Pioneer RS-A9 User Manual

Optical Digital Reference System

Digital Integrated Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

RS-A9

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Contents

Key Finder .................................................... 3

Head Unit (RS-D7R) ........................................ 3

Remote Control (RS-D7R) ................................ 3

Opening and Closing

the Remote Control Cover ........................ 4

When the Cover is Closed

When the Cover is Open

Before Using This Product ...................... 6

About This Product .......................................... 6

About This Manual ............................................ 6

About the Digital Network ................................ 6

System resetting ................................................ 7

About the System Reset button

Before system resetting

System Resetting

All Clear ............................................................ 8

About the All Clear button

Before all clearing

All clear

Protecting System Reset button and All Clear

button .......................................................... 9

Precaution .......................................................... 9

In Case of Trouble ............................................ 9

Audio Adjustment .................................... 10

Audio Menu .................................................... 10

Switching to the Audio Menu

Audio Adjustment <Main> .................... 12

Main Menu ...................................................... 12

Switching to the Main Menu

Balance Adjustment ........................................ 12

Bass/Treble Adjustment .................................. 13

Using the Compression .................................. 14

Adjusting the Listening Position .................... 15

Using the Position Selector

Fine Tuning the Position

Effective distance Adjustment

Using the Position Fine Tuning function

Source Level Adjustment ................................ 19

Audio Adjustment <Equalizer> .............. 20

About the Equalizer Menu .............................. 20

31 Band Graphic Equalizer

3 Band Parametric Equalizer

Equalizer menu ................................................ 21

Switching to the Equalizer Menu Relation Between Frequency Characteristics

and Sound Quality .................................... 22

Adjusting the 31 Band Graphic Equalizer ...... 24

Adjusting the 3 Band Parametric Equalizer .... 26

About the adjustment using

the parametric equalizer

Setting the equalizer curve

The Flat function ............................................ 29

The Clear function .......................................... 30

Audio Adjustment <Network> .............. 31

What is the Multi-Amp System? .................... 31

Network Menu ................................................ 32

Switching to the Network Menu

Time Alignment Adjustment .......................... 33

Switching to the Time Alignment Adjustment Mode

Measuring the Distance to be Corrected

Inputting the Distance to be Corrected

Filter Adjustment ............................................ 37

Switching to the Filter Adjustment Mode

Using the Mute function

Adjusting the Filter

Switching between Linear Phase

Characteristics/Minimum Delay Phase

Characteristics .......................................... 42

Audio Adjustment

<Memory Functions> ........................ 43

Memory Functions of

Adjusted Audio Menu .............................. 43

Switching to Memory Mode .......................... 44

Equalizer Menu

Network Menu

Storing the Adjustment Data in Memory ........ 45

Recalling Data Stored in Memory .................. 46

Recalling Memory Using

Forward/Reverse Order

— Functions of Equalizer Menu —

Specifying the Memory Number Directly

Memory Protect function ................................ 48

Display for the Person who Set Up

the Audio Adjustments .................... 49

Inputting the Name .......................................... 49

Inputting Characters ........................................ 49

Memory Data Memo ................................ 52

Connecting the Units .............................. 55

WARNING ...................................................... 55

CAUTION ...................................................... 55

About the setting of this unit .......................... 56

Setting the network mode

Network Mode setting

Setting Example .............................................. 58

Example of 2-way system connection with 1 RS-A9

Example of 4-way system connection with 1 RS-A9 and 1 RS-A7

Example of 4-way system connection with 1 RS-A9 and 3 RS-A7s (Full-balanced

pure digital system)

Connection Diagram ...................................... 61

Connecting the Speaker wires ........................ 62

Four-channel mode

Three-channel mode

Two-channel mode (Stereo)

Two-channel mode (Mono)

To prevent damage .......................................... 64

Connecting the Power Terminal ...................... 65

Connecting the Speaker Output Terminals .... 66

Secure the optical cable .................................. 66

Attaching the Noise Filter .............................. 67

Installation ................................................ 68

CAUTION ...................................................... 68

To prevent malfunction .................................. 68

Installing the Unit ............................................ 69

Troubleshooting ...................................... 70

Checklist .......................................................... 70

Specifications .......................................... 71

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Key Finder

Head Unit (RS-D7R)

This unit can be operated with the combined Head Unit RS-D7R (sold separately).

Remote Control (RS-D7R)

Most of all functions can be operated by the remote control. Opening the cover enables the SHIFT, RETURN and FUNCTION buttons 1–6 inside the remote control. For more details, refer to the page 4.

Closed state Open state

5/∞/2/3 buttons

BAND button

MENU button

FUNCTION buttons 1–6

RETURN button

SHIFT button

BAND button

5/∞/2/3 buttons These buttons can not be used in the Audio Adjustment operation.

Opening and Closing the Remote Control Cover

When the remote control is opening the cover enables the SHIFT, RETURN and FUNCTION buttons 1–6 inside the unit.

Menu displays with cover open and closed in this system, the available functions and the menu display vary depending on the condition of the remote control in use.

Remote Control Menu display

Cover closed Closed state

Cover open Open State

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Key Finder

When the Cover is Closed

Closing the cover of the remote control makes the menu display to the closed state.

Menu display in closed state

Example: Main Menu Screen

Note:

• Menu display in closed state: Current mode and functions which are ON are displayed.

When the Cover is Open

Opening the cover of the remote control makes the menu display to the open state.

Menu display in open state

Example: Main Menu Setting Screen

Note:

• Positions of menu items on the display correspond to the positions of FUNCTION buttons 1–6.

• Menu display in open state: Using FUNCTION buttons 1–6, operable functions are displayed.

When the cover is closed in the middle of operation

• Closing the cover during operation releases the previous operation and returns the menu display to the closed mode.

Before Using This Product

About This Product

This product is digital integrated amplifier which can be operated with the combined head unit RS-D7R (sold separately). You can operate a number of Audio Adjustment functions with separately sold head unit.

About This Manual

This product features a number of sophisticated functions ensuring superior reception and operation. All are designed for the easiest possible use, but many are not self-explanatory. This operation manual is intended to help you benefit fully from their potential and to maximize your listening enjoyment.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the functions and their operation by reading through the manual before you begin using this product. It is especially important that you read and observe the “Precaution” on page 9 and in other sections.

This manual mainly explains the remote control operation. In some functions, you can perform the same operations with the head unit, however, the remote control offers a number of buttons such as SHIFT, MENU, RETURN and FUNCTION buttons 1–6 which are not provided on the head unit. And all of audio adjustment operations can only be conducted with the remote control.

About the Digital Network

A vehicle, unlike the home audio, imposes several constraints upon the quality of reproduced sound, and have the following effects:

• Reflected sounds have strong effects on direct sounds because of the confined space and complex shape within a vehicle. This disturbs frequency characteristics and significantly reduces sound quality.

• The orientation of the sound image becomes unnatural, because speakers may not be installed symmetrically to left and right of the listener, or because speakers are installed in both the front and rear.

This system is equipped with a wide variety of functions that use DSP to create the ideal sound quality and sound image in a vehicle and overcome these constraints on reverberation.

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Before Using This Product

System Resetting

About the System Reset button

If network, equalizer and other audio settings are stored in memory (B1, B2, M1, M2 or M3), you can reset the system without erasing the stored settings. This is also convenient when you want to use previous audio setting after changing the mode or system.

Before system resetting

• If this product operates incorrectly, first press the system reset button. If this does not solve the problem, press the all clear button after consulting with your dealer.

• When you press this product’s system reset button, also press the RESET buttons of all connected digital amps.

• Press the system reset button when the operation status of this product (RS-A9) is source OFF. If this product is not connected to the power supply or ACC is set to OFF, the system is not reset even if you press the system reset button. Also confirm that the RS-D7R source is OFF.

System resetting

If you change the network mode switch setting or the system, remove this product’s top cover and press the system reset button for 1 second or more using the small supplied hexagonal wrench.

Also press the system reset button in the same way when you switch power to this product ON for the first time after purchasing or if this product’s built-in microcomputer operates incorrectly.

• Carefully store the supplied hexagonal wrench.

Hexagonal wrench

(Small)

System Reset

All Clear

About the All Clear button

If the unit does not operate normally even after pressing the system reset button, press the all clear button using the small supplied hexagonal wrench. Also press the all clear button when you do not want to use previous audio settings after changing the mode or system. When you press the all clear button, all Network, Equalizer and other audio settings are reset, returning the unit to the factory settings.

Before all clearing

• When you press the all clear button, all Network, Equalizer and other audio settings are erased. Before pressing the all clear button, be sure to consult with your dealer.

• If this product operates incorrectly, first press the system reset button. If this does not solve the problem, press the all clear button after consulting with your dealer.

• When you press this product’s all clear button, also press the RESET buttons of all connected digital amps.

• Connect this product (RS-A9) to the power supply before pressing the all clear button. If the unit is not connected to the power supply, it may not be reset even if you press the all clear button.

All clear

Remove this product’s top cover and press the all clear button using the small supplied hexagonal wrench.

• Carefully store the supplied hexagonal wrench.

Hexagonal Wrench

(Small)

All Clear

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Before Using This Product

Protecting System Reset button and All Clear button

After completing all settings and adjustments, replace the cover to assure the system reset/all clear buttons are not accidentally pressed.

Precaution

• Keep this manual handy as a reference for operating procedures and precautions.

• Always keep the volume low enough for outside sounds to be audible.

• Protect the product from moisture.

• If the battery is disconnected, the preset memory will be erased and must be reprogrammed.

In Case of Trouble

Should this product fail to operate properly, contact your dealer or nearest authorized Pioneer Service Station.

Covering

Screw

Hexagonal Wrench (Small)

Audio Adjustment

Audio Menu

This system has the following three Audio Menus:

Main <Main> (page 12)

This carries out Balance Adjustments as well as Bass/Treble Adjustment, the basis for sound quality adjustments. It also sets up and adjusts the Position Selector, which corrects the orientation of the sound image for the listener’s position in the vehicle.

Equalizer <Equalizer> (page 20)

This corrects complex frequency disturbance in a vehicle. The Equalizer function for the component can make fine adjustments of sound quality for each frequency.

Network <Network> (page 31)

This adjusts the reproduced frequency band (cross-over frequency) and the level of each sound range (band) when a multi-amp system is set up. It also corrects unnatural orientation of the sound image caused by the locations of the speakers (using the Time Alignment function), by setting up a delay (time difference) between speakers set up for different sound ranges.

Note:

• The 5/∞/2/3 buttons on the head unit (RS-D7R) can not be used for Audio Adjustment operations.

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Audio Adjustment

Switching to the Audio Menu

When the system is ON, you can adjust the sound quality.

Main (Main Menu) = Equalizer (Equalizer Menu) = Network (Network Menu)

3. Press the BAND button and cancel the Audio Menu.

Cancel the Audio Menu to return to the operations screen of the source currently in use.

2. Operate the mode.

1. Each press of MENU button selects the desired Audio Menu in the following order:

Audio Adjustment <Main>

Main Menu

With this menu, you can make the following adjustments.

• Balance Adjustment <FAD/BAL CONTROL> (Closed state)

• Bass/Treble Adjustment <B/T> (Open state)

• Using the Compression <CP> (Open state)

• Listening Position Adjustment <PS> (Open state)

• Source Level Adjustment <SLA> (Open state)

Switching to the Main Menu

• Press the MENU button and select the Main Menu.

After the title screen, the display switches to the operation screen of the Main Menu. Opening and closing the cover of the remote control (refer to page 4) switches between the open and closed states of the menu display and setting screen.

• To cancel the Main Menu, press the BAND button.

Balance Adjustment <FAD/BAL CONTROL> (Closed state)

This function allows you to select a balance setting that provides ideal listening conditions in all occupied seats. This function can be operated with the remote control cover closed.

1. Close the cover of the remote control (refer to page 4).

2. Adjust left/right speaker balance with the 2/3 buttons.

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Audio Adjustment <Main>

Bass/Treble Adjustment <B/T> (Open state)

It is possible to select one from a choice of four frequencies to becomes the reference when adjusting the bass/treble tone. The frequencies and level adjustment ranges from which selections may be made are as follows:

Bass : 63 Hz, 100 Hz, 160 Hz, 250 Hz Treble: 4 kHz, 6.3 kHz, 10 kHz, 16 kHz Level adjustment range: –12 dB – +12 dB (1 dB/1 step)

Note:

• Raising the Bass/Treble level too high may result in distortion. Perform Bass/Treble Adjustment to adjust overall sound quality.

5. Press the 5/∞ buttons and adjust the level.

Holding down these buttons continues their operations (with one stop at the central position).

4. Press the 2/3 buttons and select a frequency point.

Tune to the desired frequency point.

BASS TREB

3. Press the FUNCTION button 1 again to choose bass (BASS) or treble (TREB).

Pressing the button switches bass/treble.

2. Press the FUNCTION button 1.

The display switches to Bass/Treble Adjustment Screen.

1. Open the cover of the remote control (refer to page 4).

This switches to Main Menu Setting Screen.

Using the Compression <CP> (Open state)

You can reduce the difference between the volume levels of loud and quiet sounds. The Compression function suppresses loud sounds and boosts quiet sounds to reduce the difference between the volume levels of loud and quiet sounds. It is convenient to use this function when you want to hear quiet sounds more clearly.

• CP2 (Compression 2) has a larger effect than CP1 (Compression 1).

CP0 CP1 CP2

2. Press the FUNCTION button 2 to select the setting.

Pressing the button switches the mode in the following order : CP0 = CP1 = CP2.

1. Open the cover of the remote control (refer to page 4).

This switches to Main Menu Setting Screen.

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Audio Adjustment <Main>

Adjusting the Listening Position <PS> (Open state)

One way to assure a more natural sound is to clearly position the stereo sound image (putting you in the center of the sound field). The Position Selector function adjusts distance and volume level of sound from each speaker to match seat positions and the number of people in the car, and lets you recall settings at the touch of a button. The result is a natural sound regardless of the seat you are sitting in.

Button Position

5 FRONT (Front Seat Left & Right)

2 FRONT-L (Front Seat Left)

3 FRONT-R (Front Seat Right)

Using the Position Selector <POSI>

Experimenting with other positions

• The position is normally designed to match the listener’s position in the car. However, other positions may prove to be more effective, depending on the model of the car and the location of the speakers. Compare the sound and choose the position in which the sounds are most natural.

4. Press one of buttons 2/3/5 and select the desired position.

Set up the position to match the position of the listener in the car.

3. Press the FUNCTION button 3 again to turn the Position Selector function ON.

2. Press the FUNCTION button 3.

The display switches to Position Selector Screen.

1. Open the cover of the remote control in the Main Menu (refer to page 4).

This switches to Main Menu Setting Screen.

Fine Tuning the Position

You can finely adjust the differences in distance and sound levels for the position selected with the Position Selector function. Make adjustments using both methods to match the location of the speakers and the shape of your vehicle until you achieve more natural sound imaging.

Difference in distance adjustment range: 0.0 - 192.5 cm (0.77 cm/1 step)

The larger the difference in distance, the sooner sound from the speaker reaches your ears, so the speaker seems to move closer. Consequently, the sound image moves in the direction in which the value for the difference in distance is larger.

Adjustment range in the difference in sound levels (LEV): 0 — –30 dB (1dB/1step)

The smaller the level, the lower the sound volume output from the speaker, giving the listener the feeling that the speaker is moving further away. The sound image thus moves in the direction in which the value for the difference in sound levels is closer to 0.

Note:

• Fine tuning can be conducted separately for each position.

• The values set after fine tuning are stored into memory as the values for the position. When the position is next called up, the fine tuning values are recalled.

Continued overleaf.

3. Press FUNCTION button 1 or 2, and select to adjust difference in distance or difference in sound levels.

2. Press the FUNCTION button 3 for two seconds and switch to Position Fine Tuning Screen.

1. Use the Position Selector function and select the position.

Example: When selecting FRONT–L

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

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Audio Adjustment <Main>

Points concerning fine tuning

• While listening to vocals, adjust the distance to position the vocal sound image naturally to the front.

5. After tuning has been completed, press the RETURN button to cancel the Position Fine Tuning Screen.

The values are stored in memory and the display returns to Position Selector Screen.

4. Press the 2/3 buttons to correct the position of the sound image.

Holding down these buttons continues their operations (during the difference in distance tuning, holding down the button moves the distance 1.54 cm/1 step).

Effective distance Adjustment Using the Position Fine Tuning function

— Relation to Time Alignment Adjustment function —

The distance between the listening position and each speaker can be tuned using either of two methods.

Time Alignment Adjustment function of the Network Menu (page 33)

The distance between the listening position and each speaker of each band (high, mid, low and subwoofer) can be adjusted for the left and right speakers.

Adjustment of difference in distance with the Position Fine Tuning function

Overall adjustment is performed for left and right speakers regardless of the band. The same adjustments are made for high, midrange, low and subwoofer bands. Combine the two methods to ensure the position of the sound images are set up more effectively.

When you have made adjustments for difference in distance using the Position Fine Tuning function

• After adjusting the difference in distance with the Position Fine Tuning function and switching to the Time Alignment Adjustment Screen, the values set using the Position Fine Tuning function are added to the values previously set using the Time Alignment function and the sum values are displayed.

• If you want to store the displayed values in memory as new values for the Time Alignment function (standard values for the Position Fine Tuning function), adjust any on value again by pressing the 5/∞ buttons. The displayed values are stored in memory and the difference in distance set with the Position Fine Tuning function is reset and returned to 0.

When the distance has been using the Time Alignment Adjustment function

• Adjustment of the difference in distance using the Position Fine Tuning function is based on time alignment adjustment delay time. When you have set a delay time using the Time Alignment Adjustment function, since the standard value is changed, the difference in distance set using the Position Fine Tuning function is reset and returned to 0.

3. Use the Position Fine Tuning Function to adjust the overall level balance between the left and right speakers.

Adjust the difference in sound levels between the left and right speakers so that the sound image is in the front.

2. Adjust the overall distance balance between the left and right speakers using the Position Fine Tuning Function.

Use the set values for the Time Alignment Adjustment function to fine tune the overall balance of the sound image positions.

1. Adjust the distance from each speaker using the Time Alignment Adjustment function of the Network Menu (refer to page 33).

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

ITALIANO NEDERLANDS

Audio Adjustment <Main>

Source Level Adjustment <SLA> (Open state)

The SLA (Source Level Adjustment) function prevents radical leaps in volume level when switching between sources. Settings are based on the FM volume level, which remains unchanged.

Note:

• Since the FM volume is the control, SLA is not possible in the FM modes.

• The MW/LW volume level, which is different from the FM base setting volume level, can also be adjusted similar to sources other than tuner.

• The head unit’s CD player, Multi-CD player and DVD player are set to the same volume adjustment setting automatically.

• AUX, External 1 and External 2 are set to the same volume adjustment setting automatically.

5. Increase or decrease the level with the 5/∞ buttons.

The display shows “+4” – “–4”.

4. Press Function button 4 on MAIN Menu Setting Screen.

The display switches to SLA Adjustment Screen.

2. Press the MENU button to switch to the Main Menu.

3. Open the cover of the remote control switches to Main Menu Setting Screen.

1. Compare the FM volume with the volume of the other source (refer to RS-D7R (sold separately) Owner’s Manual).

Audio Adjustment <Equalizer>

About the Equalizer Menu

One important factor for creating quality sound is the correction of disturbances in frequency characteristics within the complex shape of a vehicle interior. Reflected sounds have a strong effect on direct sound in a vehicle because of the vehicle’s shape, the confined space, absorption of sound by the seats and reflection from the windows. All these cause disturbances in the frequency characteristics. Such disturbances will be apparent as reduced sound quality.

Any one of two kinds of digital equalizer is used under this system, depending upon the configuration of the audio system. The digital equalizer adjustment corrects disturbances in frequency characteristics and creates a smooth sound quality.

• As installation conditions differ for the left and right speakers, different corrections must be made for each. All two digital equalizers are able to correct the left and right speakers separately.

31 Band Graphic Equalizer (31B-GEQ)

You can perform 31-band (1/3 octave intervals) level adjustments for left and right channels independently or combined to achieve the optimum acoustic characteristics for the environment in your vehicle.

3 Band Parametric Equalizer (3B-PEQ)

You can perform 3-band level adjustments for left and right channels independently or combined, adjusting the levels of a choice of 31 frequencies (1/3 octave intervals) as desired. You can also adjust the inclination of the equalizer curve (Q factor) of each of the bands.

ENGLISH ESPAÑOL DEUTSCH FRANÇAIS

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Audio Adjustment <Equalizer>

Equalizer Menu

With this menu, you can make the following adjustments.

• Recalling the Equalizer Curve (Closed state) (Refer to page 46.)

• Adjusting the 31 Band Graphic Equalizer <FINE> (Open state)

• Adjusting the 3 Band Parametric Equalizer <PEQ> (Open state)

• Flat function <FLT> (Open state)

• Clear function <CLR> (Open state)

• Memory functions of Adjusted Equalizer Curves (Open state) (Refer to page 43.)

Switching to the Equalizer Menu

After the title screen, the display switches to the operation screen of the Equalizer Menu. Opening and closing the cover of the remote control (refer to page 4) switches between the open and closed states of the menu display and setting screen.

• To cancel the Equalizer Menu, press the BAND button.

• Press the MENU button and select the Equalizer Menu (refer to page 10).

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