AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER VSA-AX10 Operating Instructions
Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Please read through these operating instructions so you will know how to operate your model properly. After you have finished reading the instructions, put them away in a safe place for future reference. Installing the Amplifier VENTILATION: When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat radiation (at least 60 cm at top, 10 cm at rear and front, and 30 cm at each side).
Features The VSA-AX10 amplifier is constructed with Pioneer’s industry-leading advanced multichannel stereophonic concept. This means it is designed to reproduce music and movie soundtracks as close as possible to the intentions of the producer during mastering. The amplifier uses a revolutionary 3-D Frame Construction technique and a Symmetrical Power Train Design, with high-performance Advanced Direct Energy MOS-FET output devices, generating 170 watts (DIN 6 Ω) of power for 7 independent channels.
Table of Contents Before You Start .................................... 6 Quick Start Guide Part 1 ..................... 10 Quick Start Guide Part 2 ..................... 14 1 Auto Surround Sound Setup ............................... 14 2 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound ................. 17 3 Personalizing Your Sound .................................... 17 Connecting Your Equipment .............. 18 SPEAKER SYSTEMS .................................................. 38 CHANNEL DELAY ..................
Table of Contents Before You Start .................................... 6 Quick Start Guide Part 1 ..................... 10 Quick Start Guide Part 2 ..................... 14 1 Auto Surround Sound Setup ............................... 14 2 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound ................. 17 3 Personalizing Your Sound .................................... 17 Connecting Your Equipment .............. 18 SPEAKER SYSTEMS .................................................. 38 CHANNEL DELAY ..................
Before You Start Checking the Supplied Accessories Please check that you have received all of the following supplied accessories. U-shaped connectors x 2 (attached to back of amplifier) Touch Pen Remote Control Unit “AA” IEC LR6 batteries x 4 (attached to the back of the remote control) Cushion for Remote x 4 Microphone AC power cord • Operating Instructions Preparing the Remote Control Loading the batteries Load the batteries into the remote control as shown below.
Before You Start The Touch Pen & Lock Lock Switch Touch pen PREPARATION The touch pen is located in the back right-hand corner of the remote control. Take it out by sliding your finger along the bottom right edge of the remote control and then grasping the pen with thumb and forefinger. The lock switch is located in the top right-hand corner on the back of the remote control. When this switch is set to LOCK you can’t use the buttons on the remote control.
Before You Start Setting Up the Remote Control Try and get used to the touch-sensitive nature of the buttons on the remote control as well as the way in which different screens control different operations. You can move between the different screens with the function buttons on the left and right and/or certain buttons within each screen. The BACK button will always return the remote control to the previous screen.
Before You Start 6 Decide which other adjustments you‘d like to make and press those buttons. The different possibilities are: 7 LCD Commander BACK CD TOUCH PANEL ADJUSTMENT DVD/LD CD-R/ TAPE1 LCD CONTRAST VCR1 /DVR VCR2 TUNER VIDEO LCD TIMER : 10 SEC VCR3 SAT BEEP TV OFF 1 2 3 TV CONTROL 6 BEEP: When you have sent a command (pushed a button) the remote control will beep once.
Quick Start Guide Part1 Home Theater: The Basics Most consumers are used to using stereo equipment to listen to music but many people are not used to home theater systems that give you many more options when listening to soundtracks. In fact, home theater is not really complicated and this little guide should give you an understanding of the basics.
Quick Start Guide Part1 1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV In order to use Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS soundtracks you need to hook up your DVD player with digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection, you don’t need to do both. The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some DVD players only have one type of digital terminal you need to figure out which yours has and hook it up to the appropriate terminal on the Amplifier.
Quick Start Guide Part1 2 Speaker Connections Home theater is designed to be setup with five, or seven speakers (front left & right; center; surround left & right; and, optimally, surround back left & right) and a subwoofer, but you can use this amplifier with fewer speakers. Hook up the speakers you have to the A speaker terminals on the back of the amplifier. If you only have two speakers hook them up as "FRONT." If you have three hook up the single speaker as "CENTER.
Quick Start Guide Part1 1 Twist exposed wire strands together tightly. 2 Loosen speaker terminal and insert exposed wire. 3 Tighten terminal. 10mm QUICK START GUIDE 7 Speaker terminals 3 Setting up the Main Unit 1 Connect the supplied AC power cord to the back of the main unit and plug the other end into a wall outlet (don't use any other power cord than the one that came with this amplifier). 2 Press the POWER ON/OFF button to put the amplifier in ON mode.
Quick Start Guide Part2 6 1.1. Digital-In Digital-1 Digital-2 Digital-3 Digital-4 Digital-5 Digital-6 Digital-7 RF IN Select [ DVD/LD ] [ TV ] [ CD ] [ SAT ] [ VCR1 ] [ VCR2 ] [ CD-R ] [ DVD/LD ] 6 The default setting for the DIGITAL-4 jack is SAT. 7 Use the 2 3 buttons to select DVD/ LD. [Return] 7 1.1.
Quick Start Guide Part2 5 MAIN SUB TONE VCR1 /DVR BASS/ ATREBLE CD CD-R/ TAPE1 DISPLAY DIMMER VIDEO SELECT STATUS SPEAKER A/B EFFECT/ CH SEL. VCR3 TV SYSTEM SETUP LOUDNESS INPUT ATT. SAT TAPE 2 MONITOR SIGNAL SELECT TV CONTROL 6 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button and use the on-screen display (OSD) that appears on your TV. 7 The arrow should be pointing at AUTO SURROUND SETUP, press ENTER. System Setup [ Auto Surround Setup ] [1. Input Assign] [2. Surround Setup] [3. Expert Setup] [4.
Quick Start Guide Part2 11 Check!! Front [ YES ] Center [ YES ] Surround [ YES ] SurrBack [ YES X2] Subwoofer [ YES ] [OK,Go Next] [Retry] [ERR Fix SP.
Quick Start Guide Part2 1 Make sure the amplifier, your TV, and your DVD player are switched ON. 2 Press the DVD/LD button on the remote control. You should see "DVD/LD" in the display on the amplifier. 3 Press the LISTENING CH SELECT button on the remote control repeatedly until you see "7.1" in the display on the amplifier. To locate the LISTENING CH SELECT button, press the AMP button then press MAIN to access the main remote control screen.
Connecting Your Equipment Connecting your TV Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up with either component video, S video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order). If you use component video cables to hook up your DVD player (or other components) then you must hook up your TV with component video cables as well. In general it is easiest to use one kind of video cord for all your video components (DVD player, TV, satellite TV receiver, etc.
Connecting Your Equipment Connecting Video Components Connect your video components to the jacks as shown on the following page. Regarding a DVD there are two types of connections to make, video and audio. For the audio signal, in order to use digital soundtracks like Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS you must hook up a digital input, with either a coaxial or optical cord (see p.25).
Connecting Your Equipment Connecting VCRs or DVRs Connect the video signal with either S video or composite video cords (see p.18). Use analog audio cords for the audio signal. For components you want to record into be sure to hook up both the inputs and outputs and use composite or S video cords for the source players.
Connecting Your Equipment Connecting Satellite TV (SAT) Components Hook up the video signal with either component video, S video, or composite video cords (see p.18). Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet. *The arrows indicate the direction of the TV signal.
Connecting Your Equipment Connecting Analog Audio Components Connect your audio components to the jacks as shown below. These are all analog connections and your analog audio components (turntable, cassette deck) use these jacks. Remember that for components you want to record with you need to hook up four plugs (a set of stereo ins and a set of stereo outs), but for components that only play (like a turntable) you only need to hook up one set of stereo plugs (two plugs).
Connecting Your Equipment Cassette deck placement Depending on where the cassette deck is placed, during playback of your cassette deck noise may occur which is caused by leakage flux from the transformer in the amplifier. If you experience noise, move the cassette deck farther away from the amplifier. If you have a DVD-A or Super Audio CD compatible player, or are using an external Dolby Digital/DTS decoder, connect it to the multichannel analog inputs as shown below.
Connecting Your Equipment Connecting Digital Audio Components Connect your digital components as shown below. The VSA-AX10 has three coaxial, four optical and one 2 RF inputs for a total of eight digital inputs. In order to use digital soundtracks like Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS (among others) you need to make digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection (you don’t need to do both).
Connecting Your Equipment 7 Coaxial cords/Optical cables Coaxial cord (or standard composite Optical cable video cord) Be sure to insert completely and in the case of the optical cable, right-side up. If it is inserted improperly it can break the shutter on the optical terminal (this won't, however, affect the connection or insertion of an optical cable). Unlike analog connections, the jacks for digital connections are not dedicated to one type of component, they can be used freely.
Connecting Your Equipment Connecting Speakers We recommend a full complement of seven speakers and a subwoofer as shown here but, naturally, everyone's home setup will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner described below. The VSA-AX10 will work with just two stereo speakers (called "front" speakers in the diagram) but it is desirable to have at least three speakers (two "front" speakers and a "center" speaker).
Connecting Your Equipment 7 Speaker terminals 2 Loosen speaker terminal and insert exposed wire. 1 Twist exposed wire strands together. 3 Tighten terminal. PREPARATION 10mm Proper speaker placement is essential to realize the best sound from your system. The diagram and tips given here are just a rough guide, for more information see page 95. Also, it is very important for speaker placement to read the instructions that come with your speakers so please be sure to do so.
Connecting Your Equipment AC Power Cord Plug in the power cord first to the receiver and then to the wall outlet after you have finished hooking up the rest of your equipment. CAUTION! • Do not use any other power cord than the one supplied with this unit. • The amplifier should be disconnected by removing the mains plug from the wall socket when not in regular use, e.g. when on vacation.
Displays & Controls Remote Control These pages describe the buttons on the remote control. Since the screen on this LCD remote control changes when you select a different function, explanations of buttons for controlling other components/functions can be found in the sections for those components/functions.
Displays & Controls Basic Amplifier LCD Screens Amplifier MAIN Screen 1 Amplifier MAIN SUB LISTENING MODE (DVD-A /SACD) SURROUND 8 STEREO /DIRECT MIDNIGHT 2 THX STANDARD MULTI CH IN ADVANCED CINEMA ADVANCED CONCERT LISTENING CH SEL. DIGITAL NR Press this button to select the MAIN amplifier screen (above) when the remote control is on the SUB amplifier screen. 2 MIDNIGHT button (See p.54) Switches the MIDNIGHT listening mode on or off (for all modes except THX).
Displays & Controls Amplifier SUB Screen 1 BASS/ TREBLE 2 DISPLAY DIMMER VIDEO SELECT 3 STATUS SPEAKER A/B 4 SYSTEM SETUP EFFECT/ CH SEL. LOUDNESS INPUT ATT. 0 TAPE 2 MONITOR SIGNAL SELECT 9 5 6 7 1 Amplifier SUB button Press this button to select the SUB amplifier screen (above) when the remote control is on the main amplifier screen. 2 DISPLAY DIMMER button (See p.59) Use to adjust the brightness of the amplifier's display. 3 STATUS button (See p.
Displays & Controls Back Panel All the terminals on the back panel are explained and/or referenced here. 1 4 6 5 9 10 DIGITAL MONITOR OUT PCM/2DIGITAL /DTS/MPEG 2 OUT OUT 7 6: U-shaped connectors IN 1 OUT IN 6 (VCR2) R AUDIO L Don't remove the Ushaped connectors unless you plan to connect an external power amp to this amplifier. CD IN POWER AMP IN R IN (VCR1 /DVR) (SAT) IN IN 3 TUNER IN OUT PRE OUT IN PLAY 1 R 2RF IN (DVD /LD) R SUB W.
Displays & Controls 15 Å PREPARATION · ª L AC OUTLET FRONT IN 1 Y Y R MONITOR OUT PB PR PR IN IN 2 3 Y Y PB PB CENTER AC IN L SURROUND SPEAKERS R ª PR ı · PR COMPONENT VIDEO L (Single) L SURROUND BACK R PREPARATION PB R RS-232C 11 12 13 9 CONTROL IN/OUT terminal You can use this jack to hook up other PIONEER equipment, that bears the Î mark, so that you can control them all pointing the remote control(s) at one remote sensor.
Displays & Controls Front Panel All the controls on the front panel are explained and/or referenced here. To open the front panel push gently on the lower third of the panel.
Displays & Controls 13 TONE control buttons TONE button This button switches between TONE ON and TONE BYPASS, which bypasses the tone circuitry. Use to select whether the bass or treble will be adjusted. (–/+) buttons (See p.55) Use to adjust the frequencies. 14 DIGITAL NR button (see p.53) Switches the DIGITAL NR on or off (cannot be used in THX). Use to lower the input level of an analog signal that is too powerful, thus causing the amplifier to distort.
Displays & Controls Display All the display information is explained and/or referenced here. 1 2 34 SIGNAL L C R AUTO LS S RS RF DIGITAL ANALOG 5 6 DIGITAL LFE OVER ATT SP 3 AB DISC MTRX PRO LOGIC TAPE 2 Neo :6 MPEG RDS E ON RF ATT 2ch PLAYBACK 87 1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators 2 DIGITAL: Lights when a Dolby Digital signal is ANALOG: Lights when an analog signal is selected. DIGITAL: Lights when a digital signal is selected. 2RF: Lights when an 2 RF signal is selected.
Setting Up for Surround Sound To ensure the best possible surround sound, complete the following setup operations. Some of these may be the same (and take precedence over) the settings you made in the Quick Start Guide. If you think the ones you made at that time were adequate move on to the next setting here. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers, etc.).
Setting Up for Surround Sound SPEAKER SYSTEMS The following steps show you how to select the correct setup for the type and number of speakers you connected. Most importantly, you need to decide how to route the sound for all the speakers you connected. To do this select the size of the front, center, surround and surround back speakers (if you hooked them up). It is important to make these settings as accurately as possible or, in some cases, you may not get the full soundtrack from a disc.
Setting Up for Surround Sound 1 STANDBY/O ENTER 1 SPEAKER SYSTEMS should be selected. If it isn’t use the 5∞ buttons to select it. Press the ENTER button. The setup possibilities appear on your TV. 5˜∞ buttons 2.Surround Setup [ Check ] [ [ [ [ 1.Speaker Systems ] 2.Channel Delay ] 3.Channel Level ] 4.Acoustic Cal EQ ] [Return] 2 2.1. Speaker Systems [Manual Free] [Manual THX] (all small) [Auto] [Return] 2.1.
Setting Up for Surround Sound 9 2.1. Speaker Systems Manual Free ” Normal Surround ” Crossover [ 80Hz ] Normal Surround (THX Speaker = 80Hz) Speaker B : Secound Zone [Return] 10 2.1. Speaker Systems Manual Free ” Normal Surround ” Crossover [ 80Hz ] Normal Surround (THX Speaker = 80Hz) Speaker B : Secound Zone [Return] 8 Use the ∞ button to go to the next screen. 9 Use the 2 3 buttons to choose a Crossover Frequency of 50 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, 150 Hz or 200 Hz.
Setting Up for Surround Sound CHANNEL DELAY Adding a slight delay to some speakers is necessary to achieve proper sound depth, separation as well as an effective surround sound effect. You need to figure out the distance from your listening position to your speakers to add the proper delay. The following steps show you how to set the delay time for each channel by specifying the distances from your listening position to each speaker.
Setting Up for Surround Sound CHANNEL LEVEL (channel balance) The following steps show you how to balance the sound output level of your speakers. Proper speaker balance is essential for obtaining high quality surround sound. If continuing from CHANNEL DELAY go to step 1. If starting fresh, complete steps 1-4 in “Setting Up for Surround Sound“ (p.37) first. If you’re not sure of the best setting for your system, we recommend setting the CHANNEL LEVEL to AUTO. 1 STANDBY/O ENTER 5˜∞ buttons 2.
Setting Up for Surround Sound 4 2.3. Channel Level [Manual] [Semi Auto] [Auto] Normal Surround [Return] Your Speaker Systems ” Normal Surround ” 2.3. Channel Level Semi Auto Front L [ + 1. 5dB ] Center [ + 1. 5dB ] Front R [ + 2. 0dB ] Surround R [ - 3. 5dB ] SurrBack R [ - 1. 5dB ] SurrBack L [ + 3. 0dB ] Surround L [ + 2. 0dB ] Subwoofer [+ 10. 0dB ] Return = Push Enter 4 In MANUAL mode, when done select RETURN with the 5∞ buttons and press ENTER.
Setting Up for Surround Sound 2 2.4. Acoustic Cal EQ Manual [ALL CH ADJ] [FRONT ALIGN] Auto [ALL ADJ & FRONT ALIGN] [Return] Your Speaker Systems ” Normal Surround ” 2.4. Acoustic Cal EQ Manual Please Wait Caution!! Test tone is output loudly. [Cancel] 3 2.4. Acoustic Cal EQ Manual 2.4.
Setting Up for Surround Sound Check the Auto Settings If you want to check what settings have been input for your surround sound parameters you can do it following the steps below. 1 Switch on the amplifier and your TV. 2 1 Amplifier MAIN SUB AMP BASS/ ATREBLE TONE CD VCR1 /DVR DISPLAY DIMMER VIDEO SELECT EFFECT/ CH SEL.
Basic Operation Stereo and Multichannel Playback The following instructions show you how to play Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS sound sources with the VSA-AX10. Before doing so be sure to complete the setup procedures described in the Quick Start Guide (starting on page 14) or Setting Up for Surround Sound (starting on page 37). This is particularly important to achieve a surround sound effect with Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS sources.
Basic Operation 7 Start playback of the component you selected in step 3. 6 use Amplifier LIGHT MAIN SUB REMOTE SETUP lock TV CONTROL 8 Adjust the volume by using the MASTER VOLUME buttons on the remote control. On the front panel use the MASTER VOLUME dial. AMP LISTENING MODE SURROUND DVD/LD VCR1 /DVR STEREO /DIRECT VCR2 CD (DVD-A /SACD) THX STANDARD MULTI CH IN ADVANCED CINEMA ADVANCED CONCERT LISTENING CH SEL. VCR3 TV MIDNIGHT ACOUSTIC CAL.
Basic Operation Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input This button selects the type of input signal, ANALOG, DIGITAL or 2 RF, sent to the amplifier. You need to take special care to switch to the appropriate input when necessary. For example, the switch would have to be on DIGITAL to hear DOLBY DIGITAL, MPEG or DTS surround sound material but it would have to be on analog to record from the ANALOG out jacks on the amplifier.
Basic Operation Listening Modes The five listening mode types on the amplifier are explained here. These can be turned on from the front panel or from the AMPLIFIER MAIN screen on the remote control. To select listening modes see page 46. The kind of playback you can get in the listening modes depends on what kind of source (DVD, etc.) you are using. The basic distinction is between 2 channel sources and multichannel sources.
Basic Operation For 6.1 or 7.1 channel playback of 5.1 Channel Sources: SX (Studio extension) You can only use this mode if you have setup this amplifier for use with surround back speaker(s) (see pages 12, 26 & 38-40) and select 7.1 in LISTENING CH SELECT (see p.47). This mode adds surround back channel(s) to 5.1 channel sources to give 7.1 channel surround sound. The sound you hear from the surround back speaker(s) is the same as the surround speakers. This recreates a 5.
Basic Operation For 7.1 channel playback of 5.1 channel sources: THX ULTRA2 CINEMA You can only choose this mode if you have set up this amplifier for use with two surround back speakers (see pages 12, 26 & 38-40) and select 7.1 in LISTENING CH SELECT (see p.47). When played using THX SURROUND EX, the surround sound field may actually sound narrower on some earlier Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 channel sources than with THX CINEMA processing.
Basic Operation ADVANCED CONCERT modes The ADVANCED CONCERT (Digital Signal Processing) modes allow you to transform your living room into a variety of different sonic environments when playing either two-channel or multichannel sources. It optimizes its effects in accordance with your speaker configuration, source and LISTENING CH SELECT choices. CLASSICAL Simulates the acoustic effects of a large concert hall. Suitable for classical music.
Basic Operation Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ You can listen to the soundtrack with the Acoustic Calibration EQ you set in AUTO SURROUND SETUP or on page 43. To do so follow the instructions below. For information about each Acoustic Calibration EQ mode, see page 43-44. MAIN Amplifier MAIN LISTENING MODE (DVD-A /SACD) SURROUND STEREO /DIRECT MIDNIGHT 1 Press the ACOUSTIC CAL. button on the remote control’s AMP MAIN screen or on the front panel.
Basic Operation Listening in MIDNIGHT Mode This useful feature makes it possible to get excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes. It can be used with any surround sound source and play soundtracks so that the quieter sounds are audible even while playing a soundtrack at low volumes. This feature is applicable only when the master volume is under -20 dB.
Basic Operation Adjusting Bass and Treble (TONE CONTROL) You can adjust the low (bass) and high (treble) frequencies. The TONE button can also be used to bypass the tone circuitry. 2 3 3 Amplifier 1 TONE BASS/ TREBLE DISPLAY DIMMER VIDEO SELECT STATUS SPEAKER A/B SYSTEM SETUP MAIN SUB EFFECT/ CH SEL. LOUDNESS INPUT ATT. TAPE 2 MONITOR SIGNAL SELECT SUB 1 Press the TONE button on the remote control's AMP SUB screen or front panel to put the amplifier in tone adjust mode.
Basic Operation DVD Audio/MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback There are two types of MULTI CH IN modes: DIRECT and ADJUST. In the latter you can add sound features and in the former these are fixed. To select these two settings (as well as OFF) follow the procedure below. MAIN Amplifier MAIN LISTENING MODE SURROUND STEREO /DIRECT MIDNIGHT SUB (DVD-A /SACD) THX STANDARD MULTI CH IN ADVANCED CINEMA ADVANCED CONCERT LISTENING CH SEL. DIGITAL NR ACOUSTIC CAL.
Basic Operation DUAL MONO Setting and playback The dual mono setting can only be used when listening to Dolby Digital or homemade discs that have dual mono software encoded in them. Dual mono software usually is used to put two different mono recordings with one soundtrack on one DVD. With this setting you can choose which channel in the dual mono setting you want to listen to.
Basic Operation Using the Headphones The headphone feature is explained here. 1 Plug headphones into the headphone jack on the front of the amplifier. No sound will be audible from the speakers when headphones are plugged in. 1 headphone jack memo • All listening modes will be downmixed to 2 channels. • If you’re listening to a 2 channel source there will be no matrix decoding (i.e. you will not be able to get surround sound decoding). • If your U-shaped connectors (see p.
Basic Operation Adjusting the Brightness of the Display Use the DISPLAY DIMMER button to adjust the brightness of the fluorescent display. SUB Amplifier 1 MAIN TONE BASS/ TREBLE DISPLAY DIMMER VIDEO SELECT STATUS SPEAKER A/B SYSTEM SETUP SUB EFFECT/ CH SEL. LOUDNESS INPUT ATT. TAPE 2 MONITOR SIGNAL SELECT 1 Use the DISPLAY DIMMER button on the SUB screen of the remote control to alternate between the different levels of brightness for the display.
Remote Control of Other Components Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components In addition to controlling the amplifier, the supplied remote control can operate your other components (VCR, TV, DVD, CD, etc.) after you program it to do so. In this way, instead of fumbling with many different controls and buttons, you only need to use one remote control. If your component(s) are listed in the remote control's memory, simply follow the steps below.
Remote Control of Other Components Preset Recall [ DVD/LD ] BACK REMOTE SETUP AMP SELECT MAKER DVD/LD VCR1 /DVR VCR2 VCR3 ITEM DVD PIONEER TOSHIBA CD SHARP PANASONIC SONY SAMSUNG PIONEER VICTOR AKAI DENON MAKER PAGE 1/2 TV CD-R/ TAPE1 TUNER VIDEO 6 [ DVD/LD ] BACK REMOTE SETUP AMP DVD/LD ITEM DVD VCR1 /DVR MAKER VCR2 CD SELECT NUMBER 1 CD-R/ TAPE1 2 NUMBER TV 1 VIDEO TV CONTROL To go back a screen press the BACK button.
Remote Control of Other Components Programming Signals from Other Remote Controls (LEARNING Mode) If preset codes are not available for your component(s), or the available preset codes do not operate correctly, you can use this procedure to program in signals from the remote control(s) of your other component(s). These steps can also be used to add further operations to the remote control screens that were successfully set with the stored settings (see p.60–61).
Remote Control of Other Components OK 6 DVD:OK BACK 6 Press the BACK button to return to the SELECT FUNCTION screen. REMOTE SETUP AMP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 C CD CD-R/ TAPE1 DVD/LD VCR1 /DVR SEARCH MODE VCR2 TOP MENU VCR3 REMENU TURN TV TUNER VIDEO SAT 7 When you're done press the BACK button repeatedly to return to the REMOTE SETUP. TV CONTROL 7 Learning Start again from step 3 to program all your components in this manner.
Remote Control of Other Components Using the Remote Control with Other Components DVD and TV operations • The following operations are available from the amplifier's remote control after you program your DVD or TV into it, but some operations may need to be learned separately by the amplifier (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ p.60-63). • Press the DVD or TV CONTROL button to set the remote to the DVD or Digital TV mode.
Remote Control of Other Components Setting up the DIRECT FUNCTION The direct function will not be necessary for most users. It is designed in case you have an external video source connected to your TV (a video source that is not going through the VSA-AX10). For this explanation we'll call this the "external video deck." You'd like to control external video deck with this unit's remote control so you've assigned it a function button (for example purposes, the VCR 2 button).
Using Other Functions Recording from Audio/Video Components The following explanations show you how make a recording from one component to another connected to this amplifier. Note that an analog recorder (such as a VCR) cannot record from a source that is connected using only a digital connection. Likewise, a digital recorder (such as a CD-R) cannot record digitally from a component that is connected using only analog connections.
Using Other Functions Speaker System B Setup Stereo playback in another room Connect a pair of speakers to the B speaker terminals to listen to stereo playback in another room (kitchen, bedroom, etc.). Select NORMAL SURROUND and choose the speaker system setup that you want. See the next page for more details on these speaker system settings. Please use speakers with a nominal impedance rated 6Ω-16Ω.
Using Other Functions Switching A/B Speaker System This unit has three types of speaker systems A, B, A&B. This switch allows you to select the speaker system you will use. Amplifier 1 TONE BASS/ TREBLE DISPLAY DIMMER VIDEO SELECT STATUS SPEAKER A/B SYSTEM SETUP MAIN 1 Use the SPEAKER A/B button on the remote control's SUB screen (or SP SYSTEM A/B on the front panel) to cycle through the different speaker systems. SUB EFFECT/ CH SEL. LOUDNESS INPUT ATT.
Using Other Functions Connecting Additional Amplifiers This amplifier has more than sufficient power for any home use, but it is possible to add additional amplifiers to every channel of your system. If you use additional amps for the front channels take out the U-shaped connectors (see p.32). Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers. Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.
Using Other Functions Pre Out Power Setup It is possible to use a separate stereo pre-amp in conjunction with this amplifier. You might want to do this if you need to connect more sources than this amplifier can accommodate, or if you prefer to use a specific pre-amp for sound quality reasons. You can connect sources to either this amplifier or to the external pre-amp (giving you a greater number of input possibilities).
Using Other Functions The PIONEER SR System: Operating other PIONEER components Connecting an optional control cord allows you to operate other PIONEER components simply by pointing the amplifier's remote control at the remote sensor on the front panel of the amplifier. The amplifier then sends the remote control signals to the other devices via the CONTROL OUT terminal.
Using Other Functions Multi Operations Multi operations allow you to tell the amplifier and your other components to do a number of things with the push of only two buttons on the LCD commander. For example, you can program the unit to turn on your TV, turn on your DVD player and start playing the loaded DVD. This allows you to freely decide which operations you want performed as well as the order in which you want them performed (see "Performing Multi Operations" on the next page).
Using Other Functions 6 DVD:Multi Operation BACK 6 Select a command from the screen of the component (for example 3 [play]). REMOTE SETUP The command and component chosen will appear in the window of command 1. To erase a command Press the command button you want to erase and press the CLEAR button.
Using Other Functions System off The SYSTEM OFF feature allows you to tell the amplifier and your other components to stop and turn off with the push of only one button on the LCD commander (this feature will only work with components that have a standby mode). For example, you can program the unit to stop your DVD, turn off your TV, turn off your DVD player and turn off the amplifier itself. You don't need to program in other the power for PIONEER components, they will go off automatically in this mode.
Using Other Functions DVD:System Off REMOTE SETUP BACK AMP 1 CD 3 2 CD-R/ TAPE1 DVD/LD VCR1 /DVR SEARCH MODE 5 4 VCR2 6 TOP MENU 7 8 9 VCR3 TV RE– TURN 10 0 C MENU 6 TUNER VIDEO SAT TV CONTROL « System OFF REMOTE SETUP BACK AMP CD SELECT NUMBER DVD/LD 2 1 CD-R/ TAPE1 3 VCR1 /DVR TUNER 6 Select the button for the command you want to input (for example, 7 [stop]). The command and component chosen will appear in the window of command 1.
Using Other Functions Editing Remote Control Screen Names (ITEM MEMO) Use the ITEM MEMO capability to add more information to the remote control display screens for different functions, like your DVD or CD player. For example, you could add the name of the company that makes your component, then the top line of the screen for the respective component would read something like "DVD PIONEER" .
Using Other Functions Editing Buttons Names (KEY LABEL) Use the KEY LABEL capability to rename the buttons (keys) on the remote control screens for different functions (DVD, etc.). You would want to do this if you taught a specific button a new operation on the previous two pages. For example, you could teach the SEARCH MODE button to be an audio key and the rename it "AUD".
Using Other Functions If you want to re-draw the image, choose a new image (for example ) and then press the EDIT button. ~For TEXT~ Key Label [DVD/LD] BACK MAX6 A B C D E F H K L M N O P Q R S T V W X Z SPACE I J Y + ALL CLEAR PAGE 1/4 DELETE – SETUP OK G U 5 Use the 5∞2 3 buttons to move the image around. You can also add or subtract from the drawing by touching the screen with your pen. When you're done press the BACK button.
Using Other Functions Resetting the Main Unit The following operations allow you to erase the settings stored in the main unit. 1 While holding down the DIGITAL NR button press the STANDBY/ON button for about three seconds. 1 2 When you see RESET? appear in the display, press the TONE – button. OK? appears in the display, press TONE +. 1 All the settings, including the speaker, surround sound settings and tuner settings will be reset the unit to the default settings.
Advanced Setup Assigning the Digital Input If you did not hook up your digital equipment in accordance with the default settings for the digital inputs (see p.25) you need to complete the procedure below. You have to do this in order to tell the amplifier what digital equipment is hooked up to which terminal so the buttons on the remote correspond to what you have hooked up. 2 1 Amplifier MAIN SUB REMOTE SETUP AMP TONE BASS/ ATREBLE CD CD-R/ TAPE1 DVD/LD VCR1 /DVR DISPLAY DIMMER EFFECT/ CH SEL.
Advanced Setup Assigning the Component Video Inputs If you used component video cords (and only if you did so) to connect any equipment you must tell the amplifier which device is hooked up with this special kind of cable. If you did not use component video cord (which is a specialized cord that separates the video signal into two color spectrums and a light spectrum for transmission) then you don't need to worry about the procedure below.
Advanced Setup Expert Setup These settings are more advanced. Some could add depth or listenability to your sound (like the Dynamic Range Control) and others are for your convenience (like the Function Rename). You can decide if you want to make these settings or not. They are not crucial to good surround sound. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system, add new speakers or components to your system, etc.).
Advanced Setup OSD (On-screen Display) ADJUSTMENT Use this feature to adjust your TV display if it seems difficult to see all the instructions on the screen. This adjustment basically lets you move the screen displays up or down and left or right to get a better match between the displays for this amplifier and your TV. Follow steps 1-4 on page 82, if necessary, to get to the starting point mentioned here. STANDBY/ON ENTER 5˜∞˜2˜3˜ENTER buttons 1 3.Expert Setup [1. OSD Adjustment ] [2.
Advanced Setup BASS PEAK LEVEL The LFE (Low Frequency Effect) channel in Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS program sources can produce heavily concentrated ultra-low bass tones that may exceed the capabilities of your speaker system. The following steps show you how to set the peak level for the ultra-low bass (or low frequency effect (LFE) channel). If continuing from the preceding page the BASS PEAK LEVEL should be selected. Follow steps 1-4 on page 82, if necessary, to get to the starting point mentioned here.
Advanced Setup DYNAMIC RANGE CONTROL This feature makes it possible to enjoy full surround sound effects on Dolby Digital sources even at low volumes. It does this by compressing the dynamic range. Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and the softest sounds in any given signal. Compressing the range plays sounds so the quieter ones are audible and the louder ones don’t get distorted or become overpowering.
Advanced Setup MULTI CH IN SELECT Use this feature to adjust the type of output for audio signals which were input from multichannel inputs. You can set the output of the audio signal in regards to the surround speakers and the surround back speakers, which were input from 5.1 channel surround sound soundtrack. There are three OUTPUT MODE settings: THROUGH: The sound is output directly how it was input.
Advanced Setup FUNCTION RENAME Use the FUNCTION RENAME capability to rename the display on the amplifier and your OSD for different functions (DVD, etc.). For example, you could rename VCR1/DVR as "DVR-7000". Follow steps 1-4 on page 82, if necessary, to get to the starting point mentioned here. STANDBY/ON ENTER 5˜∞˜2˜3˜ENTER buttons 1 3.Expert Setup [1. [2. [3. [4. [5. 2 Use the 5∞ buttons to select the name of the function (for example, “VCR1/DVR”) you want to change. Press ENTER.
Advanced Setup THX Audio Setup THX Ultra2 Subwoofer Setup If you have a high-precision speaker that outputs very low frequencies, the sound may have too much boom because of the resonant frequencies in the room where your subwoofer is setup. If you have this problem use the THX Ultra2 Subwoofer Setup to adjust the low end sounds. 2 1 Amplifier MAIN SUB REMOTE SETUP AMP TONE BASS/ ATREBLE CD CD-R/ TAPE1 DVD/LD VCR1 /DVR DISPLAY DIMMER VIDEO SELECT STATUS SPEAKER A/B EFFECT/ CH SEL.
Advanced Setup Surround Back Speaker Position This setting has been specifically designed to set the distance between your surround back speakers, If you don't have surround back speakers, or just have one, you won't be able to select this setting. The Advanced Speaker Array (ASA) system was developed with the principles of THX Ultra2 technology in order to get optimum sound from your surround back speakers.
Advanced Setup Re-Equalization Re-Equalization is a built-in feature of THX technology (see p.93) and is thus always in use for HOME THX modes. If you want to apply this feature to other listening modes complete the steps below. Whether this setting will benefit you or not depends on the type of room you have and your individual listening tastes. Follow steps 1-4 on page 88, if necessary, to get to the starting point mentioned here. STANDBY/ON ENTER 5˜∞˜2˜3˜ENTER buttons 1 4.THX Audio Setup [ 1.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Dolby Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a discrete digital surround format used for multichannel surround sound. It was developed after the Dolby Surround System and Dolby Pro Logic Surround System. Dolby Digital is a high quality digital sound format that is used by many theatrical film releases. 4 channel analog 5.1 channel Dolby Digital Dolby Digital for movie Soundtracks using linear PCM audio generate too much data for multichannel use.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Dolby Pro Logic II Dolby Pro Logic II is an improved version of Dolby Pro Logic technology with extended matrix decoding technology that can create 5.1 channel sound from two channel sources. Dolby Pro Logic II creates basic 5 channel sound by using the innovative "steering logic" circuit. Therefore when listening to typical two-channel sources like CD, the listener can enjoy a richer spatial effect.
DTS DTS DTS has been adopted as a sound recording format in the movie theaters since the release of “JURASSIC PARK” in 1993, and has a good reputation for high quality sound and dynamic surround effects. In this system, 6 channels of digital sound are recorded on CD-ROM. DTS adopts a simultaneous playback format. With a low rate of compression of sound signals and a high rate of transmittance, a higher sound quality format is produced.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Adaptive Decorrelation™ : In a movie theater, a large number of surround speakers help create an enveloping surround sound experience, but in a home theater there are usually only two speakers. This can make the surround speakers sound like headphones that lack spaciousness and envelopment. The surround sounds will also collapse into the closest speaker as you move away from the middle seating position.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Speaker Placement Information Placement of your speakers is a crucial aspect of attaining accurate and realistic surround sound. Certain pointers concerning speakers stands, direction, angle and distance of speakers will be useful in this regard. Firstly, it is best not to put your speakers directly on the floor. If you do this some of the sound vibration (especially bass) will go directly into the flooring and be lost.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Speaker Placement for a Complete THX Speaker System If you have a complete THX Speaker System set (LucasFilm authorized), follow the diagram below to place your speakers. Notice the surround speakers should output at an angle parallel to the listener. Also, notice the angle of the front speakers. FL If you have two surround back speakers we recommend placing them together and the same distance from your listening position so you can take advantage of the ASA feature.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving D/A Audio Block Diagram EXPERT 97 En
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Troubleshooting Incorrect operations are often mistaken for trouble and malfunctions. If you think that there is something wrong with this component, check the points below. Sometimes the trouble may lie in another component. Investigate the other components and electrical appliances being used. If the trouble cannot be rectified even after exercising the checks listed below, ask your nearest PIONEER authorized service center or your dealer to carry out repair work.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Symptom Cause Remedy No sound from surround or center speakers. • Speaker settings are incorrect. • See “SPEAKER SYSTEMS” on p.38-40 to check the speaker settings. • See “CHANNEL LEVEL” p.42 to check the speaker levels. • Connect the speakers (see p.26). • The surround and/or center levels are turned down. • The surround and/or center speakers are disconnected. • The listening mode is STEREO. No sound output from the subwoofer. • The subwoofer setting is NO.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Symptom Cause Remedy When playing an LD the SIGNAL SELECT is on 2 RF but there is still no sound. • The LD is not a Dolby Digital compatible disc. • Set the SIGNAL SELECT to AUTO (make sure your LD player is hooked up with analog connections in addition to digital and 2 RF connections, see p.18). Subwoofer output is very low. • Settings route signal away from subwoofer.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Symptom Cause Remedy • Improper connections. • The input source is not properly selected. • The component video setting is incorrect. • Make sure the component is connected correctly (see p.18-21). • Press the correct function button. • Select the correct C'NENT VIDEO IN setting. After connecting the TV and selecting the proper video input, there is still no image. • The video input selected on the TV monitor is incorrect.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Symptom Cause Remedy During playback of a Surround EX or DTS ES source on the AUTO setting, the EX and ES indicators light, but the signal is not properly processed. • The listening mode is set incorrectly for the source. • Switch the LISTENING CH SELECT to AUTO and switch to the HOME THX or STANDARD listening mode. • Switch the LISTENING CH SELECT to 7.1 and switch to the THX Surround EX or Standard TX listening mode.
Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Specifications Amplifier Section Continuous Power Output (Stereo Mode) Front ......... 170 W + 170 W (DIN 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 6 Ω) Continuous Power Output (Surround Mode) Front ......... 170 W + 170 W (DIN 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 6 Ω) Center ..................... 170 W (DIN 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 6 Ω) Surround ..... 170 W + 170 W (DIN 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 6 Ω) Surr. back .... 170 W + 170 W (DIN 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 6 Ω) Rated Power Output ...................................
Published by Pioneer Corporation. Copyright © 2001 Pioneer Corporation. All rights reserved. PIONEER CORPORATION 4-1, Meguro 1-Chome, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8654, Japan PIONEER ELECTRONICS [USA] INC. P.O. BOX 1540, Long Beach, California 90801-1540, U.S.A. PIONEER ELECTRONICS OF CANADA, INC. 300 Allstate Parkway, Markham, Ontario L3R OP2, Canada PIONEER EUROPE NV Haven 1087, Keetberglaan 1, B-9120 Melsele, Belgium TEL: 03/570.05.11 PIONEER ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.
