OTHER TECH

This receiver was not only the clear standout among the three in our "Cost Control" spotlight comparison, but it would hold its own against any receiver in its price range. It has all the up-to-date 6.1- and 7.1-channel Dolby and DTS surround processing modes, and even slam-bang soundtracks aren't likely to stress its seven 100-watt channels. But I was even more impressed with its Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system. Just plunk down the supplied microphone at your listening position, press a few buttons, and the receiver will do all the speaker adjustments and setup chores that are a pain to do manually but are necessary if you want to get the best performance from your home theater rig. For the price, nothing could be simpler.

The VSX-815 was a godsend for the less-technical, entry-level consumer, and the price is even lower for its almost-identical replacement, the $300 VSX-815-K. Now if it could only hook itself up! -David Ranada pioneerelectronics.com

View Another Editors' Choice Award Winner Product of the Year and Best Video Product: Sony KDS-R50XBR1 50-inch SXRD HDTV Best Portable: Apple iPod nano portable music player Best Network Product: Sonos Digital Music System whole-house audio network Best Audio Product: Denon AVR-5805 multiroom receiver Retail Innovation Award: Best Buy Visionary Award: Mark Cuban

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