Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai manual Our philosophy, Features

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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. We do this by focusing on three important steps:

1Achieving the highest possible sound quality

2Allowing for customized acoustic calibration according to any listening area

3Fine-tuning the amplifier with the help of world- class studio engineers1

Features

Easy setup using Advanced MCACC

Setting up for home theater sound is as easy as connecting your speakers, a DVD player or other source, and your TV. The Auto Surround Setup provides a quick but accurate surround sound setup, while for complete surround sound control you still have access to the full range of surround sound settings.

In addition, the Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ setup measures the reverb characteristics of your listening area, allowing you to customize your system calibration with the help of a graphical output that can be displayed on-screen, or using a computer.

i.LINK digital interface

The i.LINK interface makes it possible to connect this amplifier to i.LINK-equipped components, allowing you to enjoy high sampling rate (up to 192kHz) PCM multichannel digital audio from DVD-Audio and SACD discs, as well as digital audio from DVD-Video, CD and Video CD discs, all with a single cable.

USB digital interface

It is possible to listen to multichannel audio sources from your computer by connecting to the USB interface on the rear of this amplifier. Depending on your model of computer and the software installed, you can listen to any source compatible with your operating system through the speaker setup connected to this amplifier.

Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS 96/24 and DTS-ES

Dolby Digital and DTS decoding brings theater sound right into your home with up to six channels of surround sound, including a special LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel for deep, realistic sound effects.

With the addition of a surround back speaker, you can take advantage of the built-in Dolby Digital EX and DTS- ES decoders for six-channel surround sound.

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Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo:6 decoders

The built-in Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo:6 decoders not only provide full surround sound decoding for Dolby Surround sources, but will also generate convincing surround sound for any stereo source.

THX certified design

This amplifier is THX Ultra2™ certified, allowing you to take advantage of new THX technologies such as ASA (Advanced Speaker Array), which can process any 5.1 channel source for 6.1 channel (THX Surround EX) or 7.1 channel (THX Ultra2™ Cinema and THX MusicMode) playback. These features are also available when using the i.LINK interface.

Windows Media® Audio 9 Professional decoding

It is possible to listen to the Windows Media® Audio 9 Professional (WMA9 Pro) discrete surround format using the on-board WMA9 Pro decoder, or through the USB connection using a software decoder on your computer.

Seamless video conversion

With the Pioneer video converter, you can use a wide range of cords interchangeably, giving you more flexibility when making video connections.

Easy-to-use remote control

The remote control gives you not only complete control over every function of this amplifier, but also over the main functions for other components in your home theater system. Using a system of preset codes, you can program the remote to operate a wide range of other equipment.

Energy-saving design

This amplifier is designed to use less than 0.65 W of energy when in standby.

1With the cooperation of AIR Studios, this amplifier has been designated AIR Studios Monitor Reference:

“i.LINK” and the i.LINK logo are trademarks of the Sony Corporation.

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Contents VSA-AX10Ai Operating Environment Risk of Electric Shock Do not OpenPage Contents Other connections Using other functionsAdvanced setup Additional informationFeatures Our philosophyBefore you start Checking the supplied accessoriesUsing the remote control Before you start ChapterBefore you start Setting up the remote controlCalibrating the remote control screen Press CalibrateSetting the clock Setting the button alert volumeSetting the time-out setting Restarting the remote control Resetting the remote controlLocking the remote control Press Reset to DefaultReplacing the lithium-ion batteries Connecting your equipment Connecting your equipment ChapterRear panel Connecting your equipment When making cable connectionsConnecting your equipment Connecting your TV Connecting your equipment Connecting a DVD player DVD playerConnecting the multichannel analog outputs STB Connecting your equipment Connecting a VCR or DVD recorder VSA-AX10AiConnecting your equipment Connecting other video sources Connecting your equipment Using the component video jacks About the video converterConnecting your equipment Connecting digital audio sources Connecting your equipment Connecting analog audio sources Portable DVD player, etc Connecting your equipment Installing your speaker system Connecting the speakersBare wire connections Placing the speakersConnecting your equipment Plugging in the amplifier About the AC outletControls and displays Controls and displays ChapterDisplay Controls and displays Tone Controls and displays Remote control Basic remote control displaysHome menu screens Setup Amplifier menu screensDigital NR Remote control displays for other components TV control menu screensOperating menus for additional components Subtitle Search ModeAudio TOP MenuGetting started Automatically setting up for surround soundSwitch on the amplifier and your TV Getting started ChapterGetting started EnterChecking the settings on your DVD or other player Other problems when using the Auto Surround SetupPlaying a source Change the amplifier input to the source you want to play About the listening modes Listening to your systemListening to your system Chapter Listening in surround soundDolby Pro Logic IIx Music settings Neo6 Music settingsListening to your system Adjusting the Advanced Surround effect level Using the Advanced surround effectsUsing the Home THX modes Use the Option +/- buttons to adjust the effect levelPro Logic IIx Movie Listening with headphonesListening in stereo PRO Logic NEO6 CinemaUsing the Stream Direct mode Press Multi CH Input on the remote control Home menu screenSelecting the input signal type AnalogListening to high-sampling formats Selecting USB and multichannel analog input channelsChannel Auto Listening to your system Using the surround back channelPress SB CH Mode repeatedly to cycle through Surround back channel optionsUse the Option +/- buttons to change the setting Creating a center speaker effectVSB Auto VSB on VSB OFF Using the tone control Listening to your system Using Hi-bit and Hi-samplingUsing Midnight and Loudness listening Switching the tone control on or offAdjusting the bass and treble Reducing noise during playbackTreble Listening to your system Listening to dual mono soundtracks Making amplifier settings from the Surround Setup menu Surround Setup menuSurround Setup menu Chapter Select ‘Surround Setup’ then press EnterSurround Setup menu Speaker SystemsLarge Channel Level Select ‘Channel Level’ then press EnterSpeaker Distance Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ automaticallySetting the Acoustic Calibration EQ manually Acoustic Calibration EQSelect CUSTOM1 or CUSTOM2 then press Enter Copying your Acoustic Calibration EQ settingsSelect ‘Manual’ then press Enter Select ‘Data Copy’ then press EnterHow to use Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ How to interpret the graphical outputProfessional Acoustic Calibration EQ Select ‘Professional’ then press Enter Using Professional Acoustic Calibration EQSelect a manual setup option and press Enter If you selected ‘Auto Pro.’, select ‘Start’ and pressUse Cursor left/right buttons to select Switch the X-Curve on or OFFCurve Select ‘X-Curve’ then press EnterChecking your surround settings Select ‘Check’ from the Surround Setup menu and press EnterCycle through the settings screen by screen Controlling other equipment Using the remote control with other componentsRecalling preset codes Controlling other equipment ChapterSelect a setting type Controlling other equipmentProgramming signals from other remote controls Press Learning on the remote setup menuPioneer-1 DVR-7000 Press OK to confirm the settings Editing remote control button namesPress Direct Function on the remote setup menu Press KEY Label on the remote setup menuPress OK when you’ve finished Select the button you want to renameChoose how you want to change the look of the button Controlling other equipment Multi Operation and System Off Programming a multi operation or a shutdown sequenceFrom the remote control Home menu press Using multi operationsPress OK when you’re finished Multi OperationUsing System off Switching components on and offUsing the 12 volt trigger System OFFMaking an audio or a video recording Using other functionsUsing other functions Chapter Monitoring your recordingAdjusting the delay of a soundtrack Use the Option +/- buttons to adjust the amount of delayWatching video and audio sources independently Using other functions Switch the SD1 Normal Stream Direct modeEnhancing Sacd playback Using other functions Dimming the display Switching the speaker impedanceUsing other functions Checking your system settings Resetting the systemDefault amplifier settings Bypass Using speaker system B in another room Using speaker system BSwitching the speaker system Other connectionsBi-amping your front speakers Select the ‘ITU-R’ setting from the Speaker Systems menuOther connections SP B ITU-R is selectedBi-wiring your speakers Using the pre-outsConnecting additional amplifiers Using the i.LINK interface Connecting an external stereo pre-amplifierAbout i.LINK About Pqls rate controlCreating an i.LINK network Using the USB interface Press ‘USB’ on the remote control Home menu ScreenConnecting a PC for Advanced Mcacc output Advanced Mcacc output using your PC Select ‘PC Output’ and press EnterInput Assign menu Advanced setupAdvanced setup Chapter Assigning the digital inputsAdvanced setup Assigning the component video inputsAssigning the i.LINK inputs Assigning the video inputs Expert Setup menuSelect ‘Expert Setup’ then press Enter Multi in OFF USB OFFOSD Adjustment Bass Peak LevelOSD Overlay Dynamic Range ControlFunction Rename Edit the name as necessary and press EnterTHX Audio Setup Select ‘THX Audio Setup’ then press EnterVolt Trigger THX Ultra2 Subwoofer Setup Surround Back Speaker PositionAdditional information Optimizing your speaker setupBasic surround setup Additional information ChapterTHX speaker system setup Additional informationAdditional information Troubleshooting PowerNo sound Listening in surround sound on Other audio problems Cause RemedyVideo Audio sources onSettings Remote controlDisplay This unit’s sensor onLink interface Link messagesUSB interface MiscellaneousAdditional information Surround sound formats DolbyAbout THX Windows Media Audio 9 ProfessionalPCM Pulse Code Modulation Advanced Speaker Array ASA Maintenance of external surfacesTHX Ultra2 Cinema mode THX MusicModeAdditional information Specifications 04B00001 ARB7291-A

VSA-AX10Ai specifications

The Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai is a high-end, multi-channel home theater receiver that stands out for its robust performance and cutting-edge technologies. Launched as a flagship model, it combines advanced audio processing capabilities with a formidable power output, catering to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the VSA-AX10Ai is its Direct Energy HD Amplification technology, which incorporates a Class D amplifier design. This technology not only ensures high power efficiency but also minimizes distortion, delivering pristine sound quality at high volumes. The receiver boasts a substantial output of 200 watts per channel over eight channels, making it an ideal choice for driving large, demanding speaker systems.

In terms of audio decoding, the VSA-AX10Ai supports a multitude of formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This feature allows the receiver to provide a cinematic surround sound experience, ensuring that every detail of the soundtrack is delivered with accuracy and clarity. The device is also equipped with a high-quality 24-bit/192 kHz DAC, assuring top-notch sound reproduction from a variety of sources.

The VSA-AX10Ai features Pioneer’s sophisticated MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), which automatically calibrates the audio output to match the room's acoustics. By measuring sound from each speaker and adjusting levels, delays, and equalization, it ensures a balanced sound field, regardless of room shape or speaker placement.

Connectivity is extensive, with multiple HDMI inputs offering 4K pass-through and upscaling capabilities. This makes the receiver well-suited for modern home theater setups that require integration with 4K Ultra HD displays. It also includes legacy inputs, ensuring compatibility with older audio and video equipment.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the receiver’s build quality. The VSA-AX10Ai features a rigid chassis designed to minimize vibration as well as a premium-grade power supply, which contributes to its overall reliability and performance.

Overall, the Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai encapsulates the essence of high-fidelity home audio and video. With its extensive feature set, exceptional sound quality, and robust performance capabilities, it remains a top choice for those seeking a comprehensive and immersive home theater experience. Whether for music playback or movie watching, this receiver delivers an unparalleled audio experience that stands the test of time.