Listening to your system

05

Chapter 5:

Listening to your system

Important

The listening modes and many features described in this section may not be available depending on the current source, settings and status of the receiver.

See Listening modes with different input signal formats on page 82 for more on this.

Auto playback

There are many ways to listen back to sources using this receiver, but for the simplest, most direct listening option is the Auto Surround feature. The receiver automatically detects what kind of source you’re playing and selects

multichannel or stereo playback as necessary.1

STATUS

SIGNAL SEL

SBch

STEREO

MULTI OPE

THX

STANDARD

ADV. SURR

While listening to a source, press STANDARD (STANDARD SURROUND).

If necessary, press repeatedly to select a listening mode.

If the source is Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Surround encoded, the proper decoding format will automatically be selected and shows in the display.4

With two channel sources, you can select from:

2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE – Up to 7.1 channel sound, especially suited to movie sources

2 Pro Logic IIx MUSIC – Up to 7.1 channel sound, especially suited to music sources5

2 Pro Logic IIx GAME– Up to 7.1 channel sound, especially suited to video games

2 PRO LOGIC – 4.1 channel surround sound (sound from the surround speakers is mono)

SHIFT PHASE MCACC S.DIRECT

While listening to a source, press S.DIRECT (AUTO

SURR/STREAM DIRECT)2 for auto playback of a source. AUTO SURROUND shows briefly in the display before showing the decoding or playback format. Check the digital format indicators in the front panel display to see how the source is being processed.

Listening in surround sound

Using this receiver, you can listen to any source in surround sound. However, the options available will depend on your speaker setup and the type of source you’re listening to.

If you connected surround back speakers, see also Using surround back channel processing on page 30.

Standard surround sound

The following modes provide basic surround sound for stereo and multichannel sources.3

STATUS

SIGNAL SEL

SBch

STEREO

MULTI OPE

THX

STANDARD

ADV. SURR

SHIFT PHASE MCACC S.DIRECT

Neo:6 CINEMA – 6.1 channel sound, especially suited to movie sources

Neo:6 MUSIC – 6.1 channel sound, especially suited to music sources6

With multichannel sources, if you have connected surround back speaker(s) and have selected SBch ON, you can select (according to format):

2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE – See above (only available when you’re using two surround back speakers)

2 Pro Logic IIx MUSIC – See above

Dolby Digital EX – Creates surround back channel sound for 5.1 channel sources and provides pure decoding for 6.1 channel sources (like Dolby Digital Surround EX)

DTS-ES– Allows you to hear 6.1 channel playback with DTS-ES encoded sources

DTS Neo:6 – Allows you to hear 6.1 channel playback with DTS encoded sources

Note

1• Stereo surround (matrix) formats are decoded accordingly using Neo:6 CINEMA or 2 Pro Logic IIx MOVIE (see Listening in surround sound above for more on these decoding formats).

• The Auto Surround feature is canceled if you connect headphones or select the multichannel analog inputs.

2For more options using this button, see Using Stream Direct on page 29.

3In modes that give 6.1 channel sound, the same signal is heard from both surround back speakers.

4If surround back channel processing (page 30) is switched OFF, or the surround back speakers are set to NO (this happens automatically if the Surround back speaker setting on page 35 is set to anything but Normal (SB)), 2 Pro Logic IIx becomes 2 Pro Logic II (5.1 channel sound).

5When listening to 2-channel sources in Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music mode, there are three further parameters you can adjust: Center Width, Dimension, and Panorama. See Setting the AV options on page 63 to adjust them.

6When listening to 2-channel sources in Neo:6 Music mode, you can also adjust the center image effect (see Setting the AV options on page 63).

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Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G, VSX-AX2AV-G manual Listening to your system Chapter, Auto playback, Listening in surround sound

VSX-AX4AVi-G, VSX-AX2AV-G specifications

The Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G and VSX-AX2AV-G are two impressive receivers that exemplify Pioneer’s commitment to high-fidelity audio performance and advanced home theater technology. Both models cater to audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike with their robust feature sets and innovative technologies.

The VSX-AX4AVi-G is a flagship model that boasts a powerful 7.1 channel surround sound system, delivering an immersive audio experience. With 130 watts per channel, it ensures that even the most demanding soundtracks are reproduced with clarity and strength. Supporting various surround sound formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, the receiver creates a cinema-like experience at home. The inclusion of Pioneer's proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) enables automatic speaker setup and calibration, optimizing audio quality based on the specific characteristics of the room.

In contrast, the VSX-AX2AV-G is designed for those seeking high-end audio without a plethora of features. While it also supports 7.1 channel playback, it focuses on delivering a more straightforward user experience. The AX2AV-G offers similar power output per channel, ensuring rich and full-bodied sound reproduction. Its straightforward user interface makes it accessible for users who want quality audio without the complexity.

Both models feature advanced video processing capabilities and support high-definition video formats. They can upscale standard-definition content to 1080p through HDMI, ensuring that users get the best quality possible from their video sources. The HDMI connectivity allows for multiple input sources and supports 4K video resolution, making both receivers future-proof for evolving home theater setups.

In terms of connectivity, the VSX-AX4AVi-G and VSX-AX2AV-G offer a wide range of inputs and outputs, including multiple HDMI ports, component video inputs, and composite connections, accommodating various devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The receivers also feature advanced digital signal processing, enhancing sound quality and making music playback more enjoyable.

Additionally, these receivers come equipped with a range of audio enhancement features such as Phase Control and Advanced Sound Retriever, which help to improve audio playback by enhancing high frequencies and restoring lost details, especially when streaming compressed audio formats.

In summary, the Pioneer VSX-AX4AVi-G and VSX-AX2AV-G represent two excellent options in the receiver market. With their combined focus on high-quality audio, advanced video processing, and user-friendly operation, they provide an ideal solution for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment experience.