Listening to your system

0505

Better sound using Phase Control

This receiver’s Phase Control feature uses phase correction measures to make sure your sound source arrives at the listening position in phase, preventing unwanted distortion and/or coloring of the sound.

Phase Control technology provides coherent sound reproduction through the use of phase matching for an optimal sound image at your listening position. The default setting is on and we recommend leaving Phase Control switched on for all sound sources.

 

 

HDD

DVD

VCR

 

RECEIVER SLEEP SOURCE

TV

1

2

3

DISP

CONTROL

 

SB CH

CH SELECT

EQ

 

 

4

5

6

CH

RECEIVER INPUT SELECT

DTV/TV

MIDN GHT SPEAKERS

LEV

PHASE

Using surround back channel processing

You can have the receiver automatically use 6.1 or 7.1 decoding for 6.1 encoded sources (for example, Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES), or you can choose to always use 6.1 or 7.1 decoding (for example, with 5.1 encoded material). With 5.1 encoded sources, a surround back channel will be generated, but the material may sound better in the 5.1 format for which it was originally encoded (in which case, you can simply switch surround back channel processing off).

With a 7.1-channel surround system, audio signals that have undergone matrix decoding processing through surround back channel processing to which the Up Mix function is added are output from the surround back speakers.

Setting the Up Mix function

In a 7.1-channel surround system with surround speakers placed directly at the sides of the listening position, the surround sound of 5.1-channel sources is heard from the side. The Up Mix function mixes the sound of the surround speakers with the surround back speakers so that the surround sound is heard from diagonally to the rear as it should be.

Using the Up Mix function is effective when the speakers in the 7.1-channel surround system are set up as recommended in the example on page 10.

Depending on the positions of the speakers and the sound source, in some cases it may not be possible to achieve good results. In this case, set the setting to OFF.

English

INPUT

7

8

9

CH

Press RECEIVER , then press PHASE to switch the P.CTL

(Phase Control) ON or OFF.

Note

• Phase matching is a very important factor in achieving

proper sound reproduction. If two waveforms are ‘in

phase’, they crest and trough together, resulting in

increased amplitude, clarity and presence of the sound

 

 

HDD

DVD

VCR

 

RECEIVER SLEEP SOURCE

TV

1

2

3

D SP

CONTROL

 

SB CH

CH SELECT

EQ

 

 

4

5

6

CH

RECEIVER INPUT SELECT

DTV/TV

MIDNIGHT SPEAKERS

LEV

PHASE

 

INPUT

7

8

9

CH

Press RECEIVER , then press SB CH repeatedly to cycle

the surround back channel options.

Each press cycles through the options as follows:

UP MIX OFF

L

SW

C

R

SL

 

 

SR

 

SBL

 

SBR

UP MIX ON

L

SW

C

R

SL

 

 

SR

 

SBL

 

SBR

signal. If a crest of a wave meets a trough, then the sound

will be ‘out of phase’ and an unreliable sound image will

be produced.

• If your subwoofer has a phase control switch, set it to the

plus (+) sign (or 0°). However, the effect you can actually

feel when Phase Control is set to ON on this receiver

depends on the type of your subwoofer. Set your

subwoofer to maximize the effect. It is also recommended

you try changing the orientation or the place of your

subwoofer.

• Set the built-in lowpass filter switch of your subwoofer to

OFF. If this cannot be done on your subwoofer, set the

cutoff frequency to a higher value.

• If the speaker distance is not properly set, you may not

have a maximized Phase Control effect.

• The Phase Control mode cannot be set to ON in the

following cases:

-When the PURE DIRECT mode is switched on.

-When the headphones are connected.

SB ON – Matrix decoding processing for generating the

surround back component from the surround component

is turned on.

SB AUTO – Matrix decoding processing for generating

the surround back component from the surround

component is switched automatically. Matrix decoding

processing is only performed when surround back

channel signals are detected in the input signals.

SB OFF – Matrix decoding processing for generating the

surround back component from the surround component

is turned off.

1Switch the receiver into standby.

2While holding down PRESET on the front panel, and hold the STANDBY/ON for about two seconds.

UP MIX: OFF appears and the Up Mix function turns off. If you want to turn this function on, perform steps 1 and 2 again.

When set to ON, the (Up Mix) indicator on the front panel lights.

Note

Set to ON regardless of this setting when playing DTS-HD signals.

May automatically be set to OFF even when set to ON, depending on the input signal and listening mode.

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Pioneer VSX-521-K Better sound using Phase Control, Using surround back channel processing, Setting the Up Mix function

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.

The receiver is also designed with energy efficiency in mind, meeting energy-saving guidelines without sacrificing performance. Its sleek black finish and compact design ensure it integrates seamlessly into any entertainment setup.

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.