Listening to your system

05

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. See Using the Stream Direct mode below if you want to bypass the signal processing in this amplifier for a pure analog signal.

1 Press MULTI CH INPUT on the remote control Home menu () screen.

You can also use the front panel INPUT SELECTOR dial.

HOME 2/3

AMPLIFIER

AMPLIFIER

1

INPUT 2

3

VCR2

VCR3

CD-R

/ TAPE1

 

 

VIDEO

MULTI CH

 

INPUT

 

 

 

TV

MULTI

SYSTEM

CONT

OPERATION

OFF

SETUP

2If necessary, press SIGNAL SELECT to choose the number of channels you’ll hear.

See Selecting USB and multichannel analog input channels on page 45 for more on this.

Note

The number of channels you hear will depend on the source and the SB CH mode setting (see Using the surround back channel on page 46 for more on this).

Using the Stream Direct mode

• Default setting: SD:1 NORMAL (on)

Use the Stream Direct mode when you want to hear the truest possible reproduction of a source. All unnecessary signal processing is bypassed, and you’re left with the pure analog or digital sound source.

1While listening to a source, press STREAM DIRECT to switch on or off.

Check the digital format indicators in the front panel display to see how the source is being processed.

AMPLIFIER 1/3

AMPLIFIER STREAM

DIRECT

SIGNAL ACOUSTIC

SELECTCAL.

LISTENING STEREO

MODE

STANDARD THX

ADVANCED ADVANCED

CINEMA CONCERT

ACOUSTIC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHLEVEL

SBCH

CAL.

MIDNIGHT

LOUDNESS

TONE

OPTION

 

 

DIGITALNR

INPUTATT

SELECT

 

MODE

PHONES

SPSYSTEM

SIGNAL

VIDEO

TAPE2

STREAM

SETUP

 

 

VIDEOINPUT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A/B

SELECT

SELECT

MONITOR

DIRECT

MIC

DIGITALIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

L AUDIO R

2If you want to change the Stream Direct mode, press OPTION repeatedly to select Stream Direct (appears on the front panel as SD:1, 2 or 3) then use the (OPTION) +/– buttons to adjust the setting.

SD:1 NORMAL – Analog and digital sources are heard according to the settings made in the Surround Setup (speaker setting, channel level, speaker distance, acoustic calibration EQ, and X- curve), as well as with dual mono, the input attenuator, and any sound delay and hi-bit/hi- sampling settings. You will hear sources according to the number of channels in the signal.

SD:2 2CH DIRECT – Use this setting for stereo analog and digital sources. All processing unnecessary for 2-channel signals is bypassed (such as speaker distance and acoustic calibration EQ) and you will hear the source through the shortest possible signal path. All sound will be heard through the front left and right speakers only (no subwoofer output is heard). With multichannel sources, playback is the same as the NORMAL setting (above).

SD:3 ANA DIRECT – All analog sources are heard without any digital processing. All processing is done through the analog circuitry and the center channel, if present, will be sent to the front right and left speakers (the channel level is adjusted automatically). With digital sources, playback is the same as the NORMAL setting (above).

Note

You can’t use Digital NR, Midnight/Loudness listening, the SB CH mode, the tone control, or any of the listening modes when Stream Direct is on.

If you connect the headphones when SD:3

ANA DIRECT is selected, only the front left and right channels will be heard with multichannel sources.

Stereo formats with surround sound information (such as Dolby Surround) are treated the same as multichannel sources.

When the speaker impedance is set to 4in Switching the speaker impedance on page 72, or when the Digital Safety is switched on (see Troubleshooting section on Power on page 92), the setting is fixed at SD:1 NORMAL.

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Pioneer VSA-AX10Ai manual Using the Stream Direct mode, Press Multi CH Input on the remote control Home menu screen

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.