About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

The Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXS is an excellent home theater value. The VSX-82TXS has extensive connection capabilities, including direct iPOD connection, HDMI inputs, and second zone preamp and monitor outputs. 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 missing is the Popcorn Popper.

Manufacturer's Site

Pros

• Extensive Audio and Video Connectivity - including HDMI.
• Video upscaling via Faroudja DCDi Processing.
• Well-laid out rear panel - especially the speaker connections.
• Power to spare, excellent audio performance.
• Simple iPOD and XM Radio connectvity and functions.

Cons

• Could use component video and/or HDMI inputs on front panel.
• Very large - need a lot of shelf space for ventillation and connections.
• Complicated to use for the novice - Cumbersome Remote.
• Plain looking B/W On-screen Display Menus.
• Where's the popcorn popper?

Description

• Home Theater Receiver with THX Select2 Audio Processing and Faroudja DCDi Video Processing/Scaling.
  
• 7 Channels of amplification featuring 130 WPC at .09% THD (Total Harmoic Distortion) FTC Rating
  
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Pro logic IIx, DTS 5.1, DTS-ES, DTS Neo:6, and XM Neural Surround.
• 3 HDMI inputs/1 out, 3 HD-compatible component video inputs/1 out. 7 composite and S-Video inputs.
  
• 2 VCR connection loops (or VCR and DVD Recorder). iPod and XM Radio Antenna inputs.

• Composite, S-video, Component video to HDMI video conversion and upscaling.
• 7 assignable digital audio inputs (2 coaxial and 5 optical ). HDMI audio is supported.
  
• Stereo audio inputs for CD or Cassette. 5.1 channel inputs for DVD-Audio, SACD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD.
• AM/FM/XM Radio tuners. Subscription and optional antenna required for XM Satellite Radio Service.
  
• Room Audio Calibration via Auto MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration) with supplied Microphone.
  

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

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 definitely makes the 82TX a TRUE home theater receiver. With built-in Faroudja video processing, the image quality from HD sources is very consistent, and the video conversion and processing of analog video sources is quite good.

One indicator of a good receiver is the ability to perform well with both music and movies. I found 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 worked very well, especially with the center channel level, which sometimes is hard to get right with DVD source material.

The VSX-82TX delivers the goods, in terms of home theater, and in offering features, such as iPOD connection and control, and XM satellite radio capability. However, the VSX-82TX may be a little daunting for the novice. I give it a strong 4.5 Stars out of 5.

Read Full Review

Manufacturer's Site

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.