Contents | Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K manual

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.

01 Before you start

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Checking what’s in the box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Loading the batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Automatically setting up for surround sound

(Auto MCACC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup . . . . 11 Playing a source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Better sound using Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Using Front Stage Surround Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Selecting MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Using surround back channel processing . . . . . . . . . 33 Using the Virtual Surround Back mode . . . . . . . . . . 34 Using the genre synchronizing function. . . . . . . . . . . 35

		06 Using the tuner
03 Connecting your equipment		Listening to the radio	36
Rear panel	13	Improving FM stereo sound	36
Rear panel	13	Tuning directly to a station	36
When making cable connections	15	Tuning directly to a station	36
When making cable connections	15	Saving station presets	36
About the video converter	15	Saving station presets	36
About the video converter	15	Naming station presets	37
Connecting using HDMI	16	Naming station presets	37
Connecting using HDMI	16	Listening to station presets	37
About HDMI	16	Listening to station presets	37
About HDMI	16
Connecting your TV and DVD player	17	07 The System Setup menu
Connecting your Blu-ray disc player	17	07 The System Setup menu
Connecting a satellite/cable receiver		Making receiver settings from the System
or other set-top box	18	Setup menu	38
Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR		Automatic MCACC (Expert)	38
and other video sources	18	Surround back speaker setting	41
Using the component video jacks	19	Manual MCACC setup	41
Connecting digital audio sources	19	Fine Channel Level	42
About the WMA9 Pro decoder	20	Fine Speaker Distance	42
Connecting analog audio sources	20	Standing Wave	43
Connecting a component to the front panel inputs. . . .	20	Acoustic Calibration EQ Adjust	43
Installing your speaker system	21	Acoustic Calibration EQ Professional	44
Connecting the speakers	21	Data Management	46
Placing the speakers	22	Manual speaker setup	48
Connecting antennas	23	Speaker Setting	48
Connecting external antennas	23	Channel Level	49
Plugging in the receiver	24	Speaker Distance	50
		X-Curve	50
04 Controls and displays
Front panel	25
Operating range of remote control unit	26
Display	27
Remote control	28

VSX-1018AH-K specifications

The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K is a powerful home theater receiver that embodies a blend of quality, features, and innovative technology, making it a standout choice for audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. This 7.1-channel receiver boasts a robust output of 110 watts per channel, designed to deliver immersive audio across various environments.

One of the key features of the VSX-1018AH-K is its support for advanced audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. These formats provide a lossless soundtrack experience, ensuring that audio reproduction remains faithful to the original source. This receiver is also equipped with Pioneer’s proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), which allows users to optimize sound settings based on their specific room acoustics. By analyzing and adjusting the sound fields, MCACC ensures that every listener enjoys an enhanced audio experience.

In terms of connectivity, the VSX-1018AH-K excels with its array of inputs and outputs. It includes multiple HDMI inputs, allowing users to seamlessly connect various devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Additionally, it supports HDMI version 1.3, which means it can handle high-definition video signals and deep color technology, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

For those who appreciate versatility, this receiver also features built-in support for both wireless and wired network audio streaming. Users can connect to their home network to enjoy music stored on their devices or access popular streaming services. The USB port allows for easy connection of flash drives, enabling playback of high-resolution audio files.

Moreover, the receiver is equipped with a user-friendly interface and an intuitive remote control, making it easy to navigate through various settings and options. The graphical user interface is designed for simplicity, enabling users to customize preferences without hassle.

The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K not only focuses on sound but also on video quality, thanks to its upscale capabilities that can convert standard-definition video to high-definition, ensuring that all media looks great on HD displays. Overall, the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K represents a comprehensive solution for anyone looking to enhance their home theater system, merging advanced technology with user-friendly features aimed at delivering an unparalleled home entertainment experience.