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.

Contents

01 Before you start

Checking what’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Loading the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Using the Quick Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

03 Connecting up

Making cable connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Analog audio cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Digital audio cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Video cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Connecting a TV and DVD player . . . . . . . . . . 9

Connecting the multichannel analog

outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Connecting a satellite receiver or

other digital set-top box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Connecting other audio components . . . . . . 11 About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting to the front panel audio

mini jack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Connecting other video components . . . . . . 12 Using the component video jacks. . . . . . . . 13 Connecting antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Using external antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Hints on speaker placement. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Speaker placement diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . 16

04 Controls and displays

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Direct function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Operating range of remote control unit . . . 23

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . 25 Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Using Front Stage Surround Advance . . . . . . 26 Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Using the Sound Retriever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Using Phase Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Using Virtual Surround Back (VSB). . . . . . . . 27

Setting the AV options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Playing other sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Selecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . 30

06 The System Setup menu

Using the System Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Crossover network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Channel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Input Assign menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

07 Using the tuner

Listening to the radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Improving FM stereo sound . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Saving station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Naming station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

08 Making recordings

Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . 36

09 Additional information

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Resetting the main unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Switching the speaker impedance. . . . . . . . . 39 Power cord caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Cleaning the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro Logic" and the double-Dsymbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

"DTS" is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc. and "DTS 96/24" is a trademark of DTS, Inc.

Page 4
Image 4
Pioneer VSX-518 manual Contents

VSX-518 specifications

The Pioneer VSX-518 is a versatile and powerful home theater receiver that has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional audio performance and comprehensive connectivity options. As part of the renowned Pioneer lineup, the VSX-518 integrates advanced technologies that enhance the listening experience, making it a popular choice among audio enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the VSX-518 is its multi-channel audio processing capability. With 5.1 channels of amplification, this receiver can deliver immersive surround sound, ideal for movies, music, and gaming. The unit boasts an output power of up to 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, ensuring that it can drive a wide range of speakers with ease.

The VSX-518 supports various surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS, which allow users to experience the full spectrum of audio in their favorite films and shows. Additionally, Pioneer’s proprietary technology, called Advanced Sound Retriever, enhances compressed audio formats by restoring lost details, offering improved audio clarity and depth.

Connectivity is another strong point of the VSX-518. It is equipped with multiple HDMI inputs, allowing users to connect a variety of devices, such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, all while maintaining high-definition audio and video quality. The receiver also includes legacy connections, such as composite and component video inputs, as well as multiple audio inputs, ensuring compatibility with older equipment.

For those who enjoy customizing their audio environment, the VSX-518 features a user-friendly interface and on-screen setup guide. The built-in automatic speaker setup system simplifies the calibration process by analyzing the acoustics of the room and adjusting the receiver settings accordingly.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the inclusion of a built-in FM/AM tuner, which allows users to enjoy their favorite radio stations without the need for external components. The unit also supports FM RDS, providing useful information about broadcasted content.

In summary, the Pioneer VSX-518 is a feature-rich home theater receiver that offers a blend of powerful audio performance, advanced technologies, and extensive connectivity options. Its ability to drive multiple speakers, support for high-definition audio formats, and user-friendly setup features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment system. Whether watching movies, listening to music, or gaming, the VSX-518 aims to deliver an enjoyable audio experience.