Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product VSA-AX10Ai Pioneer
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AUDIO / VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER VSA-AX10Ai 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.
The OFF /ON switch is secondar y connected and therefore, does not separate the unit from mains power in OFF position. Therefore install the unit suitable places easy to disconnect the MAINS plug in case of the accident. The MAINS plug of unit should be unplugged from the wall socket when left unused for a long period of time.
4 En Contents Our philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 01 Before you start Checking the supplied accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 En Operating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 08 Using other functions Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Monitoring your recording . . . . .
6 En Our philosophy Pioneer is dedicated to making your home theater listening experience as close as possible to the vision of the moviemakers and mastering engineer when they created the original soundtrack.
Before you start 01 7 En Chapter 1 Before you start Checking the supplied accessories Please check that you've received the following supplied accessories: • Microphone • Remote control unit .
Before you start 01 8 En • Do not use the AC adapter or AC adapter cord for any other purpose than those specified below. 1 Connect the AC adapter cord then connect the adapter to the recharger and plug it into an AC outlet.
Before you start 01 9 En 2 Press the center of each cross point to align the touch screen with the LCD panel underneath. This adjustment will make sure your remote control is calibrated correctly. When you've touched both cross points, PLEASE WAIT is displayed and you’ll return to the remote setup menu when calibration is finished.
Before you start 01 10 En 2 Use the + and – buttons to set the LCD TIMEOUT and BACKLIGHT TIMEOUT settings. You can adjust these from 20–120 seconds. • The backlight timeout can’t be longer than the LCD timeout setting. 3 Press ENTER when you’re finished.
Before you start 01 11 En 2 Remove the battery cover. 3 Use a pen or other sharp instrument to press the reset button located in the hole to the right (above the battery).
Connecting your equipment 02 12 En Chapter 2 Connecting your equipment This amplifier provides you with almost limitless possibilities for connecting your audio/video system, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Depending on your needs, you could be up and running in no time after a few simple connections.
Connecting your equipment 02 13 En 7 Turntable ground A grounding (earth) terminal for use with turntables that require it. See Connecting analog audio sources on page 22 for connection details. 8 Pre-amplifier output/power amplifier input Do not remove the U-shaped connectors unless you plan to connect an external power amp to this amplifier.
Connecting your equipment 02 14 En Connecting your TV This page shows you how to connect your TV to the amplifier. To be able to play the sound from the TV’s built- in tuner, connect the analog audio outputs from your TV to this amplifier. 1 Connect the MONITOR OUT 1 video jack on this amplifier to a video input on your TV.
Connecting your equipment 02 15 En Connecting a DVD player Different DVD players offer a different selection of connections, but all should give you at least a digital audio output, stereo analog audio outputs and a video output.
Connecting your equipment 02 16 En Connecting the multichannel analog outputs For DVD Audio and SACD playback, your DVD player may have 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 channel analog outputs (depending on whether your player supports surround back channels).
Connecting your equipment 02 17 En Connecting a satellite/cable amplifier or other set-top box Satellite and cable amplifiers, and terrestrial digital TV tuners are all examples of so-called ‘set-top boxes’. 1 Connect a set of audio/video outputs on the set- top box component to the SAT AUDIO and VIDEO inputs on this amplifier.
Connecting your equipment 02 18 En Connecting a VCR or DVD recorder This amplifier has three sets of audio/video inputs and outputs suitable for connecting analog or digital video recorders, including VCRs, DVD-recorders and HDD recorders.
Connecting your equipment 02 19 En Connecting other video sources You can basically use any of the audio/video inputs on this amplifier for any kind of video source.
Connecting your equipment 02 20 En Using the component video jacks Component video should deliver superior picture quality when compared to composite or S-video. A further advantage (if your source and TV are both compatible) is progressive-scan video, which delivers a very stable, flicker-free picture.
Connecting your equipment 02 21 En Connecting digital audio sources This amplifier has both digital inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect digital components for playback and for making digital recordings. Many digital components also have analog connections for recording analog sources (such as a turntable or tape deck).
Connecting your equipment 02 22 En Connecting analog audio sources This amplifier features five stereo analog inputs for audio sourses such as a CD player, tape deck, turntable, or a radio tuner. Two of these inputs have corresponding outputs for use with audio recorders.
Connecting your equipment 02 23 En Connecting a component to the front panel inputs The front panel inputs include a composite video jack ( VIDEO ), an S-video jack ( S-VIDEO ), stereo analog audio inputs ( AUDIO L/R ) and an optical digital audio input ( DIGITAL ).
Connecting your equipment 02 24 En Installing your speaker system To take full advantage of the amplifier’s surround sound capabilities connect front, center, surround and surround back speakers, as well as a subwoofer.
Connecting your equipment 02 25 En Caution • These speaker terminals can be under hazardous voltage . When you connect or disconnect the speaker cables, to prevent the risk of electric shock, do not touch uninsulated parts before disconnecting the power cord.
Connecting your equipment 02 26 En Plugging in the amplifier Only plug in after you have connected all your components to this amplifier, including the speakers.
Controls and displays 03 27 En Chapter 3 Controls and displays Display 1 SIGNAL indicators (page 69) Light to indicate the currently selected input signal.
Controls and displays 03 28 En Front panel 1 INPUT SELECTOR dial (page 37) Turn to select a source component. The input indicators show the current component. 2 STANDBY/ON and power OFF / ON Press STANDBY/ON to switch the amplifier on or into standby.
Controls and displays 03 29 En 11 Front panel controls To access the front panel controls, push gently on the lower third portion of the panel with your finger. 12 ACOUSTIC CAL. (page 44) Press to switch Acoustic Calibration EQ on or off. 13 MIDNIGHT (page 48) Press to switch MIDNIGHT mode on/off.
Controls and displays 03 30 En Remote control 1 Date and time display See Setting the clock on page 9 to set this to the current time. 2 LCD touch screen The LCD touch screen appears when the screen is touched or a button on the remote control is pressed.
Controls and displays 03 31 En 2 INPUT 1 / 2 / 3 Press 1 , 2 or 3 to find the screen with the input source you want. After pressing the appropriate button to choose a source, you are taken to the corresponding function menu (see Operating menus for additional components below).
Controls and displays 03 32 En 14 LOUDNESS (page 48) Press to switch Loudness on/off. 15 INPUT (page 37) Press repeatedly to cycle through all possible input sources. 16 SPEAKER A/B (page 75) Press repeatedly to select speaker system A , B , A/B or off (in that order).
Controls and displays 03 33 En 10 MPX Press to mute/restore the sound. DISPLAY Press to change the display. SPLIT Press to split the screen. SELECT Press to select one of the split screens. P in P Use for picture-in-picture. SWAP Press to swap small and large pictures with P in P.
Controls and displays 03 34 En 3 AUDIO Press to select the audio channel or language. SUBTITLE Press to select a subtitle display. DISPLAY Press to display/change disc information shown on- screen. TOP MENU Press to display the top menu of a DVD disc.
Getting started 04 35 En Chapter 4 Getting started Introduction to home theater You are probably used to using stereo equipment to listen to music, but may not be used to home theater systems that give you many more options (such as surround sound) when listening to soundtracks.
Getting started 04 36 En 4 ‘Auto Surround Setup’ should be highlighted. Press ENTER. 5 Specify how you are using your speaker system. Highlight ‘Go Next’ then press ENTER .
Getting started 04 37 En 10 The Auto Surround Setup has finished! Press SYSTEM SETUP to exit the System Setup menu. The settings made in the Auto Surround Setup should give you excellent surround sound from your system, but it is also possible to adjust these settings manually using the Surround Setup menu (starting on page 51).
Getting started 04 38 En 3 Change the amplifier input to the source you want to play. You can use the front panel INPUT SELECTOR knob or the dedicated INPUT buttons on the remote control touch screen Home menu (see Basic remote control displays on page 30 if your unsure how to do this).
Listening to your system 05 39 En Chapter 5 Listening to your system About the listening modes Using this amplifier you can enjoy listening to sources, analog or digital, in either stereo or surround sound.
Listening to your system 05 40 En With multichannel sources, if you have connected surround back speaker(s) and have selected SB CH MODE ON , you can press STANDARD repeatedly to select: • 2 Pro Log.
Listening to your system 05 41 En Using the Advanced surround effects The Advanced surround effects can be used for a variety of additional surround sound effects. The Advanced Cinema modes are designed to be used with movies, and the Advanced Concert modes are for music.
Listening to your system 05 42 En With two channel sources , press THX repeatedly to select a matrix-decoding process for the THX CINEMA mode (see Listening in surround sound above for an explanation .
Listening to your system 05 43 En Using the multichannel analog inputs If you’ve connected to the multichannel inputs on the rear panel (see Connecting the multichannel analog outputs on page 16), you will be able to select them as your input source.
Listening to your system 05 44 En Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ You can listen to sources using the Acoustic Calibration Equalization set in Automatically setting up for surround sound on page 35 or Acoustic Calibration EQ on page 55. Refer to these pages for more on acoustic calibration equalization.
Listening to your system 05 45 En • If you want to play DTS-encoded sources, you need to have digital connections. If ANALOG is selected, you’ll hear digital noise through your speakers. • Make sure you connect your DVD/LD or LD players using the 2 RF jack.
Listening to your system 05 46 En Using the surround back channel • Default setting: SB CH ON You can have the amplifier automatically use 6.1 or 7.1 decoding for 6.1 encoded sources (for example, Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES), or you can choose to always use 6.
Listening to your system 05 47 En Listening with virtual surround back speakers • Default setting: VIRTUAL SB OFF If you don’t have real surround back speakers connected, you can use the Virtual Surround Back feature to simulate one. Sometimes the material may sound better in the 5.
Listening to your system 05 48 En Using Hi-bit and Hi-sampling You can use both Hi-bit and Hi-sampling to create a wider dynamic range with digital sources like CDs or DVDs. 1 Press OPTION repeatedly to select HI-BIT or HI- SAMPLING. The remote control menu for this step is shown below (see note at the start of this chapter if you need help).
Listening to your system 05 49 En • Press TONE to switch the tone control on or off. When the tone control is switched off, BYPASS shows in the display. The remote control menu for this step is shown below (see note at the start of this chapter if you need help).
Listening to your system 05 50 En Listening to dual mono soundtracks You can specify how dual mono encoded Dolby Digital soundtracks should be played. Dual mono is not widely used, but is sometimes necessary when two languages need to be sent to separate channels.
The Surround Setup menu 06 51 En Chapter 6 The Surround Setup menu Making amplifier settings from the Surround Setup menu This amplifier allows you to make detailed settings to optimize the surround sound performance. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers.
The Surround Setup menu 06 52 En • Speaker Systems – Specify the size and number of speakers you’ve connected (page 52). • Channel Level – Adjust the overall balance of your speaker system (page 54). • Speaker Distance – Specify the distance of your speakers from the listening position (page 55).
The Surround Setup menu 06 53 En 5 Choose the set of speakers that you want to set then select a speaker size. Use / (cursor left/right) to select the size (and number) of each of the following speakers: • FRONT – Select LARGE if your front speakers reproduce bass frequencies effectively, or if you didn’t connect a subwoofer.
The Surround Setup menu 06 54 En a decrease in the amount of bass due low frequency cancellations. In this case, try changing the position or direction of speakers.
The Surround Setup menu 06 55 En Speaker Distance For good sound depth and separation from your system, you need to specify the distance of your speakers from the listening position. The amplifier can then add the proper delay needed for effective surround sound.
The Surround Setup menu 06 56 En 2 Select ‘Manual’ then press ENTER. 3 Select CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2 then press ENTER. 4 Select the channel you want, adjust the frequency curve to your liking, then move to the next speaker. Use the / (cursor left/right) hard keys to select the channel, then ENTER to select it.
The Surround Setup menu 06 57 En Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ This setup minimizes the unwanted effects of room reverberation by calibrating your system based on the direct sound coming from the speakers. It can also provide you with a graphical output of the frequency response of your room.
The Surround Setup menu 06 58 En Note that changing the room (for example, moving furniture or paintings) will affect the calibration results. In such cases, you should recalibrate your system. Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ 1 Select ‘Acoustic Cal EQ’ then press ENTER.
The Surround Setup menu 06 59 En 7 If you selected ‘Reverb View’, you can use the cursor buttons (hard keys) to check the reverb characteristics for each channel. Select ‘Return’ and press ENTER when you’re done. Use the / (cursor left/right) buttons to select the channel and the frequency you want to check.
The Surround Setup menu 06 60 En Use the / (cursor left/right) hard keys to adjust the setting. The X-Curve is expressed as a downwards slope in decibels per octave, starting at 2kHz. The sound becomes less bright as the slope increases (to a maximum of -3.
Controlling other equipment 07 61 En Chapter 7 Controlling other equipment Using the remote control with other components The supplied remote control can operate not only this amplifier, but also your TV, DVD player and other components.
Controlling other equipment 07 62 En 4 From the ‘Replacing Device’ screen choose the type of component that you’ve connected. In this example, we’re setting the remote to control a DVD player, so we’ll select DVD . • It is best to have the input source button ( DVD/LD ) match the component.
Controlling other equipment 07 63 En To exit without saving the preset you have assigned, press CANCEL instead of INSTALL above. Tip • Pioneer DVD recorders fall into the following setting types: Pi.
Controlling other equipment 07 64 En Note • If you see Failed (or OK! doesn’t appear) on the touch panel, or OK! is displayed, but you find that the command wasn't learned, try teaching the command again, but vary the distance (closer or farther) between the remote controls.
Controlling other equipment 07 65 En 3 Select the button you want to rename. For example, choose the SEARCH MODE button if it was programmed with the ‘eject’ command from your DVD player’s remote.
Controlling other equipment 07 66 En Multi Operation and System Off The Multi Operation feature allows you to program a series of commands for the components in your system. For example, you could turn on your TV, turn on your DVD player and start playing the loaded DVD using only two buttons on the remote control.
Controlling other equipment 07 67 En • You don't need to program the amplifier to switch to the input function selected in step 2, or to switch on or off.
Controlling other equipment 07 68 En Using System off • From the remote control Home menu press SYSTEM OFF. The command sequence you programmed will run, then all Pioneer components will switch off, followed by this amplifier.
Using other functions 08 69 En Chapter 8 Using other functions Making an audio or a video recording You can make an audio or a video recording from an audio or video source connected to the amplifier (such as a CD player or TV).
Using other functions 08 70 En Reducing the level of an analog signal The input attenuator lowers the input level of an analog signal when it’s too strong. You can use this if you find the that the OVER indicator is lights often, or you can hear distortion in the sound.
Using other functions 08 71 En Press repeatedly to cycle through the possible video sources. You can select DVD/LD , TV , SAT , VIDEO , DVR/ VCR1 , VCR2 , VCR3 or OFF (no video signal). Note • If you change the source using the input buttons (or front panel INPUT SELECTOR dial), the system returns to normal playback.
Using other functions 08 72 En Dimming the display You can choose between four brightness for the front panel display. Note that when selecting sources, the display automatically brightens for a few seconds. • From the remote control amplifier menu, press DISPLAY DIMMER repeatedly to change the brightness of the front panel display.
Using other functions 08 73 En Checking your system settings Use the status display screen to check the various settings you’ve made for features such as sound delay, digital noise reduction, and high-sampling. 1 From the remote control amplifier menu, press STATUS to check the system settings.
Using other functions 08 74 En Midnight/Loudness OFF page 48 Tone BYPASS page 48 Digital NR OFF page 49 Dual mono CH1 page 50 Speakers Systems Normal Surround page 52 Speaker B setting Second Zone pag.
Other connections 09 75 En Chapter 9 Other connections Caution • Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Plugging in components should be the last connection you make with your system.
Other connections 09 76 En Alternating surround speaker setups using speaker system B (ITU-R) After you connect an alternate set of surround speakers, you can use speaker system B to provide surround sound when listening to sources like DVD-Audio discs.
Other connections 09 77 En 2 Select the ‘Front Bi-Amp’ setting from the Speaker Systems menu. See Speaker Systems on page 52 to specify how you’re using the surround back speaker terminals. Note • For 7.1 surround sound with this configuration, you must connect an additional amplifier to the surround back channel pre-outs.
Other connections 09 78 En Note • Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet. • You can use the additional amplifier on the surround back channel pre-outs for a single speaker as well.
Other connections 09 79 En 1 Use an i.LINK cable to connect one of the i.LINK connectors on this amplifier to an i.LINK connector on your i.LINK component. • The arrow on the cable connector body should be face down and lined up with the arrow below the connector on the amplifier for correct alignment.
Other connections 09 80 En When setting up an i.LINK network, it’s important that the components form an open ended chain (fig. 1), or a tree (fig. 2). The system will not work if the connected components form a loop. If a loop is detected, the message LOOP CONNECT shows in the display.
Other connections 09 81 En • Windows ® 98SE – Select Multimedia , and then select Audio . Choose PIONEER AV Receiver/ Amplifier from the drop down menu. • Windows ® Me/Windows ® 2000 – Select Sound and Multimedia and then select Audio . Choose PIONEER AV Receiver/Amplifier from the drop down menu.
Other connections 09 82 En Use a commercially-available cable to connect the RS- 232C jack on your computer to the 9-pin RS-232C jack on this amplifier.
Advanced setup 10 83 En Chapter 10 Advanced setup The Input Assign menu You only need to make settings in the Input Assign menu if you didn’t hook up your digital equipment according to the default settings for the digital inputs, or if you have connected equipment using component video or i.
Advanced setup 10 84 En 4 When you're finished, select RETURN and press ENTER. You will return to the Input Assign menu. Assigning the component video inputs • Default settings: Component 1 –.
Advanced setup 10 85 En Assigning the video inputs • Default settings: MULTI IN – OFF USB – OFF You can choose to watch a video source at the same time as you listen to the audio source from the multichannel analog inputs or USB connector. To do this, you must let the amplifier know which video component you want to watch.
Advanced setup 10 86 En 4 Select the setting you want to adjust. • OSD Adjustment – Adjust the position of the on- screen display on your TV. • Bass Peak Level – Prevent bass tones from distorting the sound from your speakers. • D-Range Control – Specify the amount of dynamic range adjustment to Dolby Digital soundtracks.
Advanced setup 10 87 En Dynamic Range Control • Default setting: OFF This setting specifies the amount of dynamic range adjustment to movie soundtracks. You may want to use this when listening to surround sound at low volumes. 1 Select ‘D-Range Control’ from the Expert Setup menu.
Advanced setup 10 88 En 3 When you're finished, select RETURN and press ENTER. You will return to the Expert Setup menu. 12 Volt Trigger • Default setting: OFF · OFF (all components) After con.
Advanced setup 10 89 En THX Ultra2 Subwoofer Setup With a THX Ultra2 subwoofer (or one that has a response to 20Hz), depending on the position of the subwoofer and the walls in your listening area, you may experience overly resonant frequencies in the bass.
Additional information 11 90 En Chapter 11 Additional information Optimizing your speaker setup In addition to the speaker placement tips outlined in Placing the speakers on page 25, you can use the diagrams and explanations provided below as a reference for optimum placement of each set of speakers.
Additional information 11 91 En THX speaker system setup If you have a complete THX speaker system, follow the diagram below to place your speakers. Note that the surround speakers ( indicates bi-polar radiating speakers) should output at an angle parallel to the listener.
Additional information 11 92 En 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.
Additional information 11 93 En No sound output from the front speakers. • The U-shaped connectors that connect the POWER AMP IN terminals to the front channel pre outs are not connected. • Reconnect the POWER AMP IN terminals to the front channel pre-outs using the supplied U-shaped connectors (see item 8 in Rear panel on page 12).
Additional information 11 94 En Other audio problems Sound is produced from analog components, but not from digital ones (DVD, LD, CD-ROM etc.). • The digital input assignment is wrong. • Assign the digital inputs correctly (see Assigning the digital inputs on page 83).
Additional information 11 95 En Video Can't record audio. • Y ou are tr ying to make an analog recording from a digital signal, or a digital recording of an analog source. •Y ou can only record analog to analog, or digital to digital. • The digital source is copy protected.
Additional information 11 96 En Settings Remote control Symptom Cause Remedy The Auto Surround Setup continually shows an error . • The ambient noise level in the room is too high. • Keep the noise level in the room as low as possible when using the Auto Surround Setup.
Additional information 11 97 En Display Can’t switch screens using the cursor (up/down) soft keys. • There is either only one selection screen or you have reached the last screen for the function you selected. • This is not a malfunction. Choose between the options available.
Additional information 11 98 En i.LINK interface i.LINK messages You may see the following messages displayed in the front panel display when using the i.LINK interface. When playing a disc, the 2 Pro Logic II or Neo:6 indicator lights on the amplifier .
Additional information 11 99 En USB interface Miscellaneous Note • If the unit does not operate normally due to external effects such as static electricity, disconnect the power plug from the outlet and insert again to return to normal operating conditions.
Additional information 11 100 En Surround sound formats Below is a brief description of the main surround sound formats you’ll find on DVDs, satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasts, and video cassettes. Dolby The Dolby technologies are explained below.
Additional information 11 101 En DTS 96/24 DTS 96/24 is an extension of the original DTS Digital Surround which offers high quality 96 kHz / 24-bit audio using a DTS 96/24 decoder. This format is also fully backward compatible with all existing decoders.
Additional information 11 102 En Advanced Speaker Array™ (ASA) When you set up your home theater system using all eight speaker outputs and the two surround back speakers are placed close together as shown in the diagram in THX speaker system setup on page 91, the surround sound experience is optimized for THX Ultra2™ Cinema and THX MusicMode.
Additional information 11 103 En 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 .
Published by Pioneer Corporation. Copyright © 2004 Pioneer Corporation. All rights reserved. <04B00001> Printed in Japan <ARB7291-A>.
An important point after buying a device Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
