Pioneer VSX-817 Operating Instruction

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
RECEIVER

VSX-817

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Operating Instructions

WARNING – TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK

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

CAUTION – PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO

NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG
WITH AN EXTENSION CORD.

RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET

UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE
FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT
BLADE EXPOSURE.

ATTENTION –

POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS
ELECTRIQUES NE PAS UTILISER

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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).

For U.S. and Australia Model

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CETTE FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN
PROLONGATEUR UNE PRISE DE
COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE
DE COURANT, SAUF SI LES LAMES
PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND
SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE
A DECOUVVERT.

D2-4-4-1_EF

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IMPORTANT NOTICE – THE SERIAL NUMBER FOR THIS EQUIPMENT IS LOCATED IN THE REAR.

PLEASE WRITE THIS SERIAL NUMBER ON YOUR ENCLOSED WARRANTY CARD AND
KEEP IN A SECURE AREA. THIS IS FOR YOUR SECURITY.

D1-4-2-6-1_En

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.

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This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

D8-10-1-3_EF

Information to User

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

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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.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Product Name: AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER
Model Number: VSX-817-K, VSX-817-S
Responsible Party Name: PIONEER ELECTRONICS SERVICE INC.
Address: 1925 E. DOMINGUEZ ST. LONG BEACH, CA 90801-1760, USA
Phone: [phone]

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The lightning flash with arrowhead, 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 USER-SERVICEABLE 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.

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READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety and

operating instructions should be read before the
product is operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and

operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.

HEED WARNINGS — All warnings on the product

and in the operating instructions should be
adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating and use

instructions should be followed.

CLEANING — The product should be cleaned only

with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never
clean with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides
or other volatile liquids since they may corrode
the cabinet.

ATTACHMENTS — Do not use attachments not

recommended by the product manufacturer as
they may cause hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE — Do not use this

product near water — for example, near a
bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry
tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming
pool; and the like.

ACCESSORIES — Do not place this product on an

unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
The product may fall, causing serious injury to a
child or adult, and serious damage to the
product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any
mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.

CART — A product and cart combination should be

moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces may cause the product
and cart combination to overturn.

VENTILATION — Slots and openings in the cabinet

are provided for ventilation and to ensure
reliable operation of the product and to protect
it from overheating, and these openings must
not be blocked or covered. The openings should
never be blocked by placing the product on a
bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This
product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered
to.

POWER SOURCES — This product should be

operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supply to your home,
consult your product dealer or local power
company.

LOCATION – The appliance should be installed in a

stable location.

NONUSE PERIODS – The power cord of the

appliance should be unplugged from the outlet
when left un-used for a long period of time.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION

• If this product is equipped with a polarized
alternating current line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other), it will fit into the
outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If
you are unable to insert the plug fully into the
outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should
still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace
your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.

• If this product is equipped with a three-wire
grounding type plug, a plug having a third
(grounding) pin, it will only fit into a grounding
type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug into the outlet,
contact your electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
grounding type plug.

POWER-CORD PROTECTION — Power-supply

cords should be routed so that they are not likely
to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the product.

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING — If an

outside antenna or cable system is connected to
the product, be sure the antenna or cable
system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard to proper grounding of
the mast and supporting structure, grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit,
size of grounding conductors, location of
antenna-discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and requirements for the
grounding electrode. See Figure A.

LIGHTNING — For added protection for this

product during a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable system. This
will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.

POWER LINES — An outside antenna system

should not be located in the vicinity of overhead
power lines or other electric light or power
circuits, or where it can fall into such power
lines or circuits. When installing an outside
antenna system, extreme care should be taken
to keep from touching such power lines or
circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

OVERLOADING — Do not overload wall outlets,

extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or
electric shock.

ELECTRIC
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

Fig. A

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY — Never push

objects of any kind into this product through
openings as they may touch dangerous voltage
points or short-out parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any
kind on the product.

SERVICING — Do not attempt to service this

product yourself as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other
hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE — Unplug this

product from the wall outlet and refer servicing
to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:

• When the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged.

• If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen
into the product.

• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

• If the product does not operate normally by
following the operating instructions. Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a qualified technician
to restore the product to its normal operation.

• If the product has been dropped or damaged in
any way.

• When the product exhibits a distinct change in
performance — this indicates a need for service.

REPLACEMENT PARTS — When replacement parts

are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or have the same characteristics
as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.

SAFETY CHECK — Upon completion of any service

or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The product

should not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.

HEAT — The product should be situated away from

heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.

ANTENNA
LEAD IN

GROUND
CLAMP

WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

D1-4-2-2_En

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.

Contents

01 Before you start

Checking what’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Loading the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ventilation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Automatically setting up for surround sound

(MCACC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Other problems when using the Auto

MCACC Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Better sound using Phase Control . . . . . . . . 10

03 Connecting up

Making cable connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Analog audio cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Digital audio cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Video cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connecting a DVD player and TV . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting the multichannel analog

outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting a satellite receiver or other

digital set-top box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting other audio components . . . . . . 14

About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connecting other video components . . . . . . 15

Using the component video jacks. . . . . . . . 16

Connecting to the front panel video

terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting to the front panel audio

mini jack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Using external antennas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Hints on speaker placement. . . . . . . . . . . . 19

AC outlet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

04 Controls and displays

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Operating range of remote control . . . . . . . 26

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using the Advanced surround effects. . . . . 28

Setting the effect options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using Front Stage Surround Advance . . . . . . 29

Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Listening with Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . 30

Using surround back channel processing. . . 30

Using Virtual Surround Back (VSB). . . . . . . 31

Using Midnight and Loudness. . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using the Sound Retriever. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Enhancing dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using the tone controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Playing other sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Selecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . 33

Selecting the front audio inputs . . . . . . . . . . 33

06 The System Setup menu

Making receiver settings from the System

Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Surround back speaker setting . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Manual MCACC speaker setup . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Fine Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Fine Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Manual speaker setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Speaker Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Crossover Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

07 Using the tuner

Listening to the radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Improving FM stereo sound . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Saving station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Naming station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Listening to station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

08 Making recordings

Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . 45

09 Controlling the rest of your
system

Setting the remote to control other

components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Direct function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Clearing all the remote control settings. . . . . 47

Controls for TVs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Controls for other components . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Preset Code List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

10 Other connections

Using XM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Connecting your XM Radio receiver . . . . . . 52

Listening to XM Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Using XM HD Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Saving channel presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Using the XM Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Using SIRIUS Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Connecting your SIRIUS Connect Tuner . . . 54

Listening to SIRIUS Radio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Saving channel presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Using the SIRIUS Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Second Zone speaker B setup . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Switching the speaker system . . . . . . . . . . 57

Bi-amping your front speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Bi-wiring your speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

11 Other Settings

The Input Assign menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Dynamic Range Control Setup . . . . . . . . . . 60

Dual Mono Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

LFE Attenuator Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

12 Additional information

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

XM radio messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

SIRIUS radio messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Resetting the main unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Switching the speaker impedance. . . . . . . . . 65

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Power cord caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Cleaning the unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or
cords associated with accessories sold with the
product will expose you to chemicals listed on
proposition 65 known to the State of California and
other governmental entities to cause cancer and
birth defect or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling

Manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro Logic",
"Surround EX", and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

"DTS" and "DTS-ES | Neo:6" are
registered trademarks of DTS, Inc.
"96/24" is a trademark of DTS, Inc.

D36-P4_A_En

English

English Italiano Français

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

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:

• Setup microphone

• Remote control unit

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

• AM loop antenna

• FM wire antenna

• These operating instructions

Loading the batteries

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

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)

Ventilation

When installing this unit, make sure to leave
space around the unit for ventilation to improve
heat dispersal (at least 20 cm (8 in.) at the top).
If not enough space is provided between the
unit and walls or other equipment, heat will
build up inside, interfering with performance
and/or causing malfunctions.

20 cm (8 inches)

Receiver

Slot and openings in the cabinet are provided
for ventilation and to protect the equipment
from overheating. To prevent fire hazard, do not
place anything directly on top of the unit, make
sure the openings are never blocked or covered
with items (such as newspapers, table-cloths
and curtains), and do not operate the
equipment on thick carpet or a bed.

6

En

5 minute guide 02

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 on page 27.

Listening to Surround Sound

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 DVD player and TV.

See Connecting a DVD player and TV on page 12
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 18.

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 19 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)

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 Use the on-screen automatic 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. If it isn’t, press DVD on the

remote to set the receiver to the DVD input.

1

There are several other sound options you can
select. See Listening to your system on page 27

for more on this.

2

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

Note

1 You may need to set your DVD player to output Dolby Digital, DTS and 88.2 kHz/96 kHz PCM (2 channel) audio (see your DVD
player’s manual for more on this).
2 Depending on your DVD player or source disc, you may only get 2 channel sound. In this case, the listening mode must be set
to STANDARD (see Listening in surround sound on page 27 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound.

7

En

5 minute guide02

MUTE

Automatically setting up for
surround sound (MCACC)

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.

MASTER
VOLUME

RECEIVER CONTROL

ONE TOUCH

RECEIVER

INPUT SELECT

MULTI CONTROL

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

CD-R/TAPE SIRIUSXM RADIO

CD

FM AM

STEREO/

AUTO SURR

F.S.SURR

ACOUSTIC

PHASE DIALOG

EQ

EFFECT

DVR/VCR

STANDARD

SOURCE

TV CTRL

F.AUDIO

RECEIVER

ADV.SURR

SOUND

RETRIEVER

TOP MENU

GUIDE

SUBTITLE

HDD

COPY

ST

SETUP

1 Switch on the receiver and your TV.

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

MENU

+

CH

TUNE

T.EDIT

ST

ENTER

RETURN

TUNE

-

CH

REC

AUDIO

DVD

REC STOP

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

LISTENING MODE

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.

3 Press RECEIVER on the remote control,
then press the SETUP button.

An on-screen display (OSD) appears on your
TV. Use /// and ENTER on the remote
control to navigate through the screens and
select menu items. Press RETURN to exit the
current menu.

• Press SETUP at any time to exit the System
Setup menu.

1

4 Select ‘Auto MCACC’ from the System
Setup menu then press ENTER.

System Setup

1.Surr Back System

2.Auto MCACC

3.Manual MCACC

4.Manual SP Setup

5.Input Assign

6.Other Setup

 : Exit

2. Auto MCACC

Surr Back System
Normal (SB) ]

 : Cancel ENTER : Start

5 Make sure ‘Normal (SB)’ is selected then
press ENTER.

2

Try to be as quiet as possible after pressing
ENTER. The system outputs a series of test
tones to establish the ambient noise level.

Note

1 • The screensaver automatically starts 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 34 and make sure to connect your speakers as necessary before continuing.

8

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5 minute guide 02

6 Follow the instructions on-screen.

• Make sure the microphone is connected.

• If you’re using a subwoofer, it is
automatically detected every time you
switch on the system. Make sure it is on
and the volume is turned up.

• See below for notes regarding background
noise and other possible interference.

7 Wait for the test tones to finish.

A progress report is displayed on-screen while
the receiver outputs test tones to determine the
speakers present in your setup. Try to be as
quiet as possible while it’s doing this.

2.Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing

Environment Check
Ambient Noise [ OK ]
Microphone [ ]
Speaker YES/NO [ ]

OK
OK

:Cancel

• For correct speaker settings, do not adjust
the volume during the test tones.

8 Confirm the speaker configuration.

The configuration shown on-screen should
reflect the actual speakers you have.

2.Auto MCACC

Check!

Front [ YES ]
Center [ YES ]
Surround [ YES ]
SB [ Yx2 ]
SUB W. [ YES ]

30:Next

OK

:Cancel

If the speaker configuration displayed isn’t
correct, use / to select the speaker and
/ to change the setting (and number for
surround back). When you’re finished, go to
the next step.

If you see an error message (ERR) in the right
side column, there may be a problem with the
speaker connection. If selecting RETRY
doesn’t fix the problem, turn off the power and
check the speaker connections.

9 Make sure ‘OK’ is selected, then press
ENTER.

If the screen in step 8 is left untouched for 30
seconds, and the ENTER button is not pressed
in step 9 the Auto MCACC setup will start again
from the beginning.

A progress report is displayed on-screen while
the receiver outputs more test tones to
determine the optimum receiver settings for
channel level, speaker distance, and Acoustic
Calibration EQ.

2.Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing

Surround Analyzing
Speaker System [ ]
Speaker Distance [ ]
Channel Level [ ]
Acoustic Cal EQ [ ]

:Cancel

Again, try to be as quiet as possible while this
is happening. It may take 3 to 8 minutes.

10 The Auto MCACC Setup has finished!
Select ‘SKIP’ to go back to the System Setup
menu.

The MCACC indicator on the front panel will
light to show the setup is 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 34).

1

You can also choose to view the settings by
selecting individual parameters from the

Analyzed Data Check screen:

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

Note

1 • Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 12 cm (5 inches)
will end up with different size settings. You can correct the setting manually using the Speaker Setting on page 40.

• 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.

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5 minute guide02

SOURCE

RECEIVER

• Speaker Setting – The size and number of
speakers you’ve connected (see page 40
for more on this)

• Speaker Distance – The distance of your
speakers from the listening position (see
page 42 for more on this)

• Channel Level – The overall balance of
your speaker system (see page 41 for more
on this)

• Acoustic Cal EQ – Adjustments to the
frequency balance of your speaker system
based on the acoustic characteristics of
your room (see page 37 for more on this)

Press RETURN after you have finished
checking each screen. When you’re finished,
select SKIP to go back to the System Setup
menu.

Other problems when using the Auto
MCACC Setup

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. If there are any
instructions showing in the front panel display,
please follow them.

• Some older TVs may interfere with the
operation of the microphone. If this seems
to be happening, switch off the TV when
doing the Auto MCACC Setup.

Better sound using Phase
Control

This receiver’s Phase Control feature uses
phase correction measures to make sure your
sound source arrives at the listening position
in phase, preventing unwanted distortion and/
or coloring of the sound (see illustration
below).

P
H
A
S
E

C
O
N
T
R
O
L

O
F
F

P
H
A
S
E

C
O
N
T
R
O
L

O
N

Sound
source

Sound
source

Front speaker

Subwoofer

Front speaker

Subwoofer

Phase Control technology provides coherent
sound reproduction through the use of phase
matching

1

for an optimal sound image at your
listening position. The default setting is on and
we recommend leaving Phase Control
switched on for all sound sources.

INPUT SELECT

MULTI CONTROL

DVD/LD

TV/SAT

CD-R/TAPE SIRIUSXM RADIO

CD

FM AM

STEREO/

AUTO SURR

F.S.SURR

ACOUSTIC

PHASE

EQ

EFFECT
/CH SEL

MUTE

• Press PHASE (PHASE CONTROL) to switch
on phase correction.

DVR/VCR

STANDARD

DIALOG

ADV.SURR

LEVEL

TV CTRL

F.AUDIO

RECEIVER

SOUND

RETRIEVER

Listening
position

Listening
position

?

Note

1 Phase matching is a very important factor in achieving proper sound reproduction. If two waveforms are ‘in phase’, they crest
and trough together, resulting in increased amplitude, clarity and presence of the sound signal. If a crest of a wave meets a
trough (as shown in the upper section of the diagram above) then the sound will be ‘out of phase’ and an unreliable sound image
will be produced.

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Connecting up 03

S

Chapter 3:

Connecting up

Making cable connections

Important

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

• 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.

• 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

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.

1

Video cables

Standard RCA video cables

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

tandard RCA video cable

S-video cables

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

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 (P

R) signals and then output. In this way,

P

interference between the signals is avoided.

Component video cables

Green (Y)

B)

Blue (P

Red (P

R)

B and

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Deutsch

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Nederlands

Español

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.

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Connecting a DVD player and TV

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 Connecting the
multichannel analog outputs below for how

to connect it.

can also connect an optical digital audio
output from your TV to the DIGITAL OPT 2
(TV/SAT) input on this receiver. Use an
optical cable for the connection.

4

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

OPTICAL

(

TV/ SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

This receiver

1

COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

3

IN

IN

OPT

2

)

IN

OPT

1

OUT

IN

XM

IN

IN

COAX

2

(

)

DVR/VCR

IN

COAX

1

(

)

DVD/LD

OUT

R

AUDIO

DVD player

ANALOG AUDIO OUT

LR

AUX

CD

DVR/
VCR

ANTENNA

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

PLAY

IN

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

L

AUDIORL

ANALOG OUT

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

AM

LOOP

VIDEO

TV

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

2

VIDEO IN

MONITOR O

S-VIDEO

VIDEO OUT

4

O

IN

IN

IN

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 The Input Assign
menu on page 59).
2 This connection will allow you to make analog recordings from your DVD player.
3 For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the S-VIDEO DVD/LD jack. If your player also has a component
video output, you can connect this too. See Using the component video jacks on page 16 for more on this.
4 For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the S-VIDEO MONITOR OUT jack. See Using the component video
jacks on page 16 if you want to use the component video outputs to connect this receiver to your TV.

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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 the multichannel
analog outputs to the multichannel inputs of

this receiver as shown below.

1

This receiver

SUB

CEN-

WOOFER

TER

LR

SURROUND

DVD 5.1CH INPUT

OUT

DVR/
VCR

FRONT

IN

RL

S

TV/
SAT

P

IN

E

DVD

A

A

/LD

IN

K
E
R
S

SUB

VIDEO

WOOFER

OUTPUT

OUTPUT

SIRIUS IN

(
D

Y

MONI

AUX

IN

IN

OPT

2

(

)

TV/ SAT

IN

OPT

1

OUT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

IN

XM

IN

ASSIGNABLE

IN

DIGITAL IN

COAX

2

(

)

DVR/VCR

IN

COAX

1

(

)

DVD/LD

OUT

RL RL

FRONT

OUTPUT

FM UNBAL
75

CD

DVR/
VCR

LOOP

ANTENNA

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

PLAY

IN

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

R

L

AUDIO

CENTER
OUTPUT

DVD/multi-channel decoder
with multi-channel analog
output jacks

Ω

AM

VIDEO

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

SURROUND

OUTPUT

MONITOR OUT

S-VIDEO

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’.

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.

2

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

the video connection.

3

2 Connect an optical digital audio output
from your set-top box component to the
DIGITAL OPT 2 (TV/SAT) input on this receiver.

Use an optical cable for the connection.

4

This receiver

AUX

(

TV/ SAT

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

OPT

)

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

IN

COAX

(

DVR/VCR

COAX

(

DVD/LD

IN

IN

2

IN

OPT

1

OUT

IN

XM

IN

2

)

IN

1

)

OUT

R

AUDIO

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

CD

DVR/
VCR

LOOP

ANTENNA

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

PLAY

IN

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

L

AM

VIDEO

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

MONITOR OU

S-VIDEO

OU

D
V

IN

T

IN

D
/

IN

2 1

DIGITAL OUT

L

OPTICAL COAXIAL

VIDEOAUDIOR

AV OUT

STB

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

Note

1 The multichannel input can only be used when DVD 5.1 ch is selected (see page 33).
2 If you’ve already connected your TV to the TV/SAT inputs, simply choose another input. However, to receive a signal, you’ll
need to press the input select button for the input you connected the set-top box to.
3 For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the S-VIDEO TV/SAT jack. If your set-top box also has a component
video output, you can connect this too. See Using the component video jacks on page 16 for more on this.
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 The Input Assign menu on page 59).

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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
as shown.

The example shows a coaxial connection to the
CD digital input jack using a coaxial digital
audio cable.

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

This receiver

AUX

(

TV/ SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

1

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

OPT

)

OPT

XM

IN

COAX

(

DVR/VCR

COAX

(

DVD/LD

IN

IN

2

IN

1

OUT

IN

IN

2

)

IN

1

)

OUT

R

AUDIO

3 2

L

CD

DVR/
VCR

TV/
SAT

DVD
/LD

FRONT

PLAY

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

R L

AUDIO IN

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

AM

LOOP

ANTENNA

VIDEO

IN

IN

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

IN

IN

REC

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

R

OUT

PLAY

AUDIO OUT

MONITOR O

S-VIDEO

L

O

D
V

IN

IN

IN

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

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.

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.

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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.

Microsoft, 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 Connect a coaxial digital audio output on
your video component to the DIGITAL COAX
2 (DVR/VCR) input on this receiver.

Use a coaxial digital audio cable for the
connection.

3

1

2

This receiver

AUX

IN

IN

CD

DVR/

IN

VCR

OUT

IN

IN

)

IN

)

OUT

R

AUDIO

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

PLAY

IN
CD-R
/TAPE

/MD

REC

L

2 1

IN

R L

REC

VIDEO IN

AUDIO IN

(

TV/ SAT

ASSIGNABLE

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

3

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

)

(CD)

DIGITAL IN

(

DVR/VCR

COAX

COAX

(

DVD/LD

OPT

2

OPT

1

XM
IN

2

1

DVR, VCR, LD player, etc.

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

AM

LOOP

ANTENNA

VIDEO

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

S-VIDEO

OUT

R L

PLAY

AUDIO OUT

MONITOR OU

IN

IN

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OU

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VIDEO OUT

Nederlands

Español

Note

1 For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the S-VIDEO DVR/VCR IN jack. If your video component also has a
component video output, you can connect this too. See Using the component video jacks on page 16 for more on this.
2 For better quality, you can also connect with S-video using the S-VIDEO DVR/VCR OUT jack.
3 If your video component 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 The Input
Assign menu on page 59).

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Connecting up03

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 compatible with progressive-scan
video.

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 COMPONENT

VIDEO MONITOR OUT 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 for the
connection.

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 – DVD

• COMP 2 – TV

• COMP 3 – DVR

See Assigning the component video inputs on
page 59 for more on this.

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

Front video connections are accessed via the
front panel using the VIDEO/FRONT AUDIO
button. Press VIDEO/FRONT AUDIO and
select the VIDEO input. Use audio/video
cables when connecting. Hook them up the
same way you made the rear panel
connections.

This receiver

XM

SIRIUS

CD

CD-R/TAPE/MD

FM/AM

VIDEO

AUDIO RL

AUX

MCACC/
AUDIO IN

Video

camera

(etc.)

LV

R

VIDEO OUTPUT

Connecting to the front panel audio
mini jack

Front audio connections are accessed via the
front panel using the VIDEO/FRONT AUDIO
button. Press VIDEO/FRONT AUDIO and
select F.AUDIO input. Use a stereo mini-jack
cable to connect a digital audio player.

XM

SIRIUS

CD

CD-R/TAPE/MD

VIDEO

Portable CD player (etc.)

FM/AM

AUDIO RL

AUX

MCACC/

AUDIO IN

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AUDIO OUT

Connecting up 03

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 below).

fig. a fig. b fig. c

FM UNBAL

75

LOOP

1

Ω

AM

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 (fig. a) then
clip the loop onto the stand (fig. b).

• 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.

3

4

2

Using external antennas

To improve FM reception

Use an F connector to connect an external FM
antenna.

FM UNBAL

75

LOOP

Ω

AM

F connector

To improve AM reception

Connect a 5 m to 6 m (15 ft. to 18 ft.) length of
vinyl-coated wire to the AM antenna terminal
without disconnecting the supplied AM loop
antenna.

For the best possible reception, suspend
horizontally outdoors.

Outdoor
antenna

5 m to 6 m

(15 ft. to 18 ft.)

FM UNBAL

75

AM

LOOP

Indoor antenna
(vinyl-coated wire)

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Connecting up03

Connecting the speakers

A complete setup of eight speakers (including the subwoofer) is shown here but everyone’s home
setup will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner shown below.

will work with just two stereo speakers (the front speakers in the diagram) but using at least three
speakers is recommended, and a complete setup is best.

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

2

those on the speakers.

You can use speakers with a nominal impedance between 6 Ω to 16 Ω

(please see Switching the speaker impedance on page 65 if you plan to use speakers with an
impedance of less than 8 Ω).

1

The receiver

Front speakers

LRC LSRS

AUX

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

(

TV/ SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL IN

IN

IN

OPT

2

)

IN

OPT

1

OUT

IN

XM

IN

IN

COAX

2

(

)

DVR/VCR

IN

COAX

1

(

)

DVD/LD

OUT

R

FM UNBAL

Ω

75

CD

DVR/
VCR

TV/
SAT

DVD
/LD

FRONT

D V D

5.1CH
INPUT

PLAY

CD-R

/TAPE

/MD

REC

L

AUDIO

MONITOR OUT

AM

LOOP

ANTENNA

IN

IN

IN

OUT

VIDEO

OUT

MONITOR
OUT

SUB
WOOFER

PREOUT

S-VIDEO

DVR/
VCR

IN

TV/
SAT

IN

DVD

/LD

IN

Surround speakersCenter speaker

SUB

CEN-

WOOFER

TER

SIRIUS IN

3

)

IN

(

DVR/VCR

(

)

IN

1

DVD/LD

ASSIGNABLE

B

P

P

B

PR

COMPONENT VIDEO

L

PR

Y

(

)

2

IN

TV/SAT

CENTERSURROUND

SURROUND BACK

Y

SURROUND

LR

DVD 5.1CH INPUT

MONITOR OUT

FRONT

RL

R

S
P
E
A

A B

K
E
R
S

Surround back speakers

SBL

AC OUTLET

LR

SBR

Powered subwoofer

SW

INPUT

Caution

• Make sure that all the bare speaker wire is twisted together and inserted fully into the speaker
terminal. Use good quality speaker wire to connect the speakers to the receiver.

Note

1 If you’re not using a subwoofer, change the front speaker setting (see Speaker Setting on page 40) to LARGE.
2 If you are using only one surround back speaker, connect it to the surround back left (L) terminal.

18

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Connecting up 03

Make sure that the speaker cable you’re using
is properly prepared with about 10 mm (
of insulator stripped from each wire, with the
exposed wire strands twisted together (fig. A).

Unscrew the terminal a few turns until there is
enough space to insert the exposed wire
(fig. B). Once the wire is in position, tighten the
terminal until the wire is firmly clamped (fig. C).

fig. A fig. B fig. C

10 mm (3/8 in.)

• The speaker terminals also accept single
banana plugs. (Refer to speaker manual for
details.)

Caution

• These speaker terminals are hazardous
when live. To prevent the risk of electric
shock when connecting or disconnecting
the speaker cables, disconnect the power
cord.

3

/8 in.)

Hints on speaker placement

Speakers are usually designed with a
particular placement in mind. Some are
designed to be floorstanding, while others
should be placed on stands to sound their best.
Some should be placed near a wall; others
should be placed away from walls. We have
provided a few tips on getting the best sound
from your speakers (following), but you should
also follow the guidelines on placement that
the speaker manufacturer provided with your
particular speakers to get the most out of
them.

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

• When placing speakers near the TV, we
recommend using magnetically shielded
speakers to prevent possible interference,
such as discoloration of the picture when
the TV is switched on. If you do not have
magnetically shielded speakers and notice
discoloration of the TV picture, move the
speakers farther away from the TV.

• If you’re using a center speaker, place the
front speakers at a wider angle. If not, place
them at a narrower angle.

• Place the center speaker above or below
the TV so that the sound of the center
channel is localized at the TV screen. Also,
make sure the center speaker does not
cross the line formed by the leading edge
of the front left and right speakers.

• It is best to angle the speakers towards the
listening position. The angle depends on
the size of the room. Use less of an angle
for bigger rooms.

• Surround and surround back speakers
should be positioned 60 cm to 90 cm (a foot­and-a-half to three feet) higher than your
ears and titled slightly downward. Make
sure the speakers don’t face each other.

• To achieve the best possible surround
sound, install your speakers as shown
below. Be sure all speakers are installed
securely to prevent accidents and improve
sound quality.

Caution

• If you choose to install the center speaker
on top of the TV, be sure to secure it with
putty, or by other suitable means, to reduce
the risk of damage or injury resulting from
the speaker falling from the TV in the event
of external shocks such as earthquakes.

• Make sure no exposed speaker wire is
touching the rear panel, this may cause the
receiver to turn off automatically.

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

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Connecting up03

Overhead view of speaker setup

You can also refer to the 3-D speaker setup
illustration on page 7.

Surround

left

Front

left

Listening position

Front
rightCenter

Subwoofer

Surround

right

AC outlet

Power supplied through this outlet is turned on
and off by the receiver’s power switch. Total
electrical power consumption of connected
equipment should not exceed 100 W (0.8 A).

• This unit should be disconnected by
removing the power plug from the wall
socket when not in regular use (ex. when
on vacation).

AC OUTLET

AC 120 V 60 Hz
SWITCHED 100 W MAX

0.8 A MAX

Surround back Surround back

left right

Single surround back speaker

The diagrams below show suggested surround
and surround back speaker orientation. The
first diagram (fig. A) shows orientation with one
surround back speaker (or none) connected.
The second (fig. B) shows orientation with two
surround back speakers connected.

90~120

SBR

RS

SBR

LS

LS

fig. A fig. B

SB

3-D view of

RS

RS

7.1 channel

LS

0~60

SBL

SBL

speaker setup

Caution

• Do not connect a TV set, monitor, heater, or

similar appliance to this unit’s AC outlet.

• Do not connect appliances with high
power consumption to the AC outlet in
order to avoid overheating and fire risk.
This can also cause the receiver to
malfunction.

• Since a subwoofer or power amplifier can
exceed the 100 W maximum when playing
sources at a high volume, this type of
equipment should not be connected to the
AC outlet.

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Controls and displays 04

Chapter 4:

Controls and displays

Front panel

32 4

XM

FM/AM

AUDIO RLVIDEO

TONE

2118 19 20 22

TUNER

EDIT

SETUP RETURN

SIRIUS

AUX

MCACC/

AUDIO IN

ACOUSTICEQPHASE

AUTO SURR/

CONTROL

DIRECT

STANDBY/ON

PHONES

910

7 823

ACOUSTIC

PHASE

CONTROL

AUTO SURR/

EQ

DIRECT

SOUND

RETRIEVER

SPEAKERS

1

DVD/LD

MIDNIGHT/
LOUDNESS

SIGNAL
SELECT

PHASE

CONTROL

SB ch

PROCESSING

TUNING/

STATION

RETRIEVER

SPEAKERS

TV/SAT

SOUND

DVR/VCR VIDEO/FRONT AUDIO

TONE

TUNER
EDIT

SETUP RETURN

MULTI JOG

14 15

MIDNIGHT/

LOUDNESS

SIGNAL

SELECT

DIGITAL PRECISION

PROCESSING

CD

16 17

SB ch

PROCESSING

TUNING/
STATION

CD-R/TAPE/MD

5 6

ENTER

STEREO/

F.S.SURR

131211

STEREO/
F.S.SURR

ADVANCED

STANDARD

SURROUND

LISTENING MODE

23

STANDARD

LISTENING MODE

VSX-817

MULTI JOG

UPDOWN

MASTER
VOLUME

ADVANCED

SURROUND

English

Deutsch

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Español

1 Input select buttons

Press to select an input source.

2 Digital Precision Processing indicator

Lights to indicate digital processing.

3 Character display

See Display on page 22.

4 MCACC indicator

Lights when Acoustic Calibration EQ (page 30)
is on (Acoustic Calibration EQ is automatically
set to ALL CH ADJUST after the Auto MCACC
Setup (page 8) or EQ Auto Setup (page 37)).

5 ENTER

MULTI JOG

6 MULTI JOG dial

Use the MULTI JOG dial to select various
settings and menu options.

7PHASE CONTROL

Press to switch on/off Phase Control (page 10).

8 ACOUSTIC EQ

Press to select an Acoustic Calibration EQ
setting (page 30).

9 PHONES jack

Use to connect headphones (when connected,
there is no sound output from the speakers).

10  STANDBY/ON

Switches the receiver between on and standby.

21

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