Pioneer vsa-e08 User Manual

AUDIO/VIDEO

MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER

VSA-E08

Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT 1

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

The cut-off plug should be disposed of and must not be

IMPORTANT 2

FOR USE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code :

Blue : Neutral Brown : Live

If the plug provided is unsuitable for your socket outlets, the plug must be cut off and a suitable plug fitted.

inserted into any 13 amp socket as this can result in electric shock. The plug or adaptor or the distribution panel should be provided with 5 amp fuse. As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows : The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured black. The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured red.

Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Please read through these operating instructions so you will know how to operate your model properly. After you have finished reading the instructions, put them away in a safe place for future reference. In some countries or regions, the shape of the power plug and power outlet may sometimes differ from that shown in the explanatory drawings. However, the method of connecting and operating the unit is the same.

Power cord CAUTION!

Handle the power cord by the plug. Do not pull out the plug by tugging the cord and never touch the power cord when your hands are wet as this could cause a short circuit or electric shock. Do not place the unit, a piece of furniture, etc., on the power cord, or pinch the cord. Never make a knot in the cord or tie it with other cords. The power cords should be routed such that they are not likely to be stepped on. A damaged power cord can cause a fire or give you an electrical shock. Check the power cord once in a while. When you find it damaged, ask your nearest PIONEER authorized service center or your dealer for a replacement.

Do not connect either wire to the earth terminal of a three - pin plug.

NOTE After replacing or changing a fuse, the fuse cover in the plug must be replaced with a fuse cover which corresponds to the colour of the insert in the base of the plug or the word that is embossed on the base of the plug, and the appliance must not be used without a fuse cover. If lost replacement fuse covers can be obtained from: your dealer. Only 5 A fuses approved by B.S.I. or A.S.T.A. to B.S. 1362 should be used.

[For European model]

If the socket outlets on the associated equipment are not suitable for the plug supplied with the product the plug must be removed and appropriate one fitted. The cut-off plug must be disposed of as an electrical shock hazard could exist if connected to a socket outlet.

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This product complies with the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC), EMC Directives (89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC) and CE Marking Directive (93/68/EEC).

THE ON/OFF BUTTON IS SECONDARY CONNECTED AND THEREFORE DOES NOT SEPARATE THE UNIT FROM MAINS POWER IN STANDBY POSITION.

Maintenance of External Surfaces

• Use a polishing cloth or dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt.

• When the surfaces are dirty, wipe with a soft cloth dipped in some neutral cleanser diluted five or six times with water, and wrung out well, and then wipe again with a dry cloth. Do not use furniture wax or cleansers.

• Never use thinners, benzine, insecticide sprays or other chemicals on or near this unit, since these will corrode the surfaces.

Quick Start Guide

This is a quick guide to setting up your new amplifier so you can get home theater surround sound. For more details on any of the information presented here check the main section of the manual. Before making or changing the connections,switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

1 Hooking Up Your DVD Player & TV

In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to hook up your DVD player with digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection, you don’t need to do both. The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components only have one type of digital terminal you need to figure out which yours has and hook it up to the appropriate

terminal on the amplifier. In order to do this you will need the proper cable. For coaxial connections you can use a regular RCA stereo cord or the specially-made coaxial cords, they have the same type of plugs. For optical connections you will need a special optical cord which you can buy at your local stereo store. Also hook up the video connection of your DVD player, the analog audio (for recording the audio on DVDs, use regular RCA stereo cords), and your TV (it's easiest to use a regular composite RCA video cords) as shown below. It is important that you hook up your TV (or monitor) in order to see a video image as well as the on screen displays (OSDs) shown by this amplifier (for more on p. 16-17). We also recommend hooking up your all your digital components to analog audio jacks. For this you can use regular RCA stereo cords.

Coaxial Digital Connection

If your DVD player has a coaxial terminal (not a PCM-only output) for the audio out hook it up using this terminal. Follow the diagram below. This is the best scenario, as you will be able to follow the default settings of this amplifier and won't need to assign the digital inputs.

VIDEOAUDIO

PCM/

RF IN (AC-3)

IN2IN

DTS

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

DVD /

LD IN

S2 VIDEOVIDEO

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

coaxial cord

MONITOR

OUT1

VIDEO

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

VIDEO INPUT

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

RCA video cord

Optical Digital Connection

If your DVD player has a optical terminal (not a PCM-only output) for the audio out you can hook it up using this following the below diagram. You will need to assign the digital input (tell the amplifier which input you put your DVD digital audio into). See page V for this.

VIDEOAUDIO

PCM/

RF IN (AC-3)

IN2IN

DTS

IN5IN4IN

DIGITAL

DVD /

LD IN

S2 VIDEOVIDEO

RCA video cord

RCA stereo cord

optical cord

VIDEO

OUT

ANALOG

STEREO

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DVD player

(not a PCM-only output)

MONITOR

OUT1

RCA video cord

VIDEO INPUT

III

Quick Start Guide

2 Speaker Connections

Home theater is designed to be setup with five, or seven speakers (front left & right; center; surround left & right; and, optimally, surround back left & right) and a subwoofer but you can use this amplifier with fewer speakers. Hook up the speakers you have to the A speaker terminals on the back of the amplifier. If you only have two speakers hook them up as "FRONT." If you have three hook up the single speaker as "CENTER." Follow the diagram on p. 19 in order to hook up all your speakers. A center speaker is very important for watching films because the dialog comes from the center speaker in digital soundtracks. If you do not have a CENTER

speaker you must tell the amplifier the CENTER channel is OFF or when you listen to digital soundtracks you won't hear any dialog. Use the instructions on page 32-33 in order to do this.

Follow the diagram below to hook up an additional amplifier in order to use surround back speakers. These speakers are important to hear all the sound channels on new, eight channel home theater DVDs. The diagram below also explains how to hook up a subwoofer which provides realistic bass sounds.

Make sure you connect the speaker on the right to the right terminal and the speaker on the left to the left terminal. Also make sure the positive and negative (+/–) terminals on the amplifier match those on the speakers.

SUB

WOOFER

RCA audio cord

RCA stereo cord

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

L (Single)

ANALOG

INPUT

Surround back

speaker (Left)

INPUT

Additional Amplifier (See p.20)

SPEAKERS

FRONT

Powered

sub-woofer

Surround back

speaker (Right)

3 Setting up the Remote Control & Unit

1 Put the batteries in the REMOTE CONTROL.

2 Plug the main unit into a wall outlet.

3 Press the STANDBY/ON button to put the amplifier in ON mode.

Quick Start Guide

4 Digital Input Assignment

This is only necessary if you did not hook up your DVD to DIGITAL IN 1, as in the first diagram on p. III.

AMP

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VCR1

VCR2

MONITOR

Amplifier

TAPE 2

INPUT

ATT.

DIMMER

SPEAKER

A/B

System Setup

DIGITAL INPUT

SELECT

SPEAKER

SETTING

CHANNEL DELAY CHANNEL LEVEL

DIGITAL IN 1

DVD

MAIN SUB

BASS

TREBLE

TONE

SELECT

SYSTEM

LEVEL

SETUP

CROSSOVER

NETWORK

BASS PEAK LEVEL

MANAGER

DYNAMIC RANGE

CONTROL

VCR1

DIGITAL IN 3

BACK

REMOTE

SETUP

MD/TAPE1

LINE/

TUNER

CONTROL

1 Turn on the amplifier and your TV,

press the AMP button on the remote control.

2 Press the SUB button on the

remote control.

3 Press the SYSTEM SETUP button.

4 Press the DIGITAL INPUT SELECT

button.

5 Press the DIGITAL IN 3 button

which should correspond to the digital in jack you hooked your DVD up to (as in the optical digital connection diagram on p. III),

6 At the bottom of the remote

control the functions available will appear. Press the DVD/LD button.

7 Press the SETUP OK button.

Hold the remote control pointed towards the amplifier until you see the “RECEIVED” display on the amplifier. If "ERROR" flashes in the display, perform the setup operations from the first step again.

VCR1

LINE

OFF DVD/LD

VCR1

Quick Start Guide

5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound

1 Turn on the Amplifier, your TV, and the DVD player.

2 Press the STANDARD button on the front panel for the basic surround

sound setting.

You can also press the remote control AMP button and then press the STANDARD button on that Amplifier MAIN screen.

3 Press the DVD/LD button on the remote control.

You should see "DVD/LD" in the display on the amplifier.

4 Play a DVD.

6 For Better Surround Sound

1 Go through the entire "system setup" procedures as outlined on pages

30-39 of this instruction manual.

If you don't hook up any other components with digital audio or do so following the default settings of the amplifier (see p.14) you won't have to assign any more digital inputs, but many other adjustments will improve the sound tremendously.

2 Experiment with the different sound settings offered with the 2/DTS/

MPEG and DSP buttons.

For more information see p.41-45.

3 As mentioned above you should go through the "speaker setup" instructions

on pages 30-39 to set up your speakers properly. If you don't do this you, at least, need to make sure the CENTER channel is turned off if you don't have a center speaker. Use the instructions on pages 30-33 to get the display below on your remote control.

Front

Surround

Center

(not hooked up)

Speaker Setting

Surround back (not hooked up)

Sub

woofer

Front

BACK

THX

FREE

SETUP

Surround

If you don't have a center speaker press the CENTER button until the box appears empty. Then press the SETUP OK button to EXIT and go back to the System Setup screen.

Table of Contents

Features .............................................. 8

Before You Start ................................. 9

Checking the Supplied Accessories .......................... 9

How to Use This Manual ............................................ 9

Preparing the Remote Control ................................... 9

Loading the batteries .............................................. 9

Remote Control Battery Alarm ............................ 10

The Touch Pen & Lock .......................................... 10

Remote Control Cushions .................................... 10

Operating range of remote control unit .............. 10

The PIONEER SR system:

Operating other PIONEER components .............. 11

Installing the Amplifier ............................................. 11

Ventilation ............................................................. 11

Opening the Front Panel .......................................... 11

Connecting Your Equipment ............. 12

Audio Components ................................................... 12

Cassette deck placement ...................................... 12

Digital Connections .................................................. 13

Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player .... 14

Digital Input Assignment ..................................... 14

Video Components ................................................... 15

Satellite TV Components ......................................... 16

TV ............................................................................... 17

Multi Channel Input (External Decoder) ................. 17

Speakers .................................................................... 18

Placing Your Speakers .............................................. 19

Speaker placement ............................................... 19

Connecting additional amplifiers ............................ 20

Plugging In (Except for the UK model) ................... 20

Displays & Controls ........................... 21

Display ....................................................................... 21

Front Panel ................................................................ 22

Remote Control ......................................................... 24

Basic Amplifier LCD Screens ................................... 25

Amplifier MAIN screen ......................................... 25

Amplifier SUB screen ........................................... 26

Initial Set Up ....................................... 27

On Screen Display .................................................... 27

Switching video system between

PAL and NTSC .................................................. 27

Setting Up the Remote Control ............................... 28

Setting Up for Surround Sound .............................. 30

DIGITAL INPUT SELECT ....................................... 31

SPEAKER SETTING ............................................... 32

CHANNEL DELAY ................................................. 34

CHANNEL LEVEL .................................................. 35

CROSSOVER NETWORK ...................................... 37

BASS PEAK LEVEL MANAGER ............................ 38

DYNAMIC RANGE CONTROL .............................. 39

DUAL MONO SETTING ............................................ 40

Basic Playback .................................... 41

Sound Modes ............................................................ 41

STANDARD modes ............................................... 41

HOME THX CINEMA modes ................................ 41

ADVANCED THEATER modes .............................. 42

DSP modes ............................................................ 43

STEREO mode ....................................................... 43

Selecting a Sound Mode .......................................... 44

Using surround sound ......................................... 44

Playing Sources with Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS

Sound ........................................................................ 45

Playing Sources with Stereo Sound ....................... 46

Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input ......... 47

Reducing Noise During Playback ........................ 48

Listening in MIDNIGHT Mode .............................. 48

Listening in LOUDNESS Mode ............................ 49

Adjusting Bass and Treble (Tone Control) .......... 49

MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback ............................. 50

MULTI CHANNEL IN Setting ................................ 50

96kHz 24bit Performance ..................................... 50

Direct Playback ...................................................... 51

Adjusting the Brightness of the Display ............. 51

Remote Control

of Other Components ........................ 52

Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other

Components .............................................................. 52

Recalling Settings Stored in the Remote Control .... 52

Learning Mode: Programming Signals

from Other Remote Controls ........................... 54

Locking the Settings ................................................. 55

Item Memo ................................................................ 56

Key Rename .............................................................. 57

Using Remote Control with Other Components .... 58

DVD or LD player operations ............................... 58

CD player operations ............................................ 59

MD operations ...................................................... 60

TV operations ........................................................ 61

STB (satellite tuner) operations ........................... 62

STB (CATV) operations......................................... 62

Tuner operations ................................................... 63

Cassette deck operations ..................................... 64

VCR operations ..................................................... 65

Other screen for preset operations ..................... 65

Using Other Functions ....................... 66

Recording from Audio Components ....................... 66

Recording from Video Components ....................... 66

Video Select .............................................................. 67

Multi Operations ....................................................... 68

Performing multi operations ............................... 69

System OFF ............................................................... 70

Using SYSTEM OFF .............................................. 71

Setting up the DIRECT FUNCTION .......................... 72

Resetting the Remote Control ................................. 72

Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving ... 73

Dolby Digital .............................................................. 73

MPEG Audio .............................................................. 73

DTS ............................................................................ 74

THX ............................................................................ 74

Troubleshooting ........................................................ 75

Specifications ............................................................ 77

PREPARATION

SET

OPERATION

Features

Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept

The VSA-E08 amplifier is constructed with Pioneer’s industry-leading multi channel stereophonic concept. This well-developed approach to amplifier circuitry takes the high level base technology that, up until now, has been only used for stereo equipment and applies it to multi-channel audio-visual amplifiers. The result is that the product, in addition to being expertly built, and gives you optimal sound reproduction of DVDs, other multi channel sources and stereo sources as well. This amplifier is designed capture to a true reproduction of the intentions of a filmmaker or music producer at the time they were mastering the soundtrack in the studio. It incorporates 5 independent 130 watt built in power amplifiers, with high-performance Hex power Direct Power MOS FET output transistors. This construction provides improved linearity and accurate representation of each channel for true high fidelity reproduction from even the most demanding Dolby Digital and DTS program sources. In addition, the amplifier uses Direct Construction and a Direct Current Bus Bar to give the purest sound available. All these elements consolidated in one amplifier afford the listener a new surround sound experience in his or her home.

Universal Player Compatibility

This

amplifier Audio, which are just hitting the market. Its high compatibility offers a variety of inputs to decode all types of sources at the highest possible quality. The discrete channels of audio. It also has multi channel direct inputs and the ability to decode the cutting edge formats.

Decoding of Next Generation Digital Source Film Formats

Built into this amplifier is the latest in film sound format technology. This technology includes the recent THX SURROUND EX and HOME THX CINEMA surround modes which employ special processing to allow you to enjoy movie soundtracks with the same level of power and realism you experience in well-designed movie theaters. The THX SURROUND EX mode has been especially designed to incorporate surround back channels that some new source material uses. This amplifier has the ability to decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS (Digital Theater Systems) sources, which are the standards of home theater today. It also offers component video terminals for the sharpest video transmission available to the consumer.

Manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. U.S. patent numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703; and/or 5,222,059. European patent number 0323830. Other U.S. and foreign patents pending. Lucasfilm and THX are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. Surround EX is a trademark of Dolby Labs. Used under authorization.

incorporates the latest technology and is able to handle cutting edge audio formats, like DVD

amplifier

’s multi channel in connections lets you hook up eight

“DTS”, "ES" and “DTS Digital Surround” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Manufactured under licence from Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

Advanced Theater Modes & DSP Surround Modes

Advanced Theater modes enhance the sound of either film or music so a more dramatic effect can be achieved. The four modes are each designed to accentuate specific sound qualities, giving the listener a wide range of possibilities. DSP (Digital Signal Processing) surround modes give you the capability of transforming your living room into seven different sonic environments when listening to music.

Midnight Mode, Digital Noise Reduction & 7 Channel Tone Control

The Midnight mode allows you to obtain excellent surround sound effects even when listening at low volumes, something that was previously impossible. Digital noise reduction filters out unwanted noise from recordings to give you a clearer sound and the 7 channel tone control allows you to adjust the treble and bass of each channel individually to suit your listening tastes.

New LCD Touch Panel Remote Control

This touch sensitive screen remote control is the latest in convenient technology. It's easily viewed screen can access a huge amount of different buttons. Instead of the old method where one button had to perform many tasks, this remote can instantly change screens, allowing one button to have just one, clearly marked purpose. This remote can be used to operate a variety of other components simply by recalling the appropriate setup codes or by using the learning function to teach the remote control new commands. In addition, you can personalize your remote control with the key rename and item memo functions so that it reflects your personal home set up. The remote also has a lock feature to make sure none of the settings are changed accidentally.

The Energy-saving Design

This unit is designed to use less than 1 W of energy when the amplifier is in standby mode.

Before You Start

Checking the Supplied Accessories

Please check that you have received all of the following supplied accessories.

PREPARATION

“AA” IEC LR6 batteries x 4

Remote control unit

How to Use This Manual

This manual is for the VSA-E08 Audio/Video MultiChannel Amplifier. This manual is divided into three main sections which will tell you how to setup and use the unit :

PREPARATION

First carry out the tasks below in this “Before You Start“ section to prepare the remote control, then connect the amplifier to your other components as described in “Connecting Your Equipment“ (p.12-20). Take special care to connect your digital equipment like DVDs and LDs properly to be able to take advantage of the amplifier’s surround sound systems. To learn about a specific button, control, or indicator, see “Displays & Controls“ starting on p.21.

SET UP

Performing the tasks in “Initial Set Up“ (from p.27) is essential to get proper surround sound.

OPERATION

To play some music or soundtrack refer to “Basic

Touch pen

(Attached to the back of the remote control)

Cushion for Remote x 4

Operating Instructions

Playback“ on p.41. Doing the operations in “Remote Control of Other Components“ (p.52) is highly recommended so you can use this unit’s remote control for all your components. “Using Other Functions“ (p.66) explain the other possibilities of the amplifier. “Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving“ (p.73) provide detailed technical information and a troubleshooting guide.

The following marks and symbols are used throughout the manual:

memo

Provides additional information, precautions, and advice.

Indicates a blinking button, indicator, or display.

Indicates a steadily lit button, indicator, or display.

Preparing the Remote Control

Loading the batteries

Load the batteries into the remote control as shown below. The remote control uses a lot of power due to the LCD display so please use alkaline batteries. Depending on individual use you may have to change the batteries fairly often but most users should be able to get an average of 1-3 months of battery life. When you notice a decrease in the operating range or if the alarm sounds (see next page), replace all batteries with new ones. NOTE: After replacing the batteries, the touch panel will need re-adjusting (see p.28-29).

12 3

·

ª

CAUTION!

Incorrect use of batteries may result in such hazards as leakage and bursting. Observe the following precautions.

• Never use new and old batteries together.

• Insert the plus and minus sides of the batteries properly according to the marks in the battery case.

• Batteries with the same shape may have different voltages. Do not use different batteries together.

• When disposing of used batteries, please comply with governmental regulations or environmental public institution’s

rules that apply in your country or area.

·

· ª

ª

·

ª

“AA” IEC LR6 batteries x 4

Before You Start

Remote Control Battery Alarm

When the batteries get too weak to operate the remote control properly an alarm will sound and a warning screen will appear on the remote. Change the batteries as shown on the previous page.

The Touch Pen & Lock

The touch pen is located in the back right-hand corner of the remote control. Take it out by sliding your finger along the bottom right edge of the remote control and then grasping the pen with thumb and forefinger. The lock switch is located in the top right-hand corner on the back of the remote control. When this switch is set to LOCK you can’t use the buttons on the remote control. This is helpful to prevent you from mistakenly pushing a button. For normal use keep the switch set in USE.

lock switch

Touch pen

Change Battery !!

SIZE AA, LR6SIZE AA, LR6

OK ?

Remote Control Cushions

Apply the cushions to the feet of the remote control as shown in the diagram right.

Operating range of remote control unit

The area in which you can use the remote control to operate the VSA-E08 is fairly large. To use, point the remote control toward the remote sensor on the front panel of this unit while within the range shown right.

Remote control may not function properly if:

• There are obstacles between the remote control and the remote sensor.

• Direct sunlight or fluorescent light is shining onto the remote sensor.

• The amplifier located near a device emitting infrared rays.

• Operated simultaneously with another remote control which uses infrared rays.

Before You Start

The PIONEER SR System: Operating other PIONEER components

Connecting an optional control cord allows you to operate other PIONEER components simply by pointing the amplifier’s remote control at the remote sensor on the front panel of the amplifier. The amplifier then sends the remote control signals to the other devices via the CONTROL OUT terminal.

OUT

CONTROL

Amplifier

PIONEER component bearing the Î mark.

CONTROL

OUT

PREPARATION

memo

Remote Control

• You can also control PIONEER components (and those made by other manufacturers) by pointing the receiver's remote control directly at the respective component. This type of operation does not require control cords. All you have to do is recall the appropriate the stored settings (see p. 52).

• If you use a remote control hooked up via the CONTROL IN jack with a control cord, you won't be able to use this unit's remote control.

To CONTROL IN terminal of another PIONEER component bearing the Î mark.

Installing the Amplifier

Ventilation

• When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat radiation (at least 60 cm at the top, 10 cm at the rear, and 30 cm at each side). If not enough space is provided between the unit and walls or other equipment, heat will build up inside, interfering with performance or causing malfunctions.

• Do not place on a thick carpet, bed, sofa or fabric having a thick pile. Do not cover with fabric or other covering. Anything that blocks ventilation will cause the internal temperature to rise, which may lead to breakdown or fire hazard.

Opening the Front Panel

To open the front panel push gently on the lower third of the panel with your finger.

Connecting Your Equipment

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

Audio Components

To begin set up connect your audio components to the jacks as shown below. These are all analog connections and your analog audio components (turntable, cassette deck) use these jacks. Remember that for components you want to record with you need to hook up four plugs (a set of stereo ins and a set of stereo outs), but for components that only play (like a turntable) you only need to hook up one set of stereo plugs (two plugs). To use DTS or Dolby Digital surround sound features you must hook up your digital components to the digital inputs (see p.13). We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio jacks. If you want to record to/ from digital components (like an MD) to/from analog components you must hook up your digital equipment with these analog connections. See p.13,14 for more on digital connections.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

ANALOG

OUTPUT

INPUT

(PLAY)

(REC)

OUTPUT

(PLAY)

ANALOG

Recorder 1 (MD/Tape )

INPUT (REC)

Recorder 2 (MD/Tape )

If your turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the SIGNAL GND terminal.

RF IN (AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

LINE/

TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

SUB

WOOFER

FRONT

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

Turntable

ANALOG

OUTPUT

CD player

Please don't hook up any other component to the phono jacks other than a turntable. It could damage the equipment. If your turntable has a built-in amplifier please hook it up to the LINE IN or another input other than the PHONO.

7 Audio cords

Use audio cords (not supplied) to connect the audio components.

Connect red plugs to

R (right) and white plugs to L (left).

Be sure to insert

Cassette deck placement

Depending on where the cassette deck is placed, noise may occur during playback of your cassette deck which is caused by leakage flux from the transformer in the amplifier. If you experience noise, move the cassette deck farther away from the amplifier.

completely.

Connecting Your Equipment

Digital Connections

In order to use Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks which are at the heart of home theater you need to make digital audio connections. You can do this by either a coaxial or an optical connection (you don’t need to do both). The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components only have one type of digital terminal, it is a matter of matching like with like (for example, the coaxial out from the component to coaxial in on the amplifier). The VSA-E08 has two coaxial and three optical inputs for a total of five digital inputs. A DVD/LD player or LD player should be connected to a digital jack and the special 2 RF jack (if the LD has one) as well as a pair of analog jacks (see the next page). If possible hook up your digital equipment in accordance with this amplifier's default settings, see Digital Input Assignment, below left, in order to do this.We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio jacks in order to make recording from some digital sources which may be copy protected.

Connect your digital components as shown below.

There are two optical digital out jacks (the MD recorder is connected to one in the diagram below). If you connect this to the optical input on a digital recorder (currently these include MD, DAT and CD-R) you can make direct digital recordings with this unit. Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

PREPARATION

*The arrows indicate the direction of the audio signal.

RF IN

(AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

WOOFER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

LINE/ TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

7 Coaxial cords/Optical cables

Commercially available digital audio coaxial cords (standard video cords can also be used) or optical cables (not supplied) are used to connect digital components to this amplifier.

When you use optical digital input or output terminals, pull off the caps and insert the plugs. Be sure to insert completely.

(not a PCM-only output)

OUTPUT

Coaxial cord (or standard video cord)

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DVD player

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

CD player

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

TV tuner

DIGITAL

INPUT

(PLAY)

(REC)

MD recorder

Optical cable

Connecting Your Equipment

Example Connection for a DVD/LD or LD player

Make sure you connect your DVD/LD or LD players using both the 2 RF jack and either a coaxial or optical (you don't need to do both of these) digital connections. If your player has an 2 RF output this will ensure you can use all LDs (see p.15).

We also recommend hooking up your digital components to analog audio jacks. Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord

from the AC outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the video signal.

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VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

RF IN

(AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

WOOFER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

LINE/

TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

Be sure to make either a digital coaxial or digital optical connection (pictured as DIGITAL jack 1 or DIGITAL jack 3 in this diagram) as well, but you DON'T need to make both.

S VIDEOVIDEO

OUT

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

Also, be sure to assign the jacks to the proper component(s) with the DIGITAL INPUT SELECT procedure (see p.31) if necessary. See the explanation on the left for details.

RF OUT

(not a PCM-only output)

(AC-3)(LD)

DIGITAL OUT

VIDEO

COMPO-

VIDEO

NENT

S-VIDEO

ANALOG

STEREO

DVD/LD player or LD player

OUT

Digital Input Assignment

Unlike analog connections, the jacks for digital connections are not dedicated to one type of component, they can be used freely. Thus you must tell the amplifier what digital component in which jack so your components will be in sync with the names on the remote control buttons and the like. To avoid having to assign the digital inputs you can hook up your equipment in accordance with the amplifier's default settings.

The default are: DIGITAL IN 1: DVD/LD DIGITAL IN 2: CD DIGITAL IN 3: MD DIGITAL IN 4: TV/SAT DIGITAL IN 5 VCR1 AC-3 RF: DVD/LD You will notice that Digital IN 1, for example, is a coaxial jack. If your DVD/LD player only has an

optical out jack on it then you won't be able to hook up your components in accordance with the VSA-E08's default setting. In this case you will need to assign the digital inputs. See DIGITAL INPUT SELECT on p.31 in order to do this.

Connecting Your Equipment

Video Components

Connect your video components to the jacks as shown below. Regarding a DVD there are two types of connections to make. Hook up your video signal with either component video, S-video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture. For the audio signal, order to use Dolby Digital/DTS you must hook up a digital input. It is also a good idea to hook up your DVD components with analog audio connections as well, since some DVDs may not have a digital audio track. To cover all possible laser discs a DVD/LD player or LD player requires an analog connection and two digital connections (a coaxial or optical and a specialized 2 RF connection shown at the very top of the first diagram below).

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the video signal.

COMPO-

NENT

ANALOG

STEREO

2 RF

OUT

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

LD player only

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

DVD/LD player

(not a PCM-only output)

DIGITAL

PCM/

If you hook up your DVD/LD

/ DTS

DIGITAL

player using component video connections be sure to select component video output on your DVD player as well. See you DVD manual for details.

OUT IN

AUDIO

(PLAY)

(REC)

VIDEOVIDEO

VCR 1/DVR

OUT IN

AUDIO (PLAY)

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

AUDIO

(REC)

VIDEO

S-VIDEO

VCR 2

Connecting DVD/LD players

VIDEOAUDIO

COMPONENT VIDEO

S VIDEOVIDEO

MONITOR

OUT

OUT 1

OUT

CONTROL

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

RF IN (AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURR- OUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

LINE/

TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

SUB

WOOFER

FRONT

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT IN

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

PLAY

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

Connecting VCRs or DVRs

VIDEOAUDIO

COMPONENT VIDEO

S VIDEOVIDEO

MONITOR

OUT

OUT 1

OUT

CONTROL

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

RF IN (AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

LINE/ TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

SUB

WOOFER

FRONT

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

PLAY MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

MONITOR

OUT

PREPARATION

7 Front

VIDEO INPUT

S-VIDEO VIDEO L AUDIO R

PHONES

VIDEO INPUT

Front video connections are accessed via the front panel input selector as "VIDEO."

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If your video components have S-video jacks, you could use S-video cords (not supplied) to connect them on the back of the amplifier. These jacks are labeled by the Japanese designation "S" on the VSA-E08 but they are simply S-video jacks.

However, if you use S-video cords for your video hook ups you must also hook up your TV with Svideo connections. Conversely, if you use regular composite video cords for video hook ups, you should use them for your TV as well.

Connecting Your Equipment

Satellite TV Components

Connect your satellite TV components to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the video signal with either component video, S-video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture. For the audio signal, order to use digital soundtracks (sometimes broadcast over digital satellite TV) you must hook up a digital input. Use either a coaxial or optical cables, it doesn't matter which (you don't need to use both). It's also a good idea to hook up your audio with analog cables (see below). This connection is called STEREO AUDIO OUT in the diagram.

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

*The arrows indicate the direction of the TV signal.

VIDEO

COMPO-

RF IN

(AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

SUB. W

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

LINE/ TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SURR-

OUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

NENT

ANALOG

STEREO

VIDEO

OUT

S-VIDEO

DIGITAL

TV/Satellite tuner

DIGITAL

7 Analog audio/video cords

Use audio/video cords (not supplied) to connect the video components and a video cord to connect the monitor TV.

VIDEO

7 Digital audio coaxial cords/

Optical cables

Commercially available digital audio coaxial cords (standard video cords can also be used) or optical cables (not supplied) are used to connect digital components to this amplifier.

When you use optical digital input or output terminals, pull off the caps and insert the plugs. Be sure to insert completely.

Connect red plugs to R (right), white plugs to L (left), and the yellow plugs to VIDEO.

Be sure to insert completely.

Digital audio

Optical cable

coaxial cord

(or standard video cord)

Connecting Your Equipment

Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the signal with either component video, Svideo, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture.

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

PREPARATION

RF IN

(AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

memo

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD / TAPE1/ CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

WOOFER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

LINE/

TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

The COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jack can be used to get a TV picture but it doesn't show this receiver's on screen display (OSD).

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

VIDEO IN

COMPO-

VIDEO

NENT

S-VIDEO

TV/monitor

If you use S video cords to hook up a component the OSDs from the receiver will only be able to be seen on the S video out terminals.

Multi Channel Input (External Decoder)

In some cases you may want to have your source material (DVD, etc.) decoded externally. If you find you need a multi channel external decoder hook one up as shown below, but for most people this component is unnecessary (for more on this see p.50).

Before making or changing the connections,switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

RF IN (AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

LINE/

TUNER

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

CENTER

WOOFER

SURROUND

SUB

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

CONTROL

S VIDEOVIDEO

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MONITOR

OUT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

Components equipped with

7.1 (5.1) channel analog output jack

ANALOG

SUB

FRONT

SURR-

CENTER

OUND

WOOFER

SURR-

OUND BACK

Connecting Your Equipment

Speakers

A full complement of eight speakers is shown here but, naturally, everyone's home set up will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner described below. The VSA-E08 will work with just two stereo speakers (called "front" speakers in the diagram) but the amplifier is designed to be used with at least three speakers.

One of the latest features of home theater is the use of SURROUND BACK speakers. These speakers add even great realism in movie sound effects and new discs with soundtracks in Dolby Digital or DTS incorporates these channels. In order to be able to use these channels you must hook your SURROUND BACK speakers up to an external amplifier and then connect that to the VSA-E08, as shown in the diagram below. If you only have one SURROUND BACK speaker hook it up the SURROUND BACK L (SINGLE) terminal on the back of the amplifier.

In general, make sure you connect the speaker on the right to the right terminal and the speaker on the left to the left terminal. Also make sure the positive and negative (+/–) terminals on the amplifier match those on the speakers. Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

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The VSA-E08 has two speaker systems, A & B. A is the main system supporting the full complement of surround sound speakers. If you switch on both A & B speaker systems, only front speakers and the subwoofer will be audible. No sound will come from the center or surround speakers but multi channel sources will be down-mixed to the active speakers so no sound will be lost. Similarly, if you choose just the B system you‘ll only hear the front speakers connected to the B system and multi channel sources will be down-mixed to these two speakers.

Please use speakers with a nominal impedance rated 6Ω-16Ω.

For instructions explaining the speaker terminals see the next page.

Powered

IN2IN

OUTOUT

DIGITAL

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

LINE/ TUNER

sub-woofer

5IN4IN3

PRE OUT

SURROUND

MULTI CH IN

FRONT

SUB

WOOFER

CENTER

WOOFER

AUDIO

INPUT

SURROUND

SUB

RLL

TV/monitor

Center

speaker

VIDEOAUDIO

COMPONENT VIDEO

S VIDEOVIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

DVD /

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD /

TAPE1/

CD-R

REC

OUT

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

CONTROL

MONITOR

FRONT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

OUT

SPEAKERS

SWITCHED TOTAL 100W MAX

SURROUND

CENTER

FRONT

speaker (A)

Surround

speaker

(Left)

Front

(Left)

RF IN (AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

Front

speaker (A)

(Right)

AC OUTLETS

Surround

speaker

UNSWITCHED 100W MAX

(Right)

Surround back

speaker (Left)

Additional Amplifier (See p.20)

Surround back

speaker (Right)

The illustration is not applicable to the UK model.

Connecting Your Equipment

7 Speaker terminals

1 Twist exposed wire

strands together.

2 Loosen speaker terminal

and insert exposed wire.

3 Tighten

terminal.

10mm

Placing Your Speakers

Proper speaker placement is essential to realize the best sound from your system. The diagram and tips given here are just a rough guide; be sure to read the instructions that come with your speakers.

Speaker placement

If you have a multiple speaker arrangement the placement of the speakers is extremely important. To achieve the best possible surround sound, install your speakers as shown below. Make sure all speakers are installed securely to prevent accidents and improve sound quality. Be sure to consult your speaker manuals for the best placement of the speakers. Some speakers are designed to be floor-standing but others benefit greatly from speakers stands which raise them off the floor.

PREPARATION

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Front

Left

Surround

Left

Surround Back

Left

Listening

Position

Front RightCenter

Sub

Woofer

Surround

Right

Surround Back

Right

• Install the left and right front speakers at equal distances from the TV.

• When installing speakers near the TV, we recommend using magnetically shielded speakers to prevent possible interference such as distortion in the color of the TV screen. If you do not have magnetically shielded speakers and notice discoloration of the TV screen, place the speakers farther away from the TV.

• Install the center speaker above or below the TV so that the sound of the center channel is localized at the TV screen.

CAUTION:

When installing the center speaker on top of the TV, be sure to secure it with tape or some other suitable means. Otherwise, the speaker may fall from the TV due to external shocks such as earthquakes, and it may lead to endangering those nearby or damaging the speaker.

• If possible, install the surround speakers slightly above ear level.

• It may be difficult to obtain a cohesive surround effect if the surround speakers are installed farther away from the listening position than the front and center speakers.

Connecting Your Equipment

R A

Connecting additional amplifiers

To hook up surround back speakers you need to use an additional amplifier. Other than for that purpose this amplifier has more than sufficient power for any home use, but it is possible to add additional amplifiers to every channel of your system. Make the connections shown below to add amplifiers to power your speakers.

Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

RF IN

(AC-3)

PCM / 2/ DTS/ MPEG

DIGITAL

IN2IN

SURROUND

FRONT

OUTOUT

CENTER

PLAY

TAPE2 MONITOR

REC

CD IN

LINE/ TUNER

PRE OUT

AUDIO

5IN4IN3

MULTI CH IN

SUB

WOOFER

FRONT

SURR-

OUND

CENTER

SUB

WOOFER

VIDEOAUDIO

DVD /

LD IN

TV / SAT

VCR1 / DVR

OUT

VCR2

OUT

MONITOR

PLAY

OUT 1

MD / TAPE1/ CD-R

REC

MONITOR

PHONO

OUT 2

OUT

S VIDEOVIDEO

CONTROL

COMPONENT VIDEO

DVD/LDINTV/SAT

MULTI CH IN

SURROUND

BACK

(Songle)

SURROUND

BACK

PRE OUT

MONITOR

OUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

ANALOG

INPUT

Surround channel amplifier

Front channel amplifier

Powered sub woofer

Center channel amplifier (mono)

Surround back channel amplifier

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You can use the additional amplifier on the surround back channels for a single speaker as well. In this case plug the amplifier into the L (SINGLE) terminal only.

We suggest using a Pioneer M-10X or A-509R amplifier as your additional amp.

Plugging In (Except for the UK model)

Up to three components can be powered from this amplifier. Two of the outlets are switched, which means that power is switched on and off with the amplifier. The third is unswitched, which means that power is delivered so long as the amplifier is plugged in.

Before making or changing the connections,switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

UNSWITCHED 100W MAX

AC OUTLETS

Caution!

Power consumption of any equipment connected to the switched power outlets should not exceed 100 W (0.8A).

Power consumption of any equipment connected to the unswitched power outlet should not exceed 100 W (0.8A).

To avoid overheating, fire risk and possible malfunction, do not connect high-wattage appliances such as heaters, irons, monitors or TV sets to this units AC outlets.

Disconnect the amplifier from the power outlet when it's not in regular use, for example, when on vacation.

COMPONENT VIDEO

/LD

TV/SAT

SWITCHED

SURROUND

TOTAL 100W MAX

FRONT

MONITOR

OUT

SPEAKERS

FRONT

I CH IN

OUND

L (Single)

OUT

Caution !

Do not connect a monitor or TV to this unit's AC OUTLETS.

CENTER

Displays & Controls

Display

All the display information is explained and/or referenced here.

SELECT

OVER

ANALOG

SP AB DIGITAL AC-3RF

AUTO

AC-3DTS MPEG

LS S RS

H.P

LFE

789

MIDNIGHTLOUDNESSATTSIGNAL

1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators

Light to indicate the input signal you selected of the source signal.

ANALOG : Lights when analog signals are assigned. DIGITAL : Lights when digital audio signals are selected. AC-3 RF : Lights when AC-3 RF signals are assigned. AUTO : Lights when the receiver is set to select the input signal automatically.

2 Program Format indicators

AC-3 : Lights when a source with Dolby Digital

signals is played. DTS : Lights when a source with DTS audio signals is played. MPEG: Blinks when the MPEG mode is selected, and lights when a source with MPEG audio signals is played.

For Dolby Digital or DTS sources, these indicators change according to which channels are active in the source. When all three LS (left surround), S (surround) and RS (right surround) light at the same time it means a Source with Surround EX or DTS-ES flag is being used.

L – Left front channel. C – Center channel. R – Right front channel. LS – Left surround channel. S – Surround channel (mono). RS – Right surround channel. LFE – Low Frequency Effects channel.

3 Analog level indicators

OVER – When the source signal is analog, this

lights if the signal is in danger of distorting. Press INPUT ATT on the remote control to lower the signal level.

ATT – Lights when INPUT ATT is used to reduce the level of the analog source signal.

4 Speaker indicators

Light to indicate the current speaker system, A and/or B.

DSP

MPEG

VOLUME

TAPE 2

STEREO

PRO LOGIC

DIGITAL

5 LOUDNESS indicator (See p.49)

Lights when the LOUDNESS mode is on.

6 H.P (headphones)

Lights when headphones are connected to the PHONES jack (speakers systems A and B both turn off automatically).

7 MIDNIGHT indicator (See p.48)

Lights when the MIDNIGHT LISTENING mode is on.

8 DSP indicator (See p.43-45)

Light when a DSP or Advanced Theater modes are selected.

9 STEREO indicator

Lights when a STEREO mode is selected.

10 Function indicator

Displays the function.

11 2/dts/MPEG mode indicators

2 DIGITAL : When the 2/dts mode on the

amplifier is on, this indicator lights to indicate playback of a Dolby Digital signal. However, PRO LOGIC lights during 2 channel playback of Dolby Digital.

2 PRO LOGIC : When the 2/dts mode on the

amplifier is on, this indicator lights during 2 channel playback. ( Both B or A+B speaker systems turn off automatically when headphones are plugged.)

DTS : Lights when DTS signals are input. THX: Lights when the HOME THX CINEMA mode

is selected.

MPEG: Lights when MPEG signals are input.

MASTER VOLUME indication

Displays current volume level.

TAPE 2 indicator

Lights when the TAPE 2 monitor is on.

Character display

Displays sound modes, general information,

PREPARATION

Displays & Controls

Front Panel

All the controls on the front panel are explained and/or referenced here. To open the front panel push gently on the lower third of the panel.

12 536789

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER

STANDBY/ON

— OFF _ ON

PHONES

DSP

STANDBY

MODE

/DTS/MPEG

THX CINEMA ADVANCED STANDARD

VIDEO INPUT

S-VIDEO VIDEO

L AUDIO R

10 11 12 13 14 15

1 STANDBY/ON button

Press to switch the amplifier ON or into STANDBY mode.

STANDBY indicator

Lights when the amplifier is in STANDBY mode. (Please note that this amplifier consumes a small amount of power [1.0 W] in the standby mode.)

_ ON/ — OFF button

If the button is OFF (—), the power of the amplifier is shut off and the STANDBY/ON button on the amplifier or the remote control do not function. Pressing the button again will turn the amplifier ON (_) and the amplifier enters the standby mode. In the standby mode, you can turn on the amplifier using the STANDBY/ON button on the amplifier or the remote control.

2 DSP MODE button (See p.43)

Press repeatedly to select a DSP sound mode. (HALL 1, HALL 2, JAZZ, DANCE, THEATER 1, or THEATER 2, 5/7 CH STEREO). Use these modes to produce surround sound from standard (two channel) stereo sources and create different listening environments.

STEREO/DIRECT button (See p.43,46,51)

Switches the amplifier into STEREO mode if it was in a different sound mode (like DSP MODE) or toggles between DIRECT and STEREO mode. For more on STEREO mode see p.43.

DIRECT playback bypasses the tone controls, DIGITAL NR, LOUDNESS, MIDNIGHT and channel level for the most accurate reproduc-

tion of a program source.

STEREO/

DIRECT

N∫z¿x?˘

VIDEO VCR 1/DVR VCR 2 DVD/LD TV/SAT

CHANNEL

MULTI CH

SPEAKERS

INPUT

TONE

- BASS +

SELECT

LOUDNESS

- TREBLE +

DIMMER

LINE/

MD/TAPE1/

TUNER

PHONO

5-CHANNEL EQUAL POWER OUTPUT

DIGITAL

CD-R

SIGNAL

EFFECT/

SELECT

CH SELECT

TAPE 2

VIDEO

MONITOR

SELECT

2/ DTS/ MPEG buttons (See p.41-45, 73-

74)

THX CINEMA – Cycles through the THX

CINEMA, THX SURRROUND EX or THX AUTO sound modes. If you have THX-certified speaker setup or want to re-create a THX-style sound environment. It is also appropriate for Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS or MPEG sources. Those with surround back speakers can use all three THX modes, those without can only use the THX CINEMA mode.

ADVANCED – Use to select one of the four Advanced Theater modes. Use to create certain types of sound environments when listening to Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS or MPEG sources.

STANDARD – Use for pure decoding of multi channel sources, especially Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS or MPEG sources. Each press toggles between STANDARD and STANDARD

7.1 mode (for use with SURROUND BACK speakers) and STANDARD auto (the amplifier chooses the appropriate STANDARD mode). Those with surround back speakers can use all three STANDARD modes, those without can only use the STANDARD mode.

3 MULTI CH INPUT (See p.50)

Use to hook up an external component that can decode other types of signals and input them into the VSA-E08.

MIN MAX

1716

INPUT SELECTOR

MASTER VOLUME

Displays & Controls

4 TONE control buttons

TONE button

This button has two functions. Firstly, it switches between TONE ON and TONE BYPASS, which bypasses the tone circuitry. Secondly, you need to press the button before using the CHANNEL SELECT buttons to adjust the BASS & TREBLE (cannot be used in THX or MULTI CH IN modes).

CHANNEL SELECT button

Switches the tone adjust controls between the FRONT, CENTER, SURROUND and SURROUND BACK speakers. You can then use the BASS and TREBLE controls to adjust the sound.

BASS (–/+) buttons (See p.49)

Use to adjust low frequencies.

TREBLE (–/+) buttons (See p.49)

Use to adjust the high frequencies.

5 LOUDNESS button (See p.49)

Switches the LOUDNESS mode on or off. Can not be used in THX, MULTI CH IN.

DIGITAL NR button (See p.48)

Switches the DIGITAL NR on or off (cannot be used in THX CINEMA and MULTI CH IN mode).

SIGNAL SELECT button (See p.47)

Use to select the type of signal being input into the amplifier. Press SIGNAL SELECT repeatedly to select one of the following:

ANALOG – To select an analog signal. DIGITAL – To select a optical or coaxial digital

signal.

AC-3 RF – To select an 2 RF signal. AUTO – This is the default. If there are analog,

digital and 2 RF signals input, the receiver automatically selects the 2 RF signal. If there are analog and digital signals input the digital will be selected.

6 Display (See page 21) 7 Remote sensor

Point the remote control toward the remote sensor to operate the amplifier.

8 FL DIMMER button (See p.51)

Use to adjust the brightness of the main display.

9 INPUT SELECTOR dial

Turn to select a source component. The source indicators show the current component:

DVD/LD – DVD player or Laser Disc player. TV/SAT– TV or satellite tuner. CD – Compact Disc player. MD/TAPE1/CD-R – Tape deck, Mini Disc

recorder or CD recorder connected to MD/ TAPE 1/CD-R inputs/outputs.

LINE/TUNER – FM/AM tuner. PHONO – Turntable.

VIDEO – Video camera (etc.) connected to the

VIDEO INPUT on the front panel. VCR1/DVR – Video cassette recorder connected to VCR1/DVR inputs. VCR 2 – Video cassette recorder or other component connected to VCR 2 inputs.

10 PHONES jack

Connect headphones for private listening (no sound will be heard through the speakers).

11 VIDEO INPUT jacks (See p.15)

S-VIDEO : Video input for connecting a video camera (etc.), that has an S-Video out.

VIDEO / AUDIO (L/R) : Video input for connecting a video camera, etc. that has standard video/audio outputs.

SPEAKERS (A/B) button

Use to select the speaker system. A is the primary setting. It plays all speakers hooked up to the A system. A & B setting only plays the front speakers of both the A & B systems and the sub-woofer. Multi channel sources will be down-mixed to these speakers so no sound will be lost. B setting only plays the front speakers connected to the B system and multi channel sources will be down-mixed to these two speakers. The button cycles through the speaker systems as follows: A]B]A&B]off.

VIDEO SELECT button

Switches the amplifier between the various types of video input.

TAPE 2 MONITOR button (See p.66)

Selects the tape deck (MD recorder, etc.) connected to the TAPE 2 MONITOR inputs/ outputs. Allows monitoring of a recording as it's being made.

EFFECT/CHANNEL SELECT LEVEL(–/+) buttons

EFFECT : Use these buttons to increase or

decrease the amount of effect applied in a DSP or Advanced Theater mode. When the amount of effect is increased in a DSP/Advanced Theater mode, the characteristics of that mode become stronger and more noticeable. The scale ranges from 10-90 with 70 as the default setting. First turn on the DSP or ADVANCED Theater you want (by pressing the DSP MODE/ ADVANCED button until you get the mode) and then increase or decrease the amount of effect.

CHANNEL : You may want to adjust the channels when listening to some sound sources. Use this button to select the channel you want to adjust.

–/+ : Use these buttons to select the amount of effect in a sound mode or to adjust the channel level when making surround sound settings.

Source indicators

Shows the source currently selected.

MASTER VOLUME

Adjusts the overall amplifier volume.

PREPARATION

Displays & Controls

Remote Control

These pages describe the buttons on the remote control used to operate the amplifier. Since the screen on this LCD remote control changes when you select a different function, explanations of buttons for controlling other components/functions can be found in the sections for those components/functions.

1 STANDBY/ON button

Press to turn power of the amplifier on or to STANDBY (off).

2 AMP button

Press to switch the remote control into amplifier mode or to get amplifier screens.

3 Function buttons

These buttons are the basic controls that switch the mode of the amplifier and allow you to control your other components. DVD/LD: Press to switch the remote control into DVD/LD mode. TV/SAT: Press to switch the remote control into TV/SAT (satellite tuner) mode. VCR 1: Press to switch the remote control into VCR 1 mode. VCR 2: Press to switch the remote control into VCR 2 mode. MD/TAPE 1: Press to switch the remote control into MD/TAPE 1 mode. CD: Press to switch the remote control into CD mode. LINE/TUNER: Press to switch the remote control into LINE/TUNER mode. TV CONTROL: Press so that the remote control can operate the TV CONTROL commands.

REMOTE CONTROL screen (See p.25-26)

5 REMOTE SETUP button.

Use to customize the remote control functions and the remote control itself. (See “Remote Control of Other Components“ starting on p.52)

6 LOCK switch

Use to lock the remote control so it doesn't turn on by accident. For normal use keep it set in USE.

7 TV CONTROL buttons

The following buttons are used to control the TV only and can be used once they are preset to control your TV.

STANDBY/ON : Press to turn the power of the

TV on/off.

12345

use lock

CONTROL

AMP

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

VCR1

VCR2

STANDBY/ON

ENTER

BACK LIGHT

on/off

OPERATION

SYSTEM

MULTI

REMOTE

SETUP

MD/TAPE1

LINE1

TUNER

CONTROL

MASTER VOLUME

OFF

MUTING

FUNCTION

VOL

FUNCTION

–

FUNCTION : Press TV FUNC to select the TV for remote control operation. CH +/– : Use these buttons to change the channel of the TV. VOL +/– : Press to control the volume of the TV.

8 FUNCTION button

Press to select a source. The button will cycle through all the possible sources.

9 MASTER VOLUME button

Use to raise or lower the volume of the amplifier.

0 MUTING button

Press to mute or restore the volume.

- SYSTEM OFF button (see p.70-71)

This button turns off components in two ways. First, when pressed it will turn off all PIONEER components. Secondly, any component that has programmed into the SYSTEM OFF settings will be turned off. For example : If you programmed power off in the SYSTEM OFF settings for your TV and VCR, pressing the SYSTEM OFF button will turn off these components even if they are not PIONEER products.

= MULTI OPERATION button

Use this button to start the MULTI OPERATION mode. See p.68-69 for how to program and use the MULTI OPERATION mode.

~ 5˜∞(BACK LIGHT on/off)˜2˜3˜ENTER

buttons

These buttons can be used for a variety of operations. In the SYSTEM SETUP menu, the 5˜∞ buttons can be used to adjust CHANNEL DELAY or CHANNEL LEVEL. The 5˜∞ buttons, pressed simultaneously, can be use to lock or unlock a setting (see p.55). These buttons are also used to control the DVD menu for the DVD remote control screen. If the reomte control is in the REMOTE SETUP mode you can use the ∞ button to adjust the BACKLIGHT (see p.29).

memo

To turn on the remote control touch it anywhere on the screen

+ 54 hidden pages

Pioneer vsa-e08 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual