Pioneer VSX-517-S-K User Manual

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
RECEIVER

VSX-517-S/-K
VSX-817-S/-K

Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

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:

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

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Information to User

Alteration or modifications carried out without appropriate authorization may invalidate the user’s right to operate
the equipment.

CAUTION: This product satisfies FCC regulations when shielded cables and connectors are used to connect the
unit to other equipment. To prevent electromagnetic interference with electric appliances such as radios and
televisions, use shielded cables and connectors for connections.

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.

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Replacement and mounting of an AC plug on the power supply cord of this unit should be performed only by qualified
service personnel.

IMPORTANT: THE MOULDED PLUG

This appliance is supplied with a moulded three pin mains plug for your safety and convenience. A 10 amp fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the
fuse need to be replaced, please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 10 amps and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI to BS1362.

Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI mark on the body of the fuse.

If the plug contains a removable fuse cover, you must ensure that it is refitted when the fuse is replaced. If you lose the fuse cover the plug
must not be used until a replacement cover is obtained. A replacement fuse cover can be obtained from your local dealer.

If the fitted moulded plug is unsuitable for your socket outlet, then the fuse shall be removed and the plug cut off and disposed of
safely. There is a danger of severe electrical shock if the cut off plug is inserted into any 13 amp socket.

If a new plug is to be fitted, please observe the wiring code as shown below. If in any doubt, please consult a qualified electrician.

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

Blue : Neutral Brown : Live
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the 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.

How to replace the fuse: Open the fuse compartment with a screwdriver and replace the fuse.

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T

Voltage selector

Y

ou can find the voltage selector switch on the rear

panel of multi-voltage models.

The factory setting for the voltage selector is 220 V.
Please set it to the correct voltage for your country
or region.

• Saudi Arabia operates on 127 V and 220 V mains
voltage. Please set to the correct voltage before using.

• For Taiwan, please set to 110 V before using.

• For Mexico, please set to 120 V to 127 V before using.

Before changing the voltage, disconnect the AC power
cord. Use a medium size screwdriver to change the
voltage selector switch.

TWO VOLTAGE SELECTORS

230

-

220V

110V

For Taiwan exclusively

aiwanese two pin flat-bladed plug

240V

-

127V

120

110V

120

-

127V

220V

-

240V

230

Medium-size screwdriver

VENTILATION CAUTION

When installing this unit, make sure to leave space
around the unit for ventilation to improve heat
radiation (at least 40 cm at top, 10 cm at rear, and
20 cm at each side).

WARNING

Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for
ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the
product, and to protect it from overheating. To
prevent fire hazard, the openings should never be
blocked or covered with items (such as newspapers,
table-cloths, curtains) or by operating the
equipment on thick carpet or a bed.

WARNING

This equipment is not waterproof. To prevent a fire
or shock hazard, do not place any container filed
with liquid near this equipment (such as a vase or
flower pot) or expose it to dripping, splashing, rain
or moisture.

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WARNING

To prevent a fire hazard, do not place any naked
flame sources (such as a lighted candle) on the
equipment.

WARNING

Before plugging in for the first time, read the following

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section carefully.

The voltage of the available power supply differs
according to country or region. Be sure that the
power supply voltage of the area where this unit
will be used meets the required voltage (e.g., 230 V
or 120 V) written on the rear panel. D3-4-2-1-4_A_En

CAUTION

The STANDBY/ON switch on this unit will not
completely shut off all power from the AC outlet.
Since the power cord serves as the main disconnect
device for the unit, you will need to unplug it from
the AC outlet to shut down all power. Therefore,
make sure the unit has been installed so that the
power cord can be easily unplugged from the AC
outlet in case of an accident. To avoid fire hazard,
the power cord should also be unplugged from the
AC outlet when left unused for a long period of time
(for example, when on vacation).

If the AC plug of this unit does not match the AC
outlet you want to use, the plug must be removed
and appropriate one fitted. Replacement and
mounting of an AC plug on the power supply cord of
this unit should be performed only by qualified
service personnel. If connected to an AC outlet, the
cut-off plug can cause severe electrical shock. Make
sure it is properly disposed of after removal.
The equipment should be disconnected by removing
the mains plug from the wall socket when left
unused for a long period of time (for example, when
on vacation).

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Operating Environment

Operating environment temperature and humidity:
+5 ºC to +35 ºC (+41 ºF to +95 ºF); less than 85 %RH
(cooling vents not blocked)
Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in
locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or
strong artificial light)

This product is for general household purposes. Any
failure due to use for other than household purposes
(such as long-term use for business purposes in a
restaurant or use in a car or ship) and which
requires repair will be charged for even during the
warranty period.

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Contents

01 Before you start

Checking what’s in the box
Loading the batteries
Operating range of remote control unit
Installing the receiver

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater
Listening to Surround Sound
Using the Quick Setup
Automatically setting up for surround sound
(MCACC)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Other problems during Auto MCACC

03 Connecting up

Making cable connections

Analog audio cables

Digital audio cables

Video cables

Connecting a TV and DVD player

Connecting the multichannel analog

outputs

Connecting a satellite receiver or other digital
set-top box
Connecting other audio components

About the WMA9 Pro decoder

Connecting other video components

Using the component video jacks

Connecting to the front panel video

terminal

Connecting to the front panel audio mini

jack

Connecting antennas

Using external antennas

Connecting the speakers

Speaker terminals

Hints on speaker placement

Speaker placement diagrams

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

04 Controls and displays

Front panel
Display
Remote control (VSX-817)
Remote control (VSX-517)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback
Listening in surround sound

Using the Advanced surround effects

Setting the effect options

Listening in stereo
Using Front Stage Surround Advance
Using Stream Direct

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

. . . . . . 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

. . . . . 11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

. . . . . . . . . 13

. . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . . 20

. . . . . . . . . . . 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

. . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . 33

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ
Choosing the input signal
Using surround back channel processing
Using Virtual Surround Back (VSB)
Using Phase Control
Using Midnight and Loudness
Enhancing dialog
Using the tone controls
Using the Sound Retriever
Playing other sources
Selecting the multichannel analog inputs
Selecting the front audio inputs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

. . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . 34

. . . 35

. . . . . . . . 35

. . . 38

. . . . . . . . . . 38

06 The System Setup menu

Using the System Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Surround back speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Manual MCACC speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Fine Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Manual speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Speaker setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Crossover network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Channel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

The Input Assign menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

The Other setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Dynamic Range Control Setup . . . . . . . . . . 46

Dual Mono Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

LFE Attenuator Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

07 Using the tuner

Listening to the radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Saving station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Naming station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Listening to station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Changing the frequency step. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

08 Making recordings

Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . 49

09 Controlling the rest of your
system

Setting the remote to control other

components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Direct function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Clearing all the remote control settings. . . . . 51

Controls for TVs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Controls for other components . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Preset Code List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

10 Other connections

Second Zone speaker B setup

Switching the speaker system
Bi-amping your front speakers
Bi-wiring your speakers

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . 56

. . . . . . . . . . . 57

11 Additional information

Troubleshooting
Resetting the main unit
Switching the speaker impedance
Power cord caution
Specifications

Cleaning the unit

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

English Italiano Français

Nederlands

EspañolDeutsch

Before you start01

Chapter 1:

Before you start

Checking what’s in the box

Please check that you’ve received the following

supplied accessories:

• AM loop antenna

• FM wire antenna

• AA size IEC R6 dry cell batteries (to confirm
system operation) x2

• Remote control

• Setup microphone

• Power cords (make sure you use the
correct cord for your country/region):

VSX-517/817-K (black models)

Round 2-pin type and Australian type

VSX-517/817-S (silver models)

Round 2-pin type, flat blade 2-pin type and
UK 3-pin type (Except Australian model)

• Power plug adaptor

• J-shaped plug

• These operating instructions

(VSX-817 model only)

(VSX-517/817-K only)

Loading the batteries

Illustration shows the VSX-517 model

Illustration shows the VSX-817 model

Important

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 instruction’s rules
that apply in your country or area.

6

En

Before you start

01

WARNING

• Do not use or store batteries in direct
sunlight or other excessively hot place,
such as inside a car or near a heater. This
can cause batteries to leak, overheat,
explode or catch fire. It can also reduce the
life or performance of batteries.

Operating range of remote
control unit

The remote control has a range of about 7
meters. It may not work properly if:

• There are obstacles between the remote
control and the receiver’s remote sensor.

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

• The receiver is located near a device that is
emitting infrared rays.

• The receiver is operated simultaneously
with another infrared remote control unit.

Installing the receiver

• When installing this unit, make sure to put
it on a level and stable surface.

Don’t install it on the following places:
– on a color TV (the screen may distort)
– near a cassette deck (or close to a device that
gives off a magnetic field). This may interfere
with the sound.
– in direct sunlight
– in damp or wet areas
– in extremely hot or cold areas
– in places where there is vibration or other
movement
– in places that are very dusty
– in places that have hot fumes or oils (such as
a kitchen)

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

En

7

5 minute guide02

Chapter 2:

5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater

Home theater refers to the use of multiple
audio tracks to create a surround sound effect,
making you feel like you’re in the middle of the
action or concert. The surround sound you get
from a home theater system depends not only
on your speaker setup, but also on the source
and the sound settings of the receiver.

This receiver will automatically decode
multichannel Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby
Surround sources according to your speaker
setup. In most cases, you won’t have to make
changes for realistic surround sound, but
other possibilities (like listening to a CD with
multichannel surround sound) are explained in

Listening to your system

Listening to Surround Sound

This receiver was designed with the easiest
possible setup in mind, so with the following
quick setup guide, you should have your
system hooked up for surround sound in no
time at all. In most cases, you can simply leave
the receiver in the default settings.

• Be sure to complete all connections before
connecting to an AC power source.

1 Connect your TV and DVD player.

See

Connecting a TV and DVD player

to do this. For surround sound, you’ll want to
hook up using a digital connection from the
DVD player to the receiver.

2 Connect your speakers and place them for
optimal surround sound.

See

Connecting the speakers

on page 31.

on page 13

on page 19.

Where you place the speakers will have a big
effect on the sound. Place your speakers as
shown below for the best surround sound
effect. Also see

Hints on speaker placement

on

page 20 for more on this.

Front
speaker
(R)

Subwoofer (SW)

Surround back
speaker (SBL)*

Surround
speaker (RS)

Surround
back
speaker (SBR)*

Front

speaker

(L)

Listening
position

Center
speaker
(C)

Surround
speaker (LS)

* VSX-817 model only

3 Plug in and switch on the receiver, followed
by your DVD player, subwoofer and TV.

Make sure you’ve set the video input on your TV
to this receiver. Check the manual that came
with the TV if you don’t know how to do this.

4

VSX-517 model –

Press QUICK SETUP on the
front panel to specify your speaker setup,
room size and listening position.

Use the
to confirm your selection. See

Setup

MULTI JOG

dial to select and

below for more on this.

VSX-817 model –

Use the display automatic

ENTER

Using the Quick

MCACC setup to set up your system.

See

Automatically setting up for surround

sound (MCACC)

below for more on this.

5 Play a DVD, and adjust the volume.

Make sure that

DVD

is showing in the
receiver’s display, indicating that the DVD
input is selected. If it isn’t, press

model)

/

DVD/LD (VSX-817 model)

DVD (VSX-517

on the remote

to set the receiver to the DVD input.

8

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5 minute guide

02

There are several other sound options you can
select. See
for more on this.

menu

Listening to your system

1

See also

on page 31

The System Setup

on page 39 for more setup options.

2.1ch – 3.1ch – 4.1ch – 5.1ch

If you selected NO for the subwoofer setting in
step 3, the following choices are available:

2.0ch – 3.0ch – 4.0ch – 5.0ch

• Check the table below to find the speaker

Using the Quick Setup

setup that corresponds with your system.

VSX-517 model only

You can use the Quick Setup to get your
system up and running with just a few button
presses. The receiver automatically makes the
necessary settings after you have selected your
speaker setup, room size and listening
position.

If you want to make more specific settings,
refer to

The System Setup menu

on page 39.

Use the front panel controls for the steps
below.

ENTER

STEREO/

TUNING

STATION

STANDARD

F.S.SURR

LISTENING MODE

STANDBY/ON

PHASE

CONTROL

DIALOGUE

PHASE

AUTO SURR/

ENHANCEMENT

CONTROL

PHONES

DVD 5.1 TV/SAT

DVD/LD

DIRECT

SOUND

RETRIEVER

SIGNAL
SELECT

DVR/VCR

MIDNIGHT/

VSB

LOUDNESS

MODE

TONE

QUICK

TUNER

SETUP

EDIT

SETUP RETURN

DIMMER

MULTI JOG

1 If the receiver is off, press



STANDBY/ON

2 Press

3 Use the

to turn the power on.

QUICK SETUP

MULTI JOG

.

dial to choose your

subwoofer setting.

Select

YES

or NO, depending on whether

you’ve connected a subwoofer.

4 Press

5 Use the

ENTER

.

MULTI JOG

dial to choose your

speaker setup.

If you selected

YES

for the subwoofer setting in

step 3, the following choices are available:

VSX-517

MULTI JOG

ADVANCED
SURROUND

UPDOWN

6 Press

7 Use the
room size.

MASTER
VOLUME

Depending on the distance of your speakers

ENTER

.

MULTI JOG

dial to choose your

from the listening position, choose between
small, medium, or large (

S, M

an average-sized room.

8 Press ENTER.

9 Use the

MULTI JOG

dial to choose your

listening position.

You can cycle between the following choices:

•

FWD

– If you are nearer to the front

speakers than the surround speakers

•

MID

– If you are equal distance from the

front and surround speakers

•

BACK

– If you are nearer to the surround

speakers than the front speakers

10 Press

ENTER

to confirm your setup.

The display shows the speaker setup, room size

or L), M being

and listening position that you have selected.

Note

1 Depending on your DVD player or source discs, you may only get digital 2 channel stereo and analog sound. In this case, the
listening mode must be set to
do this) if you want multichannel surround sound.

STANDARD

(it should already be set – see

Listening in surround sound

on page 31 if you need to

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

En

9

5 minute guide02

Automatically setting up for
surround sound (MCACC)

VSX-817 model only

The Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration
(MCACC) setup measures the acoustic
characteristics of your listening area, taking
into account ambient noise, speaker size and
distance, and tests for both channel delay and
channel level. After you have set up the
microphone provided with your system, the
receiver uses the information from a series of
test tones to optimize the speaker settings and
equalization for your particular room.

Important

• The Auto MCACC Setup will overwrite any
existing speaker settings you’ve made.

• Make sure the headphones are unplugged.

Caution

• The test tones used in the Auto MCACC
Setup are output at high volume.

RECEIVER CONTROL

ONE TOUCH

RECEIVER

DVD/LD

CD-R/TAPE

CD

AUTO SURR

INPUT SELECT

MULTI CONTROL

TV/SAT

FM AM

STEREO/

STANDARD

F.S.SURR

DVR/VCR

SOURCE

TV CTRL

F.AUDIO

RECEIVER

ADV.SURR

TOP MENU

GUIDE

SUBTITLE

COPY

ST

SETUP

1 Connect the microphone to the MCACC/
AUDIO IN jack on the front panel.

Make sure there are no obstacles between the
speakers and the microphone.
Push down on the
the

MCACC/AUDIO IN

PUSH OPEN

jack.

MENU

+

CH

TUNE

T.EDIT

ST

ENTER

RETURN

TUNE

-

CH

REC

AUDIO

tab to access

MASTER

MCACC/
AUDIO IN

VOLUME

UPDOWN

If you have a tripod, use it to place the
microphone so that it’s about ear level at your
normal listening position. Otherwise, place the
microphone at ear level using a table or a chair.

2 If the receiver is off, press



RECEIVER

to

turn the power on.

3 If you have a subwoofer, turn it on.

4 Press

RECEIVER

then press the

• Press

SETUP

System Setup menu.

on the remote control,

SETUP

button.

again at any time to exit the

1

5 Select ‘A. MCACC’ from the System Setup
menu then press

Make sure ‘SB NORM.’ is selected then

6

press ENTER.

2

ENTER

.

Try to be as quiet as possible after pressing

ENTER

. The system outputs a series of test

tones to establish the ambient noise level.
If the noise level is too high,

NOISY!

blinks in
the display for five seconds. To exit and check
the noise levels again, press

SETUP

(see the

notes about ambient noise below) or press

ENTER

when you’re prompted to

RETRY?.

• Do not adjust the volume during the test
tones. This may result in incorrect speaker
settings.

The system now checks the microphone and
your speaker setup.

Note

1 The receiver will automatically exit the current menu after three minutes of inactivity. If you cancel the Auto MCACC Setup at
any time, the receiver automatically exits and no settings will be made.
2• If you are planning on bi-amping your front speakers, or setting up a separate speaker system in another room, read through

Surround back speaker setting

on page 39 and make sure to connect your speakers as necessary before continuing to step 7.

10

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5 minute guide

02

If you see an
may be a problem with your mic or the speaker
connections. Turn off the power, and check the
problem indicated by the
below), then try the auto surround setup again.

•

ERR MIC

•

ERR Fch

•

ERR Sch

connections.

•

ERR SBch

connection.

•

ERR SW

been switched on and volume on the
subwoofer is turned up.

7 When you see CHECK OK in the display,
confirm your speaker configuration.

Use

/

speaker in turn.
actual speakers connected. If the speaker
configuration displayed isn’t correct, use



(cursor left/right) to change the setting.

When you’re finished, go to the next step.

8 Select CHECK OK in the display then press

ENTER

If the display in step 7 is left untouched for 30
seconds, and the
in Step 8, the Auto MCACC Setup will start
again from the beginning.

The Auto MCACC checks the subwoofer level.

• If the subwoofer output level is too high/
low,
the display for five seconds. To exit and
check your subwoofer output level, press

SETUP

prompted to

The receiver outputs more test tones to
determine the optimum receiver settings for
speaker setting, channel level, speaker
distance, and Acoustic Calibration EQ.

Note

1• Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 12 cm will end up
with different size settings. You can correct the setting manually using the

• The subwoofer distance setting may be farther than the actual distance from the listening position. This setting should be

accurate (taking delay and room characteristics into account) and generally does not need to be changed.
2 Some older TVs may interfere with operation of the mic. You may want to switch off your TV during the Auto MCACC Setup.

ERR

message in the display, there

ERR

message (see

– Check microphone connection.

– Check front speaker connections.

– Check surround speaker

– Check surround back speaker

– Make sure the subwoofer has

(cursor up/down) to check each

YES

or NO should reflect the

.

ENTER

button is not pressed

SW.VOL.DWN/SW.VOL.UP

or simply press

RETRY?

ENTER

.

when you’re

/

blinks in

9 The Auto MCACC Setup has finished!

The front panel MCACC indicator lights to
show the surround settings are complete.

The settings made in the Auto MCACC Setup
should give you excellent surround sound
from your system, but it is also possible to
adjust these settings manually using the
System Setup menu (starting on page 39).

Optionally, when you see

/

(cursor up/down) to select one of the

following options then press

/

(cursor up/down) to check the settings:

CHK SP

•

•

•

•

– Check the size and number of
speakers you’ve connected (see page 43
for more on this)

CHK DIST.

speakers from the listening position (see
page 45 for more on this)

CHK LEVEL

your speaker system (see page 44 for
more on this)

CHK EQ
ALIGN

frequency balance of your speaker system
based on the acoustic characteristics of
your room (see page 41 for more on this)

– Check the distance of your

– Check the overall balance of

– Select either

to check the adjustments to the

10 When you’re finished, select

SKIP?

you can press

ENTER

ALL CH

‘SKIP?’

1

, and use

or

F

to

go back to the System Setup menu.

• Remember to disconnect the microphone
after completing the Auto MCACC Setup.

Other problems during Auto MCACC

If the room environment is not optimal for the
Auto MCACC Setup (too much background
noise, echo off the walls, obstacles blocking
the speakers from the microphone) the final
settings may be incorrect. Check for household
appliances (air conditioner, fridge, fan, etc.),
that may be affecting the environment and
switch them off if necessary.
instructions showing in the front panel display,
please follow them.

Speaker setting

on page 43.

2

If there are any

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

11

En

Connecting up03

S

Chapter 3:

Connecting up

Making cable connections

Make sure not to bend the cables over the top
of this unit. If this happens, the magnetic field
produced by the transformers in this unit may
cause a humming noise from the speakers.

Important

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

• Before unplugging the power cord, switch
the power into standby.

Analog audio cables

Use stereo RCA phono cables to connect
analog audio components. These cables are
typically red and white, and you should
connect the red plugs to R (right) terminals
and white plugs to L (left) terminals.

Analog audio cables

Video cables

Standard RCA video cables

These cables are the most common type of
video connection and should be used to
connect to the composite video terminals. They
have yellow plugs to distinguish them from
cables for audio.

tandard RCA video cable

S-video cables

VSX-817 model only

S-video cables give you a clearer picture
reproduction than standard RCA video cables
by sending separate signals for the luminance
and color.

S Video

Component video cables

Right (red)

Left (white)

Digital audio cables

Commercially available coaxial digital audio
cables or optical cables should be used to
connect digital components to this receiver.

Coaxial digital audio cable Optical cable

Note

1• When connecting optical cables, be careful when inserting the plug not to damage the shutter protecting the optical socket.

• When storing optical cable, coil loosely. The cable may be damaged if bent around sharp corners.

• You can also use a standard RCA video cable for coaxial digital connections.

Use component video cables to get the best
possible color reproduction of your video
source. The color signal of the TV is divided into
the luminance (

Y

) signal and the color (

PR) signals and then output. In this way,

interference between the signals is avoided.

1

Component video cables

Green (Y)

Blue (P

B

)

Red (P

R

)

PB and

12

En

Connecting up

Connecting a TV and DVD player

This page shows you how to connect your DVD
player and TV to the receiver.

1 Connect a coaxial digital audio output on
your DVD player to the DIGITAL COAX 1
(DVD/LD) input on this receiver.

Use a coaxial digital audio cable for the
connection.

2 Connect the composite video output and
the stereo analog audio outputs
DVD player to the DVD/LD inputs on this
receiver.

Use a standard RCA video cable3 and a stereo
RCA phono cable for the connection.

• If your DVD player has multichannel

3 Connect the analog audio outputs from
your TV to the TV/SAT inputs on this receiver.

This will allow you to play the sound from the
TV’s built-in tuner. Use a stereo RCA phono
cable to do this.

• If your TV has a built-in digital decoder, you

4 Connect the MONITOR OUT video jack on
this receiver to a video input on your TV.

Use a standard RCA video cable to connect to
the composite video jack.

1

2

on your

analog outputs, see

multichannel analog outputs

Connecting the

below for how

to connect it.

can also connect an optical digital audio
output from your TV to the

(CD)

input on this receiver. Use an optical

cable for the connection.

DIGITAL OPT 1

4

5

The illustration shows the VSX-817, but
connections for the VSX-517 are the same.

VSX-817

1

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

OPTICAL

(

TV/ SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

DVD player

OPT

)

OPT

COAX

(

DVR/VCR

COAX

(

DVD/LD

03

English

3

ANALOG AUDIO OUT

AUX

IN

IN

2

1

2

)

1

)

CD

DVR/

IN

VCR

OUT

TV/

IN

SAT

DVD
/LD

FRONT

IN

PLAY

CD-R

IN

/TAPE

/MD

REC

OUT

R

L

AUDIO

AUDIORL

ANALOG OUT

TV

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

AM

LOOP

VIDEO

ANTENNA

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

VIDEO IN

MONITOR OUT

S-VIDEO

IN

IN

IN

LR

IN

IN

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

IN

Deutsch

Français

4

OUT

Italiano

DVR/
VCR

TV/
SAT

DVD

/LD

Nederlands

2

Español

VIDEO OUT

Note

1 If your DVD player only has an optical digital output, you can connect it to the optical input on this receiver using an optical
cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the player to (see

menu

on page 45).
2 This connection will allow you to make analog recordings from your DVD player.
3•

VSX-817 model only –

• If your player also has a component video output, you can connect this too. See
4 In this case, you’ll need to tell the receiver which digital input you connected the TV to (see
5•

VSX-817 model only –

• See

Using the component video jacks

For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the

For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the

on page 16 to use the component video outputs to connect this receiver to your TV.

Using the component video jacks

S-VIDEO DVD/LD

The Input Assign menu

S-VIDEO MONITOR OUT

The Input Assign

jack.

on page 16.

on page 45).

jack.

13

En

Connecting up03

T

R

Connecting the multichannel analog
outputs

For DVD Audio and SACD playback, your DVD
player may have 5.1 channel analog outputs. In
this case, you can connect them to the multi­channel

inputs of the receiver as shown below.

1 Connect a set of audio/video outputs on
the set-top box component to the TV/SAT
AUDIO and VIDEO inputs on this receiver.

Use a stereo RCA phono cable for the audio
connection and a standard RCA video cable for
the video connection.

1

3

2

2 If your set-top box has a digital output,

VSX-817

IN

IN

OPT

2

(

)

TV/ SAT

IN

OPT

1

OUT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

IN

ASSIGNABLE

IN

DIGITAL IN

COAX

2

(

)

DVR/VCR

IN

COAX

1

(

)

DVD/LD

OUT

R

AUDIO

RL RL

FRONT

OUTPUT

DVD/multi-channel decoder

L

AUX

CD

DVR/
VCR

TV/
SAT

DVD
/LD

FRONT

PLAY

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

CENTER
OUTPUT

SUB

CEN-

WOOFER

TER

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

MONITOR OUT

AM

LOOP

VIDEO

IN

IN

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

IN

ANTENNA

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

SURROUND

OUTPUT

S-VIDEO

OUT

IN

IN

IN

SIRIUS IN

(

D

Y

SURROUND

LR

DVD 5.1CH INPUT

DVR/
VCR

TV/
SAT

DVD
/LD

WOOFER

OUTPUT

MONI

FRONT

RL

S
P
E
A

A

K
E
R
S

SUB

VIDEO

OUTPUT

connect it to a digital input on this receiver.

VSX-817 model

connection.

VSX-517 model

DIGITAL OPT 1 (CD)
DIGITAL COAX 2 (DVR/VCR)

– Use an optical cable for the

4

– For example, connect to the

for optical input or the

for coaxial input.

VSX-817

AUX

(

TV/ SAT

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

)

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

COAX

(

DVR/VCR

COAX

(

DVD/LD

IN

IN

OPT

2

IN

OPT

1

OUT

IN

IN

2

)

IN

1

)

OUT

R

AUDIO

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

LOOP

AM

VIDEO

ANTENNA

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

S-VIDEO

DVR/
VCR

TV/
SAT

DVD

/LD

CD

DVR/
VCR

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH

INPUT

PLAY

IN

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

L

with multi-channel analog
output jacks

The illustration shows the VSX-817, but

2 1

DIGITAL OUT

connections for the VSX-517 are the same.

L

OPTICAL COAXIAL

VIDEOAUDIOR

AV OUT

Connecting a satellite receiver
or other digital set-top box

Satellite and cable receivers, and terrestrial
digital TV tuners are all examples of so-called
‘set-top boxes’.

Note

1 The multichannel input can only be used when
2 If you’ve already connected your TV to the
which input you connected the set-top box to.
3•

VSX-817 model only –

• See

Using the component video jacks

4 If your satellite/cable receiver doesn’t have a digital audio output, omit this step. If it only has a coaxial digital output, you can
connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using a coaxial digital audio cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll
need to tell the receiver which input you connected the set-top box to (see
5 In this case, you’ll need to tell the receiver which digital input you connected the TV to (see

For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the

TV/SAT

DVD 5.1 ch

is selected (see page 38).

inputs, simply choose another input. However, you’ll need to remember

on page 16 if your set-top box also has a component video output.

STB

S-VIDEO TV/SAT

The Input Assign menu

The Input Assign menu

jack.

on page 45).

on page 45).

5

14

En

Connecting up

03

The illustration shows the VSX-817, but
connections for the VSX-517 are the same.

Connecting other audio
components

The number and kind of connections depends
on the kind of component you’re connecting.
Follow the steps below to connect a CD-R, MD,
DAT, tape recorder or other audio component.

1 If your component has a digital output,
connect this to a digital input on the receiver.

The example shows an optical connection to
the

DIGITAL OPT 1 (CD)

input.

2 If necessary, connect the analog audio
outputs of the component to a set of spare
audio inputs on this receiver.

You’ll need to make this connection for
components without a digital output, or if you
want to record from a digital component. Use a
stereo RCA phono cable as shown.

3 If you’re connecting a recorder, connect
the analog audio outputs (REC) to the analog
audio inputs on the recorder.

The example shows an analog connection to
the

CD-R/TAPE/MD

analog output jack using

a stereo RCA phono cable.

1

VSX-817

AUX

(

TV/ SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

1

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

)

(

DVR/VCR

(

OPT

OPT

COAX

COAX

DVD/LD

IN

IN

2

IN

1

OUT

IN

IN

2

)

IN

1

)

OUT

R

AUDIO

3 2

CD

DVR/
VCR

CD-R

/TAPE

L

R L

TV/
SAT

DVD
/LD

FRONT

PLAY

/MD

REC

AUDIO IN

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

AM

LOOP

VIDEO

IN

IN

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

IN

IN

REC

ANTENNA

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

R

AUDIO OUT

MONITOR OUT

S-VIDEO

OUT

L

PLAY

OUT

DVR/
VCR

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD

/LD

IN

CD-R, MD, DAT, Tape recorder, etc.

The illustration shows the VSX-817, but
connections for the VSX-517 are the same.

About the WMA9 Pro decoder

This unit has an on-board Windows Media®
Audio 9 Professional (WMA9 Pro) decoder, so
it is possible to playback WMA9 Pro-encoded
audio using a coaxial or optical digital
connection when connected to a WMA9 Pro­compatible player. However, the connected
DVD player, set-top box, etc. must be able to
output WMA9 Pro format audio signals
through a coaxial or optical digital output.

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

Note

1 Note that you must connect digital components to analog audio jacks if you want to record to/from digital components (like
an MD) to/from analog components.

15

En

Connecting up03

Windows Media®, and the Windows logo are trademarks,
or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.

Connecting other video
components

This receiver has audio/video inputs and
outputs suitable for connecting analog or
digital video recorders, including VCRs, DVD­recorders and HDD recorders.

1 Connect a set of audio/video outputs on
the recorder to the DVR/VCR AUDIO and
VIDEO inputs on this receiver.

Use a stereo RCA phono cable for the audio
connection and a standard RCA video cable for
the video connection.

2 Connect a set of audio/video inputs on
the recorder to the DVR/VCR AUDIO and
VIDEO outputs on this receiver.

Use a stereo RCA phono cable for the audio
connection and a standard RCA video cable for
the video connection.

3 If your video component has a digital
audio output, connect it to a digital input on
this receiver.

The example shows a recorder connected to
the

DIGITAL COAX 2 (DVR/VCR)

1

2

3

input.

VSX-817

AUX

(

TV/ SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE
DIGITAL IN

3

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

IN

IN

OPT

2

)

IN

OPT

1

OUT

DIGITAL IN

IN

IN

COAX

2

(

)

DVR/VCR

IN

COAX

1

(

)

DVD/LD

OUT

R

AUDIO

2 1

IN

R L

REC

AUDIO IN

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

LOOP

AM

VIDEO

ANTENNA

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

OUT

R L

PLAY

AUDIO OUT

MONITOR OUT

OUT

IN

IN

IN

S-VIDEO

DVR/
VCR

TV/
SAT

DVD

/LD

VIDEO OUT

CD

DVR/
VCR

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

PLAY

IN
CD-R
/TAPE

/MD

REC

L

VIDEO IN

DVR, VCR, LD player, etc.

The illustration shows the VSX-817, but
connections for the VSX-517 are the same.

Using the component video jacks

Component video should deliver superior
picture quality when compared to composite
video. A further advantage (if your source and
TV are both compatible) is progressive-scan
video, which delivers a very stable, flicker-free
picture. See the manuals that came with your
TV and source component to check whether
they are progressive-scan video compatible.

Note

1•

VSX-817 model only –

• If your video component also has a component video output, you can connect this too. See
on page 16 for more on this.
2

VSX-817 model only –

3 If your video component doesn’t have a digital audio output, omit this step. If it only has an optical digital output, you can con­nect it to the optical input on this receiver using an optical cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver
which input you connected the component to (see

For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the

For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the

The Input Assign menu

on page 45).

S-VIDEO DVR/VCR IN

Using the component video jacks

S-VIDEO DVR/VCR OUT

16

En

jack.

jack.

Connecting up

03

Important

• If you connect any source component to

the receiver using a component video
input, you must also have your TV
connected to this receiver’s

VIDEO MONITOR OUT

COMPONENT

jacks.

1 Connect the component video outputs of
your source to a set of component video
inputs on this receiver.

Use a three-way component video cable.

2 If necessary, assign the component video
inputs to the input source you’ve connected.

This only needs to be done if you didn’t connect
according to the following defaults:

•

COMP 1

•

COMP 2

•

COMP 3

See

Assigning the component video inputs

–
–
–

DVD
TV
DVR

on

page 45.

3 Connect the COMPONENT VIDEO
MONITOR OUT jacks on this receiver to the
component video inputs on your TV or
monitor.

Use a three-way component video cable.

Connecting to the front panel video
terminal

VSX-817 model only

Front video connections are accessed via the
front panel using the

VIDEO

and select
standard audio/video jacks. Hook them up the
same way you made the rear panel
connections.

• Push down on the
access the front audio/video connection.

VIDEO

VIDEO

input. There are

PUSH OPEN

button. Press

tab to

MCACC/
AUDIO IN

PUSH
OPEN

FM

AM

AUX

MCACC/
AUDIO IN

FRONT AUDIO

AUDIO RLVIDEO

CD

CD-R/TAPE/MD

VIDEO

AUDIO RL

Video

camera

(etc.)

LV

R

VIDEO OUTPUT

Connecting to the front panel audio
mini jack

VSX-817 model only

Front audio connections are accessed via the
front panel using the

FRONT AUDIO

Press
input. Use a stereo mini-jack cable to connect
a digital audio player.

• Push down on the
access the front audio/video connection.

FRONT AUDIO

FRONT AUDIO

and select

PUSH OPEN

AUDIO RLVIDEO

CD-R/TAPE/MD

AUDIO RL

FM

CD

VIDEO

botton.

F.AUDIO

tab to

MCACC/
AUDIO IN

PUSH
OPEN

AM

AUX

MCACC/

AUDIO IN

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

Portable CD player (etc.)

AUDIO OUT

17

En

Connecting up03

Connecting antennas

Connect the AM loop antenna and the FM wire
antenna as shown below. To improve reception
and sound quality, connect external antennas
(see

Using external antennas

fig. a fig. b fig. c

5

1 Pull off the protective shields of both AM
antenna wires.

2 Push open the tabs, then insert one wire
fully into each terminal, then release the tabs
to secure the AM antenna wires.

3 Fix the AM loop antenna to the attached
stand.

To fix the stand to the antenna, bend in the
direction indicated by the arrow (
clip the loop onto the stand (

• If you plan to mount the AM antenna to a
wall or other surface, secure the stand with
screws (

fig. c

) before clipping the loop to the

stand. Make sure the reception is clear.

4 Place the AM antenna on a flat surface
and in a direction giving the best reception.

5 Connect the FM wire antenna in the same
way as the AM loop antenna.

For best results, extend the FM antenna fully
and fix to a wall or door frame. Don’t drape
loosely or leave coiled up.

FM UNBAL

75

AM

LOOP

1

Ω

fig. b

below).

3

fig. a

).

4

2

) then

Using external antennas

To improve FM reception

Connect an external FM antenna as shown
below.

75 Ω coaxial
cable

J-shaped
plug

To improve AM reception

Connect a 5 m to 6 m length of vinyl-coated
wire to the AM antenna terminal without
disconnecting the supplied AM loop antenna.

Outdoor
antenna

5 m to 6 m

FM UNBAL

75

AM

LOOP

For the best possible reception, suspend
horizontally outdoors.

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

AM

LOOP

Indoor antenna
(vinyl-coated wire)

18

En

Connecting up

5

AUX

TWO VOLTAGE SELECTORS

0V

UT

subwoofer

l

l

Connecting the speakers

A complete speaker setup is shown below, but everyone’s home setup will vary.

the speakers you have in the manner shown below. The receiver will work with just two stereo
speakers (the front speakers in the diagram) but using at least three

model)

speakers is recommended, and a complete setup is best for surround sound.

using a subwoofer, change the front speaker setting (see

Speaker setting

(VSX-517 model)

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 receiver
match those on the speakers. You can use speakers with a nominal impedance between 6
16

Ω

(please see

impedance of less than 8

Switching the speaker impedance

Ω

).

on page 60 if you plan to use speakers with an

Be sure to complete all connections before connecting this unit to the AC power source.

Front speakers

LRC LSRS

Surround speakersCenter speaker

(VSX-817 model only)

Surround back speakers

SBL

Simply connect

/ five

If you’re not

on page 43) to

SBR

(VSX-817

LARGE

Ω

to

03

English

Deutsch

.

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

7

VCR

OPT

1

OUT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE
DIGITAL IN

IN

ASSIGNABLE

IN

DIGITAL IN

COAX

2

(

)

DVR/VCR

IN

COAX

1

(

)

DVD/LD

OUT

Powered

R

AM

LOOP

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

PLAY

IN

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

L

AUDIO

OUT

ANTENNA

VIDEO

DVR/
VCR

OUT

IN

R

S

TV/
SAT

P

MONITOR

IN

OUT

E

DVD

SUB

/LD

A

A B

WOOFER

IN

PREOUT

K

S-VIDEO

E
R
S

L

VSX-517 mode

SW

INP

10 mm

VSX-817 mode

123

10 mm

The illustration shows the VSX-817, but connections for the VSX-517 are the same.

22

120 - 127V

110V

AC IN

110V

-

127V

120

220V

230

-

240V

Español

3

19

En