Pioneer Complete Guide to Surround Sound Setup for VSX 815

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03Quick surround sound setup

2 If the receiver is off, press RECEIVER to turn the power on.

3If you have a subwoofer, turn it on.

4Press RECEIVER on the remote control, then press the SYSTEM SETUP button.

Press SYSTEM SETUP again at any time to exit the System Setup menu.1

5Select ‘A. MCACC’ from the System Setup menu then press ENTER.

VSX-915 only – Make sure SB NORM. is selected then press ENTER again.2

Try to be as quiet as possible after pressing ENTER. The system outputs a series of test tones to establish the ambient noise level.

If the noise level is too high, NOISY! blinks in the display for five seconds. To exit and check the noise levels again, press SYSTEM SETUP (see the notes about ambient noise below) or press ENTER when you’re prompted to RETRY?

Do not adjust the volume during the test tones. This may result in incorrect speaker settings.

The system now checks the microphone and your speaker setup.

If you see an ERR message in the display, there may be a problem with your mic or the speaker connections. Turn off the power, and check the problem indicated by the ERR message (see below), then try the auto surround setup again.

ERR MIC – Check the microphone connec- tion.

ERR SBch – Check the surround back speaker connections.

ERR SW – Make sure the subwoofer has been switched on and volume on the subwoofer is turned up.

6When you see CHECK OK in the display, confirm your speaker configuration.

Use (cursor up/down) to check each speaker in turn. YES or NO should reflect the actual speakers connected. If the speaker configuration displayed isn’t correct, use

(cursor left/right) to change the setting. When you’re finished, go to the next step.

7Select CHECK OK in the display then press

ENTER.

The Auto MCACC finishes by checking the subwoofer level.

If the subwoofer output level is too high/ low, SW.VOL.DWN/SW.VOL.UP blinks in the display for five seconds. To exit and check your subwoofer output level, press SYSTEM SETUP or simply press ENTER when you’re prompted to RETRY?

8The Auto MCACC Setup has finished! The MCACC indicator on the front panel will light to show the surround settings are complete.

The settings made in the Auto MCACC Setup should give you excellent surround sound from your system, but it is also possible to adjust these settings manually using the System

Setup menu (starting on page 46).3

ERR Fch – Check the front speaker connec- tions.

ERR Sch – Check the surround speaker connections.

Optionally, when you see SKIP? you can press (cursor left/right) to select one of the

following options then (cursor up/down) to check the settings:

Note

1The receiver will automatically exit the current menu after three minutes of inactivity. If you cancel the Auto MCACC Setup at any time, the receiver automatically exits and no settings will be made.

2If you are planning on bi-amping your front speakers, or setting up a separate speaker system in another room, read through Surround back speaker setting and make sure to connect your speakers as necessary before continuing.

3• Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 12cm will end up with different size settings. You can correct the setting manually using the Speaker setting on page 51.

The subwoofer distance setting may be farther than the actual distance from the listening position. This setting should be accurate (taking delay and room characteristics into account) and generally does not need to be changed.

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Contents VSX-515-S/-KVSX-815-S/-KVSX-915-S/-K Voltage selector Risk of Electric Shock Do not OpenContents Other Settings Controlling the rest of your system VSX-515Controlling the rest of your system VSX-815/915 Other connectionsBefore you start Before you start ChapterIntroduction to home theater Loading the batteriesInstalling the receiver Before you startVentilation Illustration shows the VSX-815/915 modelMinute guide Minute guide ChapterListening to Surround Sound Hook up your DVD playerThis receiver Powered 02 5 minute guideConnect your speakers Surround speakersPlay a DVD, and adjust the volume to your liking Minute guideFor more on this.3 02 5 minute guide Using the Quick Setup 1ch0ch 3.0ch 0ch4.0ch 0ch 5.0ch Quick surround sound setup Quick surround sound setup ChapterAbove VSX-515 left and VSX-815/915 right Illustration shows the VSX-915 modelQuick surround sound setup Following options then cursor up/down to check the settingsSelect Check OK in the display then press EnterOther problems when using the Auto Mcacc Setup Connecting up Connecting up ChapterMaking cable connections Connecting up Video cablesComponent video cables VSX-815/915 model onlyConnecting up Connecting a DVD player and TV Illustration shows the VSX-915, butConnecting the multichannel analog outputs Audio and Video inputs on this receiver.2Use an optical cable for the connection.4 This receiver Connecting other audio components About the WMA9 Pro decoderConnecting other video components This receiverUsing the component video jacks Connecting to the front panel video terminalIf you connect any source component to Comp 1 DVD Comp 2 TV Comp 3 DVRConnecting up Connecting antennas Using external antennasFM wire antenna AM loop antennaConnecting up Connecting the speakers Hints on speaker placement B speaker systemsVSX-815 model only Overhead view of speaker setup View of 7.1 channel speaker setupConnecting up Operating other Pioneer components Pioneer productsControls and displays Controls and displays ChapterFront panel STANDBY/ONControls and displays Controls and displays Display Remote control VSX-815/915 MidnightLoudness ReceiverAccess SR+TOP Menu DTV MenuDTV ON/OFF DTV InfoTuner Display MPXSetup PresetReset EFFECT/CH SELControls and displays Remote control VSX-515 STEREO/DIRECTMaster Volume + System Setup and Component control buttonsOperating range of remote control unit Volume +Display Channel +Listening to your system Listening to your system ChapterAuto playback Listening in surround soundUsing the Advanced surround effects Listening to your systemSee which you like.2 Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music settings Neo6 Music settingsUse the +/- buttons to adjust the setting Press EFFECT/CH SEL again to adjust other settingsListening in stereo Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQImage Listening to your system Choosing the input signal Extended mode Using the surround back channelPress Extended Mode front panel to Select a surround back channel optionSwitched off VSB OFF.1Using the tone controls Press Tone to select the frequency you want to adjustPress Dialog E to switch dialog enhancement on or off Enhancing dialogListening to your system Playing other sources VSX-515 modelVSX-815/915 model Listening to your system Using the sleep timer 30 minOff Press Sleep repeatedly to set the sleep timeSystem Setup menu System Setup menu ChapterSurround back speaker setting Press Return to confirm and exit the current menuSystem Setup menu Manual Mcacc speaker setupFine Channel Level Fine Channel DistanceSetting the Acoustic Calibration EQ automatically Settings Copying your Acoustic Calibration EQAcoustic Calibration EQ Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ manually Checking your Acoustic Calibration EQ settingsChannel you want, using Right to check the settingsSystem Setup menu Manual speaker setup Speaker settingWhen you’re finished, press Return Default setting 100HzCrossover network Channel levelConfirm your selected setup option When you’re finished, press Return TipSelect ‘SP DISTN.’ from the SP Setup menu Speaker DistanceUsing the tuner Using the tuner ChapterTuning directly to a station Listening to the radioUsing the tuner Saving station presetsDisplay shows ST. MEMORY, then a blinking memory class Press EnterNaming station presets Listening to station presetsChanging the frequency step Making recordings Making recordings ChapterMaking an audio or a video recording Source as for the recorder.1Setting the remote to control other components Selecting preset codes directlyControlling the rest of your system Controlling the rest of your system ChapterClearing all the remote control settings Controlling the rest of your system Direct functionVolume Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVsInput Select ChannelControlling the rest of your system Controls for other componentsDisc Enter Guide Controlling the rest of your system Preset Code List On digital STBDVD Recorder Manufacturer CodeRemote LCD display shows Setup Use Cursor left/right to select Preset then press EnterProgramming signals from other remote controls Use cursor left/right to select Learn then press EnterLCD display shows OK.2 Erasing all of the remote control presets Press the Receiver button to exit and store the operationsUse cursor left/right to select Erase then press Enter Press and hold the button to be erased for two secondsConfirming preset codes Use cursor left/right to select Direct F then press EnterSelect Stops playback on some models, pressing this when SHIFT+Button must be pressed twice to take effect Cassette deck HDD Shift + CH+ CH+ Second Zone speaker B setup Switching the speaker systemOther connections Other connections ChapterBi-wiring your speakers Select the SB Biamp setting from the ‘SB. SYSTEM’ menuOther connections Bi-amping your front speakersOther connections Connecting additional amplifiers Pioneer plasma displayUsing the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma display Pioneer plasmaDisplay DVD player Satellite receiver, etcOther Settings Other Settings ChapterInput Assign menu Assigning the digital inputsOther Settings Other setup menuDynamic Range Control Setup Dual Mono SetupLFE Attenuator Setup SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displaysTroubleshooting Additional informationAdditional information Chapter Refer to Using the surround back channel Extended mode on Additional informationPlus Connecting the speakers on VSX-815/915 only The SRSee Operating other Pioneer components on Additional information Resetting the main unit Switching the speaker impedancePress System Setup to confirm OK? shows in the displayAdditional information Specifications Amplifier sectionAudio section Video SectionPower cord caution Cleaning the unitAM Tuner Section MiscellaneousPioneer Corporation

VSX-815-S/-K, VSX-915-S/-K specifications

The Pioneer VSX-915-S/-K and VSX-815-S/-K are part of Pioneer's renowned line of AV receivers that provide home theater enthusiasts with an impressive range of features and technologies. These models are particularly recognized for their exceptional audio quality and versatility, making them ideal for both music lovers and movie enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the VSX-915 is its Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding capabilities, which allow users to experience high-definition audio quality that matches the latest in cinematic releases. This model is equipped with Pioneer's Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC), enabling automatic speaker setup and optimization based on the room's acoustics. This technology ensures that listeners enjoy a balanced sound field, regardless of the room's layout.

The VSX-815 model, while slightly more compact, does not compromise on functionality. It retains essential features such as Dolby Digital EX and DTS 96/24 decoding, providing rich surround sound that enhances the home theater experience. The unit's direct energy HD amplification delivers robust audio output while maintaining low distortion levels, ensuring that high-frequency details are preserved without sacrificing power.

Both models include a robust selection of inputs and outputs, including HDMI connectivity, which supports 1080p video pass-through. This makes it compatible with a variety of modern devices, from Blu-ray players to gaming consoles. The VSX-915 also supports multi-zone audio distribution, allowing users to enjoy different sources in different rooms, which adds a layer of convenience for those who like to entertain.

Pioneer's proprietary technologies, such as the Phase Control, help in enhancing sound clarity, providing a more coherent audio experience. Additionally, both receivers feature a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for easy navigation through settings and options.

In terms of design, both the VSX-915-S/-K and VSX-815-S/-K feature an elegant and functional aesthetic that fits well in any home entertainment setup. With their build quality and attention to detail, they are built to last while delivering superior sound quality.

In summary, the Pioneer VSX-915-S/-K and VSX-815-S/-K represent an excellent investment in high-quality home audio experiences, combining advanced technologies and user-friendly features that cater to both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles.