Power to Spare
Written: Sep 18 '05 (Updated Sep 18 '05)
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Pros: High power output, component upconversion, THX certification, programmable remote, auto calibration
Cons: No 7.1 analog input, only 5.1; remote is not backlit
The Bottom Line: If you're shopping for a quality entry-level 7.1 receiver from a reputable manufacturer, the VSX-1015 may be for you.
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| compuwhiz's Full Review: Pioneer VSX-1015TXK 7.1 Channels Receiver |
Introduction
If you're reading this review, most likely you're looking for a high-quality surround sound receiver for your home theater system. I use the Pioneer VSX-1015TX-K (hereafter called 1015) as the audio/video hub for my home theater system with a full 7.1 setup consisting of Athena Technologies speakers, two JBL subwoofers, and a SVS subwoofer.
This is not the first receiver I've owned but it is by far the most feature-packed and most powerful. Before I purchased the 1015 I was using the Onkyo TX-SR502 6.1 receiver which was a great unit but didn't provide the level of power I was looking for, and also was lacking the fourth surround channel to provide a true 7.1 experience. Before the Onkyo I was using a very cheap KLH R5100 5.1 receiver which was fine on the most basic of levels but did not even support DTS decoding.
The main reason I purchased the 1015 was the overwhelming positive response I read about its earlier incarnation, the Pioneer VSX-1014TX. It was reputed to be the best value receiver for a budget 7.1 configuration and had THX certification as well. I picked up my 1015 the first day it was available at a local retailer without reading any reviews, because Pioneer had made several upgrades but otherwise left the quality level the same.
Overview
The 1015 is the top-level model in Pioneer's consumer line of products you will find at most big box electronics stores. It shares several aspects of the higher-tier Pioneer Elite receivers but is oriented toward those with a much smaller budget. The other budget receivers in the lineup are the VSX-515, the VSX-815, and the VSX-915. Each one offers a different set of features and power output that is acclimated toward different scales of home theater implementation. If you are putting together a basic setup with just 5 speakers and a subwoofer the VSX-515 might be all that you need. For a basic 7.1 setup the 815 or 915 will work, but they do not have the video conversion ability or high output capability that the 1015 boasts.
The 1015 is a combination audio/video switcher, decoder, and amplifier that is designed to make your life easier by providing a large number of inputs, automatic calibration with the included microphone, and a full-function multi-device remote control. For video it can handle composite, s-video, and component input but not the newer DVI or HDMI input types. For audio it provides the traditional stereo analog RCA connections, a dedicated 5.1 analog RCA input for SACD/DVD-Audio/Computer, as well as digital optical (toslink) and digital coaxial inputs for PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS. It is also one of few receivers that has built-in decoding ability for the new WMA-Pro audio format sent over optical or coaxial.
Another side feature of the 1015 is the THX-Select2 certification which is geared toward rooms with < 2,000 cubic feet. It provides the THX post-processing modes, some of which can be combined with other decoding choices. THX should not be a requirement when choosing a receiver, however, because some manufacturers have products that compare/exceed THX specifications but have not been formally tested or licensed to use the THX logo.
Layout
The back of the 1015 may be intimidating the first time you see it. The majority is covered with RCA connectors or speaker binding posts, but it is very well laid out and is relatively easy to figure out where each cable needs to be plugged in.
The 7 pairs of high-level speaker outputs are 5-way binding posts which means you can use bare wire, spades, pins, or banana plugs. I personally use banana plugs since they are extremely easy to connect, but you can pick your favorite type of connector. With pins, spades, or bare wire you will have to loosen the terminal, insert the connector, and tighten it down while making sure that no two wires are touching each other. Normally all 7 sets of connectors are used for one set of speakers--two front speakers, one center speaker, two surround side speakers, and two surround back speakers. The two connectors designated as surround back can be reassigned to either a secondary room output (like a patio or bedroom), or they can be used to bi-amplify your front speakers if your speakers are compatible.
There are 4 sets of component video jacks on the back of the receiver. Three of these sets are inputs and can be assigned to any of the video input devices (DVD, VCR/DVR, TV/SAT, or VIDEO1) and the last set is the monitor output which will go to your television or projector. The 1015 provides component upconversion which means that any video input--whether composite, s-video, or component, will be output through the component video monitor connection when selected.
Adjacent to the component video connectors are 6 s-video jacks. 4 of them are inputs for each of the video devices and 2 of them are outputs (VCR/DVR, monitor). The 1015 provides s-video upconversion which means that any composite or s-video source will be output on both the VCR and monitor connections. This is nice if you have a DVD recorder that uses an s-video input connection because you can connect it directly to the output on the 1015. The receiver does not allow component video downconversion which means that any device plugged into a component video input will not be shown on a s-video or composite video output.
The next set of connectors are the composite video inputs and outputs. There are 6 of these as well, 4 for the inputs and 2 for output (VCR, monitor). The composite video outputs will show any device connected to a composite video input or s-video input but will not display any device connected to a component video input.
Adjacent to the video switching section is the audio input/output array. Each of the 4 video inputs has a corresponding stereo RCA input connection, and the VCR/DVR output has a stereo RCA output connection. There is also a stereo input/output pair for CD/CDR and MD/Tape connections. In this same section you will also find the 5.1 channel analog input which has connectors for FR, FL, C, SR, SL, and SUB. The multichannel analog input can be selected for any of the input sources except the Tuner. Above the multichannel input are the preamp output RCA connectors. These represent all 8 channels of output that the receiver produces and can be connected to an external powered amplifier. A powered subwoofer is normally connected to the SUB output of the preamp section.
Even farther over to the left of the receiver are the digital audio connections. There are 2 digital coaxial inputs and 2 digital optical inputs that can be assigned to any input except Tuner and Video2, as well as a digital optical output for connection to a MD or CD recorder. The digital output is only enabled for devices that have a digital audio input, so it will not convert analog input to digital output.
On the front of the receiver you will find two large knobs, two control buttons, 8 device buttons, a power button, and a swing-down door that reveals many more buttons and a front input along with optical audio. The right knob is used for controlling the output volume which ranges from -80 dB to +12 dB. Reference level on a calibrated system is when the meter reads 0 dB. The left knob is used for selecting menu items when setting up the receiver. The buttons on the unit are self-explanatory or you can refer to the user's manual for more information. Of special note is the Microphone input port on the front of the unit. This is used for connecting the unidirectional calibration microphone that is provided with the receiver; be aware that it cannot be used for karaoke functions. The display of the receiver has aqua-tinted characters which unfortunately clash with the glowing red MCACC icon when equalization is enabled. The power indicator is a bright blue LED that cannot be dimmed, even though the rest of the lights can be dimmed or turned off completely.
Setup
Setting up the 1015 is quick and painless thanks to the built-in calibration program. Once you have connected your speakers and the microphone you can enter the setup menu and select Auto MCACC. This will take about 10 minutes as it analyzes your speakers and sets the volume levels, distances, and equalizer settings. It will detect how many speakers you have connected and what the appropriate crossover level for the subwoofer is, if you have one connected. It will also determine the distance between the two surround back speakers if you are using a 7.1 configuration: this piece of data is used for the THX modes.
Unlike some other receiver manufacturers, the Pioneer user manual is very easy to follow and outlines the procedure for any setup changes. If you get stuck somewhere trying to setup the receiver usually a quick look at the manual will set you straight.
One calibration is complete you are almost done. The next thing to do is to assign the component and digital audio inputs to the proper devices. This is another menu item that you can select and easily adjust. You can also tweak the speaker settings if you aren't happy with the results of the MCACC auto-calibration. I personally had to increase the subwoofer volume to match my taste, and Pioneer provides a nice pink-noise tone if you choose the manual route.
If you are using the multichannel input for any of your devices you will have to toggle the input by pressing the button on the front of the receiver. Unfortunately there is not an equivalent button on the remote control so it cannot be changed on-the-fly.
If you are planning to use the 1015 remote control to operate other devices you can find the programming instructions in the back of the user's guide. It has codes for most every popular consumer brand, and even if your device is not pre-programmed you can manually copy the infrared commands from the original device remote. It may take a while to program but it is nice to eliminate the extra remote controls. One downside to the 1015 remote is that it does not provide a backlight for dark environments. For a nice home theater receiver this is unacceptable since it will almost always be used in a dark room, but I suppose Pioneer was trying to save costs. The higher-end Elite receivers do have a backlit remote.
Performance
Once everything is connected and calibrated and programmed it's time to enjoy some tunes and movies. My impressions since getting the receiver several months ago have been very positive, especially for movies and surround-sound audio CD/DVDs. The 1015 is undoubtedly geared toward the movie crowd and others have commented that it is lacking somewhat in the 2-channel area. I have certainly heard better two channel amplifiers but at this price level there's only so much you can offer. For movies in Dolby Digital and especially DTS, the 1015 has 110 watts of power available per channel which gives it good dynamic range and strong impact during explosions and the like. You will most likely want a subwoofer for best low-frequency effect, but with some large floorstanding front speakers you may find it adequate without.
I've used the multichannel input extensively with SACD and DVD-Audio sources and it provides a very low noise floor and direct output to the amplifier channels. You can adjust the volume level for each input independently if needed, but the 1015 will not provide bass management on the 5.1 analog input. If you use a subwoofer you will have to set up your DVD/SACD player to use its internal bass management mode.
The DSP modes on the 1015 can be used for any of the analog stereo or digital audio inputs. Pioneer provides a small selection of their own custom modes, as well as the standard Dolby ProLogic II/IIx, DTS:Neo6, THX EX Surround, and the new THX Games Mode. Dolby ProLogic II has both music and movie modes which will expand your input source to the total number of speakers connected. DTS:Neo6 will expand any stereo source or a 5.1 DTS input to 6.1 channel sound but if you have a 7.1 setup you will get the same signal duplicated in both surround back speakers. My favorite for listening to 2-channel music on CD is the Prologic IIx Music mode, and for 2-channel television or movies Prologic IIx Movie mode.
The THX processing can be layered on top of ProLogic II/IIx if desired and that is the usual mode I select when watching movies in Dolby Digital or in DTS. The front display will add a + sign to indicate that layering is activated, so for example with a DTS DVD layered with Prologic IIx Movie mode and THX I would see DTS+PLIIx+THX. As far as an actual sonic difference, the only change I notice when enabling the THX filter is that the dialog becomes slightly less harsh which is a plus when watching movies near or at reference level which can be very loud. The THX Games mode is a new feature added to Select2 that is oriented toward video games. It gives the rear channels stronger presence and enhances the bass to give more low-end effect. There is also a THX Music mode you can select when listening to 5.1 channel music discs using a digital input connection. This essentially limits you to DTS music CDs or DVD-Video concert discs since it cannot be used with 2-channel sources.
If that wasn't enough, you still have the basic tone controls of treble, bass, and loudness to fine-tune the sound to your liking. Pioneer also provides the Midnight listening mode which lowers the peak volume output for Dolby Digital sources so that you don't disturb others. Note that these adjustments are not available for the multichannel analog input.
Caveats
As stated earlier, the 1015 is a high-power receiver so you do not want to stack anything directly on top of the unit. It should have at least 8 inches of clearance above the heat vents on the top of the unit, and at least 1 inch clearance on the sides. After heavy use the top of mine has become startlingly hot--not enough to cause burns but Pioneer is serious when they discuss ventilation.
One small problem I encountered which is likely a case of user error was one of the optical input covers broke off when I tried to insert an optical cable. The spring mechanism had somehow gotten jammed and it broke off instead of swinging inward nicely. I'm still able to use the connector without any problem but it is something to watch out for.
Tech Specs
* THX Select2 Certified MOSFET A/V Receiver
* 120W x 7ch (20Hz-20kHz, 8ohm, 0.2% THD)
* 110W x 7ch (20Hz-20khz, 8ohm, 0.09% THD)
* 3 component input, 1 output (100MHz bandwidth)
* 5 s-video input, 2 output (10MHz bandwidth)
* 5 composite input, 2 output (10MHz bandwidth)
* 7 stereo RCA input, 3 output
* 2 digital coaxial input
* 3 digital optical input, 1 output
* DTS/ES, DD/EX, WMA-Pro decoding
* Universal 8 device IR remote
* 480W power consumption
Conclusion
The 1015 is one of the best home theater purchases I've made and it won't be leaving my system until high-definition DVDs become commonplace and I need something for the new formats. It can also act as a solid preamplifier if I decide to add a separate power amp later on. By far the most useful feature I've found is the component upconversion which allows you to route every video signal through one output cable. Instead of having to run separate video cables to my projector, I just ran one component video cable and saved myself some money. It also means you won't have to continually change the input source on your display device.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 499
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compuwhiz
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Member: Jeremy Gillow
Location: Melbourne, Florida, USA
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
System administrator and computer information systems graduate student.
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