02Connecting your equipment

Chapter 2:

Connecting your equipment

Placing the speakers

By connecting the left and right front speakers (L/R), the center speaker (C), the left and right surround speakers (SL/SR), and the subwoofer (SW), a 5.1 ch surround system can be enjoyed. Further, by using an external amplifier, you can connect the left and right surround back speakers (SBL/SBR) or the left and right front height speaker (FHL/FHR) to boost your system up to a 7.1 ch surround system.

You can also connect one surround back speaker (SB) and enjoy a 6.1 ch surround system. To achieve the best possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below.

5.1 channel surround system:

6.1 channel surround

 

 

 

(Surround back) system: a

 

R

 

 

 

R

L

 

 

L

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

C

SW

120

 

SW

 

120

120

 

 

120

 

 

 

 

SR

 

 

SR

SL

 

 

 

SL

SB

 

 

 

 

7.1 channel surround

 

7.1 channel surround

(Surround back) system: a

(Front height) system: a

 

 

 

 

 

FHR

 

R

 

FHL

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

L

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

L

 

C

 

SR

 

 

 

90

 

 

 

SW

 

SW

 

120

 

 

 

90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

120

 

 

SL

 

SBR

 

 

SR

60

 

 

 

 

SBL

 

 

SL

 

 

 

 

 

a.This layout is available only when the additional amplifier is connected to the unit and the surround back or front height speakers are connected to the amplifier. For details, see Connect the surround back or front height speakers on page 11.

10

Hints on the speaker placement

Where you put your speakers in the room has a big effect on the quality of the sound. The following guidelines should help you to get the best sound from your system.

The subwoofer can be placed on the floor. Ideally, the other speakers should be at about ear-level when you’re listening to them. Putting the speakers on the floor (except the subwoofer), or mounting them very high on a wall is not recommended.

For the best stereo effect, place the front speakers 2 m to 3 m (6 ft. to 9 ft.) apart, at equal distance from the TV.

If you’re going to place speakers around your CRT TV, use shielded speakers or place the speakers at a sufficient distance from your CRT TV.

If you’re using a center speaker, place the front speakers at a wider angle. If not, place them at a narrower angle.

Place the center speaker above or below the TV so that the sound of the center channel is localized at the TV screen. Also, make sure the center speaker does not cross the line formed by the leading edge of the front left and right speakers.

It is best to angle the speakers towards the listening position. The angle depends on the size of the room. Use less of an angle for bigger rooms.

Surround and surround back speakers should be positioned 60 cm to 90 cm (2 ft. to 3 ft.) higher than your ears and titled slight downward. Make sure the speakers don’t face each other. For DVD-Audio, the speakers should be more directly behind the listener than for home theater playback.

If the surround speakers cannot be set directly to the side of the listening position with a 7.1-channel system, the surround effect can be enhanced by turning off the Up Mix function (see Setting the Up Mix function on page 27).

Try not to place the surround speakers farther away from the listening position than the front and center speakers. Doing so can weaken the surround sound effect.

Place the left and right front height speakers at least one meter directly above the left and right front speakers.

CAUTION

Make sure that all speakers are securely installed. This not only improves sound quality, but also reduces the risk of damage or injury resulting from speakers being knocked over or falling in the event of external shocks such as earthquakes.

Important

To connect the surround back or front height speakers, an additional amplifier is required. Connect the additional amplifier to the PRE OUT SURR BACK/FRONT HEIGHT outputs of this unit and connect the surround back or front height speakers to the additional amplifier (see Connect the surround back or front height speakers on page 11).

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Pioneer VSX-521-K operating instructions Connecting your equipment, Placing the speakers, Hints on the speaker placement

VSX-521-K specifications

The Pioneer VSX-521-K is a versatile and high-performance AV receiver designed to enhance your home entertainment experience. This model stands out for its impressive array of features, delivering robust audio and video capabilities, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the key characteristics of the VSX-521-K is its 5.1 channel surround sound capability, providing an immersive experience that draws you into your favorite movies and music. With a total power output of 100 watts per channel, it ensures clear and potent sound reproduction that can fill large rooms without distortion. This model supports various surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which offer high-definition audio that brings cinematic experiences to life.

The technology behind the VSX-521-K also includes advanced audio processing features. The receiver incorporates Pioneer's proprietary Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC), which automatically calibrates your audio setup based on your room’s acoustics, optimizing sound quality for any environment. This feature, combined with its 192kHz/24-bit DACs, ensures that every note and nuance is rendered accurately.

In terms of connectivity, the VSX-521-K provides multiple HDMI inputs, allowing you to connect various devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, all while maintaining high-definition video quality up to 1080p. Furthermore, it features an HDMI pass-through option, enabling the transmission of HD video signals even when the receiver is off.

For those who enjoy streaming music, this receiver supports various audio formats, and its USB input allows you to connect external devices easily. The front panel display is user-friendly, and navigation through the menu is intuitive, making it accessible for users of all levels.

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Overall, the Pioneer VSX-521-K is a well-rounded AV receiver, offering exceptional audio quality, advanced features, and flexible connectivity options, making it a worthy addition to any home theater system. Whether you're watching movies or enjoying your favorite songs, this receiver is built to enhance your audio-visual experience in a substantial way.