Review: Home cinema system Pioneer DCS-515

Reviewed by Carsten Rampacher, October 20th, 2003

Equipment

Overview

Complete home cinema systems are becoming more and more popular and are now offered by all well-known brands. However, the pressure of price- and competition is very strong; Customers now expect more performance for less money. This market analysis is also recognised at Pioneer and they have developed therefore two very visually attractive offers with interesting features at a fair price - the so-called DCS-313 at the price of EUR 499,-- and the DCS-515 at EUR 799,--. 

A special feature of the DCS-515 is a wireless surround-loudspeaker which can be positioned according to the new "Direct Diffuse"-system behind the sofa at the maximum height of your ear and able to generate diffuse sound.

Due to this wireless surround speaker technology we chose the DCS-515, a really practical appliance, as many potential customers are interested in a wireless home cinema solution, which can be built up without difficulty.

With its elegant, half mirror-coated front side and its flat construction height of 70 mm this offer is attractive to aesthetes. With 75 watts each channel (the subwoofer supplied, which can be positioned either horizontally or vertically, works passively and is therefore operated by the 6th power amplifier) its performance is good. In this regard we have to add that, when connecting the wireless loudspeaker supplied , its power amplifiers (2 x 25 watts) take over responsibility for the surround channels. As the DCS-515 is otherwise comparable with the DCS-313 relative to its design, the additionally available surround power amplifiers in the appliance are inoperable. Those who prefer to use wired satellites instead of the wireless loudspeaker can find suitable system cables supplied with the DCS-515. Hitherto Pioneer has not supplied satellites in its product range, however those who receive two suitable satellite loudspeakers, and who already possesses such loudspeakers, are immediately able to use them.

A Dolby Digital/DTS/Dolby PLII-decoder has been integrated. For DSP-fans Pioneer provides 10 so-called "Advanced Surround"-programmes, including 5-channel stereo, TV surround and headphone surround. For a better reproduction of dialogue a dialogue enhancer has been integrated. Pioneer’s new system can for example, be connected via Scart-jack with RGB-signal output. As is typical for DVD-players of the current generation the DCS-515-player can read a lot of different formats such as DVD-R, DVD-RW, MP3, WMA, CD-R, CD-RW and JPEG (with slide-show). In addition the DVD-player supplies a zoom-function. Pioneer promises its customers an easy method of operation

General ratings

Quality of the finish

With regard to its finish the DCS-515 provides a pleasing appearance. The main unit looks elegant due to its half mirror-coated front side.. The tray of the disk drive (DVD/CD tray) of our testing appliance can be operated quietly and precisely. Also the finish of the rear side of the appliance is very good. The clear resolution of the display is also good. Considerably above the average, within this price sector, is the remote control supplied. The plastic material used looks almost like aluminium. 

The supplementary loudspeaker system supplied uses housings made of plastic, however in this price sector this feature can be regarded as standard and is therefore in no case below average and the material used makes a robust impression (not only with regard to the front satellites but also the larger dimensioned centre). The subwoofer has an elegant visual appearance and the wireless surround loudspeaker and its corresponding transmitting unit presents a solid appearance.

Rating

Connections

Relative to the number of connections the DCS-515 provides no more than all the necessary features. On the rear side of the appliance there is an optical digital input, 3 audio inputs (including the tuner), an audio- and a video output (FBAS) as well as a Scart-jack with RGB-, FBAS- and S-video switching possibilities. The loudspeakers can be connected to the main appliance by means of special system cables, included in the delivery. Altogether a satisfactory solution for everybody. 
Was die Anzahl der Anschlüsse angeht, bringt die DCS-515 alles Notwenige mit - aber nicht mehr. Es finden sich ein optischer Digitaleingang, 3 Audioeingänge (einschl. TUNER), ein Audio- und ein Videoausgang (FBAS) sowie eine Scartbuchse mit RGB-, FBAS- und S-Videobeschaltung auf der Geräterückseite. Die Lautsprecher finden mit Hilfe der im Lieferumfang enthaltenen speziellen Systemkabel Anschluss am Hauptgerät. Insgesamt eine befriedigende Leistung.

Rating 

AV-receiver functions

With 75 watts each channel the DCS-515 provides sufficient output for such a system. When using the active wireless loudspeaker 2 x 25 watts are available for the surround channels. This may not seem sufficient, but it is appropriate for the area of use by such a complete appliance solution. This was proved by our subsequent sound checks. A Dolby Digital- and DTS-decoder was also integrated besides a decoder for Dolby Pro Logic 2 (unfortunately without adjustment possibilities in the music mode). Additionally there are, as already mentioned above, 10 different DSP-programmes for home cinema- and multi-channel music applications. 

The effect of different Advanced Surround-programmes can be selectively increased or decreased by means of a corresponding regulator. The degree of effects not only depends on the testing room acoustics according to personal preference. Those who are not totally convinced by the voice reproduction, can use the dialogue enhancer and those who do not wish to annoy their neighbours during the night, can use the midnight mode. Together with the "Quiet"-programme a second special mode is available , which provides a softer presentation of penetrating music. 

In addition the DCS-515 provides three adjustment possibilities for the bass output. It is claimed that the music mode is especially suitable for the music operation. "Cinema" is in its element for action movies. More volume and pressure are to the fore. By means of "P. Bass" the rhythm of a music track is more evident. 

However, that's not all ! The DCS-515-appliance supplies an interesting additional feature. The wireless surround loudspeaker supplied can also be used by those who have a house with a garden and who would prefer to listen to the music outside, using the wireless loudspeaker as a normal stereo loudspeaker and take this appliance into the garden. A volume control, directly positioned on the housing, works for the 2 x 25 watts output power amplifiers, integrated into the loudspeaker. With switched out components the operation mode can be switched over between the wireless surround loudspeaker and the wireless stereo loudspeaker

Rating

DVD player functions

Introduction

The design of DVD-player is practically identical to the three comparable Pioneer DVD-players DV-464, DV-360 and DV-2650. Like the previously described player the DCS-515 also provides a RGB- and S-video-switched Scart-jack. Pioneer also supplies a small video equaliser and contrast, chroma level and brightness can also be adjusted. Two memory locations can be selected for individual adjustments and the Pioneer-system also provides a zoom-function (2-times and 4-times zoom with a selection possibility of the picture cut-out). 

Multimedia

The multimedia-qualities of the DCS-515 are very good. WMA (Windows Audio Media) and a jpeg-viewer (up to 8 mega pixel) are available. Unfortunately the jpeg-viewer with slide-show doesn't supply such a quick picture presentation, but a very good picture quality. Kodak Picture CD's and Fujicolor-CD's are also accepted by this appliance. Pioneer guarantees with this variant an unlimited reproduction capability of DVD-R's as well as DVD-RW's, not only relative to discs, recorded in the video, but also in the VR-mode, which means that edited DVD-RW's with playlist-functions can also be replayed. 
In practice this works very successfully. The disk drive of DCS-515 was able to read the DVD-RW in the VR mode but also the DVD-RW in the video mode. The DVD-R-reproduction also caused no problems at all. Principally each current DVD-player (and a large number of older designs) should be able to replay DVD-R's, however interruptions or picture artefacts could sometimes be observed. However, the DCS-515 did not present evidence of weakness during replay operation. 
Of course, the new Pioneer line-up is able, as with the previous generation of products, to play CD-R's, CD-RW's, VCD's and MP3-CD's. The MP3-integration is very good. There are different repeat functions as well as a programme- and a shuffle-play-reproduction. Its sound is amazingly good and clear, when replaying high quality MP3-files. The reliability, as it is in the case of testing most Pioneer appliances was excellent. It is not possible to view ID3-tags. With this variant the SVCD-reproduction is officially guaranteed by Pioneer and it ran without any problem with our testing equipment, too.

Rating

Disk drive

As expected with Pioneer-DVD-disk drives, the disk drive unit of the DCS-515 performed well. No crashes nor other kind of weakness appeared during the complete testing operation, e.g. operating crashes with heavily scratched DVD's or CD's. However, the running noise is audible for anyone who is positioned very close to the player, but it is so discreet that it does not disturb quiet movie scenes. Generally the reading times are satisfactory; only withMP3-CD's with many tracks as well as with some jpeg-CD's do you need to be patient. The layer change is visible, but it is as brief as with the previous generation of such appliances. A completely invisible layer change would however be preferred. 

Rating

Overall the DSC-515 can be classified with a good rating in its principal discipline. Its design is comprehensive, good and the disk drive and multimedia-features are impressive. No faults are apparent and the connecting equipment focuses on the most important features. 

Equipment - overall rating

Operating

With the conception of the DCS-515, Pioneer paid attention to the needs of inexperienced users who are able to deal with all adjustments without any problem. The OSD's for the set up of the internal DVD-player are well presented and simple to understand. At the beginning we only had to get used to the term "Home Menu" for the basic-, picture- and sound adjustments of the integrated DVD-players. The graphical user interface itself is identical to the current Pioneer DVD-player and is easy to view, as demonstrated in the picture below.

Some picture inlays (via an OSD-line) relative to the operation mode, also facilitate the adjustments of the AV-amplifier-functions. For those who do not have sufficient experience with the instalment of home cinema appliances, Pioneer provides a real simplification, the so-called "Room-size"-function. The following three different representative room sizes are available: Small, middle and large. In practice "S" can be recommended for rooms up to 15 square metres, "M" is suitable for rooms from 15 up to approximately 22 square metres and "L" can be used up to a room size of nearly 30 square metres. With testing rooms of this size you have to limit possible peak levels, which is normal within this price sector. Those requiring higher volumes in more extensive testing rooms, will be more satisfied with a more lavish home cinema solution of individual components.

In addition to the room size selection Pioneer also supplies pre-programmed acoustical fields, enabling simulation of different common loudspeaker set ups.  The following modes can be selected: "Back", provided that the surround-loudspeakers are closer to the listener’s place than the other boxes,  "Mid", provided that all loudspeakers have an identical distance to the listener’s place, "Fwd", provided that the front loudspeakers are closer to the listener’s position.

Alternatively the distances of the loudspeaker groups (front/centre/surround) to the listener’s place can also be adjusted in metres. You will be pleased with the newly developed highly rated remote control due to its helpful separation of the buttons. The new remote control can be operated precisely and function elements less often required can be found behind a flap on the lower part of the remote control (please see picture below).  

Unfortunately these buttons are somewhat small. Via a corresponding rocker switch both function levels of the buttons ("Main" and "Sub") can be selected. The easy to operate volume control on the IR-controller will also attract your attention. 

Good to observe is the high resolution display with its excellent contrast. Overall the DCS-515 is impressive due to its thought-out ease of operation. The operating elements of the main unit are rather small. 

Rating

Picture

Even with complete home cinema solutions more and more appliances provide output possibilities for Progressive Scan-picture signals. Since the official PAL Progressive-release this kind of picture quality enhancer (more on this subject with the Progressive Scan-special) has become increasingly standardised with more favourable offers. Our DCS-515 doesn't supply a Progressive Scan-signal output, but an outstanding visual performance is produced via RGB-interlaced (at S-video there are results above the average, too). In our opinion a complete home cinema system with an excellent interlaced picture should be offered and no system which is able to process interlaced- and progressive-picture signals, is likely to be sufficiently convincing. 

Total picture sharpness

In this case the DCS-515-system solution was impressive. With regard to the overall picture sharpness the DCS-515 is as good as any main competitor. With its crystal-clear drawing of all contours, shown on the picture reproduction appliance, the Pioneer-system demonstrated great skills with all DVD's tested.

Rating

Detail reproduction

Also with regard to its detail performance the DCS-515 didn't disappoint us. Fine patterns are exactly reproduced, and small objects too, which can be seen in the background, are precisely presented by the DCS-515. All details are shown very clearly, and any jitter of small objects or picture parts could not be noticed.

Rating

Colour reproduction

In this respect the DCS-515 supplies outstanding results, too. The colours with all movie-DVD's used are pure, clear and rich. On neutral testing pictures the Pioneer-system impressed us due to its deep colour reproduction; an unsuitable mix with a different colour never disturbed our watching pleasure. Colour noise could not be noticed at S-video nor at RGB-signal transfer. 

Rating

Contrast/Brightness

The grey scale of our testing picture showed the following: The contrast- and brightness values of the DCS-515 are excellent. Each step on the grey scale was clearly reproduced and with all movie-DVD's its contrast- and brightness performance were impressive. 

Rating

Picture/result

This rating relates to the money invested for which the DCS-515 supplies an outstanding picture quality and no weaknesses can be observed. 

Rating

Sound

Level stability

With regard to the level stability miracles can be expected from such a system. Nevertheless even at higher levels its performance is still good and no dynamic crashes could be perceived The small subwoofer produced good results relative to its size; only at really high volumes does it appear to suffer some distortion. A time alignment of two hours was managed by the system without any difficulty. Also the bass reproduction presented itself still in a perfect mode at the end - overall a very good result. Even the powerful wireless surround-loudspeaker provided impressive results based on its performance data. 

Rating

Multichannel movie sound

With all different movies the Pioneer system with its useful surround sound environment, provided by the wireless loudspeakers was impressive. However, it should be said that the level for the surround channels should be adjusted higher than normal, in order to achieve a full and well perceived sound presentation. We are proud to state that a monotonous and boring surround sound environment was not presented by the wireless loudspeaker. 

High frequency reproduction with such a complete solution is praiseworthy. Perhaps not each precise detail is meticulously presented, however the DCS-515 never sounds aggressive. With all our movie examples we have been pleased with its harmonious overall reproduction, the voices have been very well incorporated and the sound of the music score was amazingly dense. Also movies predominantly with dialogue but without special effects are not presented by the Pioneer-system in a boring way. Overall it provided a pretty lively impression. 

Rating 

Multichannel music sound

At this point the performances of the DCS-515 can be classified as "good". In this case we can also praise its high balance, which the Pioneer can put at our disposal. Its detail work is completely satisfactory with regard to its price range. In fact the bass adjustment "Music" causes a slightly more precise and clear bass. The "Cinema"-adjustment however offers more pressure and volume, which means that it is suitable for the reproduction of movies. Besides this we liked the surround panorama, which was supplied by the wireless surround loudspeaker. Its precision is satisfactory and its volume and density were impressive. Besides this the relatively small centre loudspeaker provided good voice reproduction without any weakness.

Rating

Dolby Pro Logic 2 performance

Unfortunately the DCS-515 offers no adjustment possibilities in the music mode. Depending on the kind of software used it would be helpful to readjust the balance between the centre and both front loudspeakers (centre width). Otherwise the PL2-sound doesn't provide serious acoustical shortcomings in the music, nor in the movie mode. Its bass is pretty full. Even the bass precision is acceptable. The reproduction of effects is carried out with good volume and with satisfying clarity.

Rating

Stereo performance

It should be stated that the DCS-515 is not suitable for the committed stereo sound listener, as such purchasers prefer to buy other products. Therefore it is intended more for the occasional stereo listener, who will be satisfied with the performance profile of the DCS-515. Also during stereo operation this system supplies a balanced acoustical performance. Above all where the music is intended to run in stereo in the background with not too high volumes, the Pioneer equipment is the most suitable provider. The incorporation of voices and instruments is more than satisfactory for such a complete home cinema solution.

Rating 

Sound overall rating

Overall result

Overall the DCS-515 from Pioneer provides a convincing complete solution. Its very good finish is really praiseworthy and its varied equipment and sound features are perfect. Desirable would be adjustment possibilities with the Dolby Pro Logic 2-music-mode as well as illumination for the remote control.

Outstanding
Basic class
Review October 22th 2003

Value:

Pro:

- Overwhelming interlaced-picture with an outstanding picture sharpness value
- Successful wireless-concept with good sound and simple living room integration
- Amazingly full and complete presentation in the multi-channel operation
- Practical equipment
- Convincing disk drive with high playing reliability
- Easy operation
- Main appliance with a very highly rated finish
- Properly finished loudspeakers
- Perfect price-/performance relation

Contra:

- No adjustment possibilities in the Dolby Pro Logic 2 music mode
- Remote control without illumination

Specifications:

Main features: Wireless rear loudspeaker with "Direct-Diffuse"-techniques (it can selectively also be used as portable stereo loudspeaker), total performance 500 W (75W x 6 plus 2 x 25 watts), MP3 / WMA compatible, JPEG photo viewer, DVD-RW compatible, slim design, pre-programmed remote control

Amplifier DCS-515 : surround (DIN) front 59 W / Ch (6 ohms, 1% total harmonic distortion), surround (DIN) center 59 W (6 ohms, 1% total harmonic distortion), surround (DIN) rear side 59 W / Ch (6 ohms, 1% total harmonic distortion), subwoofer 59 W / Ch (6 ohms, 1% total harmonic distortion), surround (RMS) front 75 W / Ch (6 ohms, 10% total harmonic distortion), surround (RMS) center 75 W (6 ohms, 10% total harmonic distortion), surround (RMS) rear 75 W / Ch (6 ohms, 10% total harmonic distortion), subwoofer 75 W (6 ohms, 10% total harmonic distortion) 

Multi channel sound DCS-515: Decoder for Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic 2
Dolby Pro Logic, DSP-programmes: ADV MOVIE, ADV MUSIC, EXPANDED, SPORTS, GAME, TV SURROUND, EXTRA POWER SURROUND, PHONES SURROUND, 5-CH STEREO, VIRTUAL SURROUND, room set-up; audio features DCS-515: programme - midnight listening, programme - Quiet, programme - BASS Music / Cinema/ P.Bass, bass-/treble control

Tuner part DCS-515: RDS-tuner, 30 pre-sets, automatic programme memory, timer

DVD-features: Re-playable disc formats such as DVD-Video / DVD-R / DVD-RW / VCD / SVCD / CD / CD-R / CD-RW(MP3, WMA, JPEG), twin-wave-laser pickup, dual system (PAL/NTSC) (video output), video signal-D/A-converter with 10-bits, D/A-converter 96kHz/24-bits, JPEG viewer with dia-show-function, signal/noise-distance (Audio) 95 dB, extent of dynamics 95 dB, total harmonic distortion 0,004%, frequency range sampling at 48 kHz 4 — 22.000 Hz, frequency range sampling at 48 kHz 4 — 22.000 Hz 

Reproduction function of DCS-515: Programme memory (title or chapter), replay function (button resume function STOP), permanent reproduction memory (last memory) for 5 DVD’s, DVD video repeat function (all title/chapter, A-B), programmed reproduction for 24 pieces (CD/title, video/chapter, title), still picture/single picture-reproduction, slow motion (despite of VCD reverse), random reproduction, direct search and direct reproduction with 10-times keyboard, title browsing, title-/time-browsing.

Connections of DCS-515: digital input optical, 3 audio inputs (inclusively TUNER), Audio-/Video outputs 1/1, Scart-jack with RGB-, FBAS- and S-video switching. 

Satellite-and subwoofer-loudspeaker system of DCS-515: Magnetically screened, front satellites: Chassis diameter 15 x 6 cm, impedance of 6 ohms, frequency range 90 - 20.000 Hz, maximum load 75 watts , efficiency (1 m/W) 84,5 dB, dimensions 
(W x H x D) 78 x 210 x 82 mm, weight 0,70 kg centre-satellite: Chassis diameter 15 x 6 cm, impedance of 6 ohms, frequency range 78 - 20.000 Hz, maximum load 75 watts, efficiency (1 m/W) 84,5 dB, dimensions (W x H x D) 240 x 85 x 96 mm, weight 0,75 kg, wireless-loudspeaker unit for surround sound: Wireless Chassis diameter: 7 + 7 cm, impedance of 4 ohms, dimensions (W x H x D) wireless: 420 x 178 x 138 mm, wireless weight: 4,2 kg subwoofer: Chassis diameter 16,0 cm, impedance of 6 ohms, frequency range of 35 - 2.800 Hz, maximum load 75 watts, efficiency (1 m/W) 77 dB, dimensions (W x H x D) 130 x 360 x 360 mm, weight 4,50 kg 

Test equipment:
Plasma Panasonic TH37PW5EX
Wired by Oehlbach
Test: Carsten Rampacher
Test assistant: Matthias Walther-Richters
October 22nd, 2003

HOME > HARDWARE-TESTS > ZURÜCK <