upconversion of video inputs signals to HDMI is limited to 1080i, the 82TX can pass a native 1080p source through to a 1080p television or monitor.

The image on a Westinghouse LVM-37w3 1080p monitor looked no different, whether the signal came directly from a 1080p source (Samsung BD-P1000 Blu-ray Disc Player) or was routed through the 82TX, from the Blu-ray Player, before reaching the Westinghouse monitor.

There is a lot to like about the Pioneer VSX-82TXS,including:

1. Extensive Audio and Video Connectivity - including HDMI

2. Video upscaling via Faroudja DCDi Processing provides good video quality from most sources.

3. Well-laid out rear panel - especially the speaker connections.

4. Power to spare, excellent audio performance.

5. Simple iPOD and XM Radio connectivity and functions.

What I Didn't Like About The Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS

1. Could use component video and/or HDMI inputs on front panel. This will be important as new generation high definition camcorders and game consoles make use of both HDMI and component video connections.

2. Very large - Need a lot of shelf space for ventilation and connections.

3. Complicated to use for the novice.

4. Plain looking B/W On-screen Display.

5. Where's the popcorn popper?

Final Take

The VSX-82TX delivers enough power for medium and large-sized rooms and provides exceptional sound. Useful features include: 7.1 channel surround processing, composite to S-video to Component video to HDMI video conversion; Second Zone pre-outs, XM Radio tuner, built-direct iPOD connection (adapter cable supplied), and MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) auto-speaker setup.

The most innovative aspect of the VSX-82TX is the the equal consideration for both audio and video. This makes the 82TX a TRUE home theater receiver.

The built-in Faroudja video processing provided consistent image quality from HD sources, and the video conversion and processing of analog video sources was quite good.

The audio quality of the VSX-82TX, with both music-only and video sources (such as DVD), was quite good, making it acceptable for both extensive music listening as well as for home theater use.

In addition, the MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) auto-speaker setup feature actually worked very well, especially with the center channel level, which always seems the hardest to get right with DVD source material.

The Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS is an excellent home theater value. The VSX-82TXS has extensive connection capabilities. The VSX-82TXS also has power to spare and both excellent audio and video processing features. For those wishing for an AV receiver that integrates extensive audio and features, backed up with great performance, then check out the VSX-82TXS. The only thing that seems to be missing is the Popcorn Popper.