Feature-rich high-output low-cost AV receiver
Written: Jun 04 '06 (Updated Jun 04 '06)
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Pros: Calibration microphone and MCACC, high power, feature packed, price, THX-2, A+B capable
Cons: No HDMI connection, large size heavy weight, bulky complicated remote, runs hot at high volume
The Bottom Line: The feature-packed Pioneer VSX-1015TX is a good value. Surround sound MCACC calibration is awesome. Audio and video reproduction is first-rate.
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| robcfoster's Full Review: Pioneer VSX-1015TXK 7.1 Channels Receiver |
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MY SITUATION
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Shortly after purchasing 2 pairs of new Klipsch speakers, I found the limit of my old faithful 1995 model Pioneer VXS-454 5.1 AV receiver. Weighing in at 17 lbs and claiming 110-watts per channel, the unit just couldn't provide the power needed to drive these fire breathing dragons. If you are interested, you can read the related speaker reviews here:
- http://www.epinions.com/content_217615339140
- http://www.epinions.com/content_218394168964
Time for a new receiver - WE NEED MORE POWER SCOTTY!
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THE QUEST
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Throughout my adventures I visited various retail and audiophile shops where I auditioned several models from various manufacturers, including Denon, Harmon Kardon, Marantz, Onkyo, Pioneer, and Yamaha.
While researching online I had come across a review for the Pioneer VSX-1015TX. The review was positive, the unit had ample features, and the price was well below that of many of the units I had been considering. There must be a catch, I thought, but it may be worth a test drive. Checking online, I found the unit was available at the local Best Buy location. So off I went to Best Buy, and there it was sitting on the top shelf new in the box. Having done my research online, I was able to negotiate Best Buy nearly $50 off their shelf price; I swiped the plastic and took the hefty Pioneer home to play.
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SPECS / INFO
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Info from Pioneer:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4153_209686388,00.html
Info from Epinions:
http://www.epinions.com/Pioneer_VSX_1015TXK_Receiver_Black/display_~full_specs
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PHYSICAL SIZE
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Weighing in at over 34 pounds, this unit is definitely not a toy. The physical size of this AV receiver is large as well; it was too large depthwise to fit in my full-size audio rack. Be sure to take into consideration physical space requirements if you are shopping for a new receiver.
Another consideration is space for heat dissipation; this unit runs hot, and needs some breathing room on top and side.
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POWER
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The rated 480 watts power draw attests to the Pioneer VSX-1015TX's ability to pump out "high current output". Plugged into the same wall outlet as its predecessor, this unit causes the lights to dim briefly when powered on; the previous unit had no such effect. Rated at 120 watts per channel into all 7 channels simultaneously, the 1015's power is somewhat deceiving. This unit is capable of simultaneously driving all four of my Klipsch speakers with clean sound for extended periods.
In comparison, my older Pioneer unit had a power consumption of only 250 watts, yet claimed 110 watts per channel output. It had trouble pushing all 4 Klipsch speakers at the same time for extended periods at higher volumes. It was able to push four large Sony speakers quite well, but they had only @ half the power hunger (and consequently only half the output) of the Klipsch speakers.
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FEATURES
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The Pioneer VSX-1015TX includes a calibration microphone and Pioneer's MCACC (Automatic Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System). With the Denon 3805 the microphone was an expensive (@ $75) option.
One feature that helped me choose the Pioneer VSX-1015TX is the ability to configure the unit for 7-channel surround, or to configure the "rear surround" channel as a second set of primary speakers (similar to the A/B speaker selections settings available on some other units).
The learning remote is large and has a lot of buttons ie features; the layout is mostly logical, but could use a little improvement. One thing missing is backlighting; in a dark room it is very easy to fumble the wrong buttons on the remote.
A feature of many of the newer AV receivers I have decided I don't care for is the "reverse" digital numeric volume display. The Pioneer starts out at -80; as you turn the dial or increase the volume using the remote, the readout increases toward 0.
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CONNECTION OPTIONS
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The Pioneer VSX-1015TX offers numerous connection options for equipment. I highly recommend having manuals in hand for this unit and anything you plan to connect to it. Depending upon the complexity of your components and equipment, you may find yourself having to make many decisions regarding the best way to make everything work together - too many choices may be a bad thing. Although my television offers many connectivity options, I finally decided to connect my components to this receiver, then use this receiver to manage the signal that actually makes it to the television. I am quite pleased with the results.
Please note: this unit does not offer HDMI output.
Also available are speaker terminals that handle bare wire, spade connectors, and banana clips. I found that the terminals don't handle 12-guage speaker wire very well; therefore I purchased and deployed banana clips for the speaker wires, and my connections are much better now.
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CONNECTED SPEAKERS
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The following speakers are currently connected to this unit:
- 1 pair Klipsch Heresy-II (Heritage Series)
- 1 pair Klipsch RF-25 (Reference Series)
- 1 pair Bose 201 Series II
- 1 Cerwin Vega HT-CTR Center Channel
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LISTENING EXPERIENCE
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A real test of a receiver is its ability to entertain the senses and engage the emotions of the listener. The Pioneer VSX-1015TX passes the test.
I have heard people describe receivers as "warm" and "cool"; I find that when in direct mode the VSX-1015TX is neutral and clean; whatever goes into the unit comes out of the unit - it does not embellish.
The surround sound processing implementation is impressive. The MCACC calibrated the surround sound to match my room and the various characteristics of my mix of speakers. The "THX-Select 2" Certified Pioneer VSX-1015TX pumps these speakers full of theater-quality surround sound. Even without a subwoofer, the entire room shakes, walls rattle, and hearts pound during action scenes of movies such as the newest version of King Kong. Of course, a subwoofer may be in my future :)
My Klipsch speakers tout a higher effeciency rating than many other speakers on the market. I usually have the volume at -50 or above to get any usable volume at all out of the unit; I can only imagine the effeciency requirement of a speaker to make any music at -70 or -60 on the dial.
I find that the usable listening volume for stereo music starts at a minimum of -40 on the dial. At first thought, I would think that I am using half of the available power of the unit, but this is not the case. Instead, the power increases are graduated; the closer the numbers get to zero, the more volume is produced with each increase. In other words, the volume increase from -11 to -10 is much more noticeable than the volume increase from -80 to -50. Clear as mud, eh?
I have found that a volume level in the range of -10 to 0 is the "sweet spot" for THX surround output from this receiver driving my particular speaker configuration. And sweet it is. I highly recommend using the included microphone and MCACC system to calibrate your speakers to your room for surround sound. Pioneer has done a great job with this calibration setup. It is relatively simple, takes only a few minutes to do, and the effect is amazing.
When I want to "rock the house", I can crank the volume to the -10 to -5 range, and I still have headroom left in the amp. At -5 on the dial, driving all four Klipsch speakers, I am nearly front-row center to the concert of my choice sitting in my easy chair nearly 12 feet away. At this volume level the unit produces a lot of heat. Pioneer recommends several inches of free space for ventilation; now you know why. They are serious.
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VIDEO PROCESSING
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Video processing has been excellent so far; my wife and I have rented numerous DVDs and played several "old favorites" through this Pioneer; the only feature it doesn't offer is HDMI output. One of our favorite DVDs, the Eagle's Hell Freezes Over, when played through this receiver, actually revealed audio and video detail we didn't even know we were missing with our previous AV receiver. This unit also offers video up-conversion (up to component). The up-conversion is seamless; if you didn't know it was working for you, you would think every video natively looked much better than most actually do.
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CONCLUSION
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Overall, I am happy that I purchased this unit. My last Pioneer is still going strong after 10 years of responsible use; hopefully this receiver will demonstrate the same longevity while providing more power.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 450
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Epinions.com ID:
robcfoster
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Member: Robert Foster
Location: Springfield Missouri USA
Reviews written: 32
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Professional Geek. A+ Certified by CompTIA. Professionally employed in IT since 1989.
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