VSX-D811s Rocks!

Author's Rating:

Pros: Dolby EX DTS ES Neo:6 Prologic II Tape Monitor for EQ Learning remote Price!

Cons: Controls are hidden by plastic panel. No phono input.

The Bottom Line: 
Did ton of research to find these features for less than $600. I discovered gold!

Author's Review
All the obvious like low distortion .2%, 600 watts total, 6.1 with Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, ProLogic II, Neo:6 in a $300 (or less) package! And there are some modes you don't even see in the specs, such as expanded audio modes, but you can download the manual.

And it still has the tape monitor which is GREAT if you still want to use your EQUALIZER for stereo recordings. PLUS, it has preamps out for all channels, and 7.1 inputs! The learning remote is better than your typical universal remote. Even expensive HDTV usually dont have these! No wonder magazines rated this receiver so well!

I researched a lot before buying it, and my second choice was almost twice as expensive!

Few negatives:
Has a panel cover which hides the controls. Would be nice if they could be viewable in an attractive looking package.
Doesn't have the cool rotating red LED on the volume control.
No phono input (but who cares?)
When cranking up volume extremely high with nothing playing, there is a sudden increase in noise (like static.)
Overload protection kicks off receiver if you crank volume too high (this can be good also.)