Pioneer VSX-LX50 User Manual

VSX-LX50

AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER

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Operating Instructions

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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.

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 5 amp fuse is fitted in this plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced, please ensure that the replacement fuse has a rating of 5 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.

WARNING

Before plugging in for the first time, read the following

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

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.

WARNING

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

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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will be used meets the required voltage (e.g., 230 V or 120 V) written on the rear panel.

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VENTILATION CAUTION

WARNING

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

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

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When installing this unit, make sure to leave space around the unit for ventilation to improve heat radiation (at least 60 cm at top, 10 cm at rear, and 30 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.

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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).

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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).

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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)

If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling.

Private households in the member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic products free of charge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one).

For countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for the correct method of disposal.

By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

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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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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

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Checking what’s in the box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Installing the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Loading the batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

02 5 minute guide

Introduction to home theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Listening to Surround Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Automatically setting up for surround sound

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

Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup . . . . 10

Playing a source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

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

03 Connecting your equipment

Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

When making cable connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

About the video converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting your TV and DVD player . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other

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

Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other

video sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using the component video jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Connecting digital audio sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

About the WMA9 Pro decoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Connecting analog audio sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Connecting a component to the front panel

inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Installing your speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting the speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Placing the speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

THX speaker system setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting external antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Plugging in the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

05 Listening to your system

Auto playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Listening in surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Standard surround sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Using the Home THX modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Using the Advanced surround effects . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Listening in stereo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using Front Stage Surround Advance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using Stream Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Selecting MCACC presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Choosing the input signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Using surround back channel processing . . . . . . . . . 29

Using the Virtual Surround Back mode . . . . . . . . . . 30

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

Using the Sound Retriever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Enhancing dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using the tone controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

06 USB playback

Using the USB interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Basic playback controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Selecting a file from the folder/file list for

playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Compressed audio compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

07 Using the tuner

Listening to the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Improving FM stereo sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Tuning directly to a station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Saving station presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Naming station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Listening to station presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

An introduction to RDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Searching for RDS programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Using EON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

04 Controls and displays

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

Operating range of remote control unit . . . . . . . . . . 22

Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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

08 The System Setup menu

Making receiver settings from the System Setup

menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Automatic MCACC (Expert) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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

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

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

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

Standing Wave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Data Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Manual speaker setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Speaker Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Channel Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

X-Curve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

THX Audio Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

09 Other connections

Connecting an iPod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Connecting your iPod to the receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

iPod playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Connecting using HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

About HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Connecting the multichannel analog inputs. . . . . . . . 52

Selecting the multichannel analog inputs . . . . . . . . 52

Speaker B setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Switching the speaker system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bi-amping your front speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Bi-wiring your speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Connecting additional amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma

display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma

display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

10 Other Settings

The Input Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Input function default and possible settings . . . . . . 56

The Other Setup menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays. . . . . . . . . . 57

OSD Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

12 Controlling the rest of your system

Setting the remote to control other components. . . . 62

Selecting preset codes directly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Programming signals from other remote

controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Erasing one of the remote control button

settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Resetting the remote control presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Confirming preset codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Renaming input source names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Direct function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Multi Operation and System Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Programming a multi-operation or a shutdown

sequence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Using multi operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Using System off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Controls for TVs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Controls for other components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Operating other Pioneer components with this

unit’s sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

13 Additional information

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

No sound. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Other audio problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

HDMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

iPod messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Surround sound formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Dolby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

DTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Windows Media

About THX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Listening modes with different input signal

formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Stream direct with different input signal formats . . . 80

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Cleaning the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Audio 9 Professional . . . . . . . . . 75

11 Using other functions

Setting the AV options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Making an audio or a video recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Reducing the level of an analog signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Using the sleep timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Dimming the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Switching the speaker impedance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Checking your system settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Resetting the system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Default system settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Before you start

Chapter 1:

Before you start

Features

• Advanced Direct Energy design

This receiver offers a new advancement in discrete design unique to Pioneer for high-power drivability, low distortion and stable imaging. Through symmetrical placement of power amplification units, this receiver generates equal amplifier power to all channels, eliminating the possibility of one channel dominating a particular sound field.

• Easy setup using Advanced MCACC

The Auto MCACC Setup provides a quick but accurate surround sound setup, which includes the advanced features of Professional Acoustic Calibration EQ. This innovative technology measures the reverb characteristics of your listening area, allowing you to customize your system calibration with the help of a graphical output that can be displayed on-screen. With the additional benefits of numerous MCACC preset memories, standing wave control and microphone measurements from a series of reference points, your home theater experience can be truly customized for optimal surround sound.

• THX Select2 certified design

This receiver bears the THX Select2 logo, which means it has passed a rigorous series of quality and performance tests covering every aspect of the product. This includes testing of pre-amplifier and power amplifier performance and operation, and hundreds of other parameters in both the digital and analog domain, making your home theater experience as faithful as possible to what the director intended.

• Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, including Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-EXPRESS and DTS-HD Master Audio

Dolby Digital and DTS decoding brings theater sound right into your home with up to six channels of surround sound, including a special LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel for deep, realistic sound effects.

The built-in Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS Neo:6 decoders not only provide full surround sound decoding for Dolby Surround sources, but will also generate convincing surround sound for any stereo source.

Also, with the addition of a surround back speaker, you can take advantage of the built-in Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES decoders for six-channel surround sound.

Furthermore, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD, which are designed for the next-generation highdefinition media such as Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD, support up to 7.1 channels and 8 channels respectively.

DTS-EXPRESS is a low-bitrate encoding technology supporting up to 5.1 channels, with fixed data transfer rates ranging from 24 kbps to 256 kbps (this encoding is available only when signals are delivered to this receiver as primary audio).

DTS-HD Master Audio delivers audio signals to listeners without any loss of data with its high transfer rates.

• Phase correction

The Phase Control technology incorporated into this receiver’s design provides coherent sound reproduction through the use of phase matching for an optimal sound image at your listening position.

• Sound Retriever

The Sound Retriever feature employs new DSP technology that helps bring CD quality sound back to WMA, MP3 and MPEG-4 AAC audio files by restoring sound pressure and smoothing jagged artifacts left over after compression.

• Front Stage Surround Advance

With the Front Stage Surround Advance feature, you can enjoy seamless, natural surround sound effects using only the front speakers, without deteriorating the quality of the original sound.

• HDMI compatibility

This receiver is compatible with the HDMI digital video format, providing you high-definition digital video and digital audio via a single cable. High-quality sound formats such as DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD are also supported.

• Built-in video converter

The built-in video converter provides output of all analog video signals to your TV or monitor (regardless of the type of connection), allowing you to connect components using component, S-video, and composite video connections as you like.

• iPod Ready

With the new iPod terminal, you’ll be up and running in no time, now that this receiver’s enhanced compatibility makes on-screen control of your iPod an added possibility.

• USB interface

The USB allows you to listen to two-channel audio from a USB mass storage device connected to this receiver.

Before you start

• Easy-to-use LCD remote control

The remote control gives you not only complete control over every function of this receiver, but also over the main functions for other components in your home theater system. Using a system of preset codes, you can program the remote to operate a wide range of other equipment.

Checking what’s in the box

Please check that you’ve received the following supplied accessories:

• Setup microphone (cable: 5 m)

• Remote control unit

• AA/IEC R6P dry cell batteries x2

•AM loop antenna

•FM wire antenna

• Warranty card

• These operating instructions

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)

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.

• 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.

5 minute guide

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 26.

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 this unit to an AC power source.

1 Connect your TV and DVD player.

See Connecting your TV and DVD player on page 13 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.

Connect your speakers as shown in Installing your speaker system on page 17.

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 Placing the speakers on page 18 for more on this.

Front

Left (L)

Center (C)

Listening position

Surround Left (SL)

Front Right (R)

Subwoofer (SW)

Surround Back Left (SBL)

Surround Right (SR)

Surround Back Right (SBR)

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

• Set the subwoofer volume to a comfortable level.

4 Use the on-screen automatic MCACC setup to set up your system.

See Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto MCACC) below for more on this.

5 Play a DVD, and adjust the volume to your liking.

Make sure that DVD/LD is showing in the receiver’s display, indicating that the DVD input is selected. If it isn’t, press DVD on the remote control to set the receiver to the DVD input.

In addition to the basic playback explained in Playing a source on page 10, there are several other sound options you can select. See Listening to your system on page 26 for more on this.

See also Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu on page 37 for more setup options.

Automatically setting up for surround sound (Auto MCACC)

The Auto 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.

Make sure you do this before moving on to Playing a source on page 10.

Important

• Make sure the microphone and speakers are not moved during the Auto MCACC Setup.

• Using the Auto MCACC Setup will overwrite any existing settings for the MCACC preset you select.

• Before using the Auto MCACC Setup the headphones should be disconnected and the iPod or USB function should not be selected as an input source.

Caution

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

5 minute guide

ENTER

TV CH

DIMMER

CLASS

ENTER

T.EDIT

RETURN

BAND

VOL

MIDNIGHT/

LOUDNESS

DISC

SETUP MIC

If no operations are performed for 10 seconds while the speaker configuration check screen is being displayed, the Auto MCACC Setup will resume automatically. In this case, you don’t need to select ‘OK’ and press ENTER in step 6.

• With error messages (such as Ambient Noise or Microphone Check) select RETRY after checking for ambient noise (see Problems when using the Auto MCACC Setup below) and verifying the mic connection. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply select GO NEXT and continue.

1.Auto MCACC

Now Analyzing… (2/9)

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

1.Auto MCACC

:Cancel

Check!

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

10 : Next

:Cancel

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

If you see an error message (ERR) in the right side

RECEIVER

DVD

CD-R/TAPE

iPod

INPUT SELECT

TV DVR 1

HDMI 1

DVR 2USB

TUNER

SYSTEM OFF

SOURCE

TV CTRL

CDHDMI 2

RECEIVER

SR+

DIALOG E

D.ACCESS

+10

AV PARAMETER CH LEVEL

TOP MENU

TUNE

ST ST

SETUP

TUNE

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV VOL

SELECT

1 Switch on the receiver and your TV. 2 Connect the microphone to the MCACC

jack on the front panel.

Place the microphone so that it’s about ear level at your normal listening position (use a tripod if possible). Make sure there are no obstacles between the speakers and the microphone.

• Push down on the PUSH OPEN tab to access the MCACC SETUP MIC jack:

S-VIDEO

VIDEO/GAME

INPUT

USB

MCACC

DIGITAL INAUDIO RLVIDEO

PHONES

SYSTEM

TUNING/

TUNER

SETUP

STATION

EDIT

TONE

SPEAKERSRETURN

MULTI JOG

SETUP MIC

column (or the speaker configuration displayed isn’t correct), there may be a problem with the speaker

The Auto MCACC display appears once the microphone is connected.

connection. If selecting RETRY doesn’t work, turn off the power and check the speaker connections. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, you can simply use /

1.Auto MCACC

Surr Back System [ Normal (SB) ] Data Save to [M1. MEMORY 1 ]

Setting Start? [OK]

[Option]

ENTER:Next :Cancel

to select the speaker and / to change the setting (and number for surround back) and continue.

6 Make sure ‘OK’ is selected, then press

ENTER

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

3 Make sure ‘Normal (SB)’ is selected,2 select an

MCACC preset

then select OK.

4 Follow the instructions on-screen.

Make sure the microphone is connected, and if you’re using a subwoofer, make sure it is switched on and set to a comfortable volume level.

5 Wait for the test tones to finish then confirm the speaker configuration in the OSD.

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.

Note

1 If you cancel the Auto MCACC Setup, or leave an error message for over three minutes, the screen saver will appear. 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 4.

• If you have THX-certified speakers, select Option and choose YES for the THX Speaker setting.

3 The six MCACC presets are used for storing surround sound settings for different listening positions. Simply choose an unused preset for now (you can rename it later in Data Management on page 45). 4 Do not adjust the volume during the test tones. This may result in incorrect speaker settings. 5 If you’re using the front panel display, the diagram in Listening to Surround Sound above indicates (in bold) how each speaker is displayed. 6 You can also choose to view the settings from the MCACC Data Check screen. See Automatic MCACC (Expert) on page 37 for more on this. 7• 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 Manual speaker setup on page 46.

• 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.

distance, and Acoustic Calibration EQ. Again, try to be as quiet as possible while this is

happening. It may take 2 to 6 minutes.

7 The Auto MCACC Setup has finished! Press to go back to the System Setup menu.

RETURN

Be sure to disconnect the microphone from this receiver upon completion of the Auto MCACC setup.

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 37).

GUIDE

5 minute guide

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.

Playing a source

Here are the basic instructions for playing a source (such as a DVD disc) with your home theater system.

RECEIVER

DVD

CD-R/TAPE

iPod

SELECT

TV DVR 1

HDMI 1

SLEEP

DVR 2USB

CDHDMI 2

TUNER

S.RETRIEVER

SOURCE

TV CTRL

RECEIVER

ANALOG

ATT

SYSTEM OFF

INPUT

1 Switch on your system components and receiver.

Start by switching on the playback component (for example a DVD player), your TV

have one), then the receiver (press  RECEIVER).

• Make sure the setup mic is disconnected.

2 Select the input source you want to play.

You can use the input source buttons on the remote control, INPUT SELECT, or the front panel controls.

3 Press

S.DIRECT (STREAM DIRECT

SURROUND’ and start playback of the source.

If you’re playing a Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound DVD disc, you should hear surround sound. If you are playing a stereo source, you will only hear sound from the front left/right speakers in the default listening mode.

• See also Listening to your system on page 26 for information on different ways of listening to sources.

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV CH

TV VOL

MPX

AUDIO

SUBTITLE

DISP

STATUS

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

and subwoofer (if you

SELECT

REC

EON

REC STOP JUKEBOX

CDE

HDD

CH CH

PHOTO

SB ch

SIGNAL SEL

THX

STANDARD

PHASE

MCACC

VOL

MUTE

DVD

STEREO/ F.S.SURR

ADV.SURR

S.DIRECT

) to select ‘AUTO

4 Use the volume control to adjust the volume level.

Turn down the volume of your TV so that all sound is coming from the speakers connected to this receiver.

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).

PHASE CONTROL OFF

Front speaker

Sound source

Subwoofer

PHASE CONTROL ON

Front speaker

Sound source

Subwoofer

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

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

MULTI OPE

THX

SHIFT

PHASE

RECEIVER

• Press PHASE (

PHASE CONTROL

correction.

The PHASE CONTROL indicator on the front panel lights.

Listening

position

Listening

position

STANDARD

ADV.SURR

MCACC

S.DIRECT

) to switch on phase

for an

Note

1 Make sure that the TV’s video input is set to this receiver. (For example, if you connected this receiver to the VIDEO 1 jacks on your TV, make sure that the VIDEO 1 input is now selected.) 2 If you need to manually switch the input signal type press SIGNAL SEL (page 29). 3 • You may need to check the digital audio output settings on your DVD player or digital satellite receiver. It should be set to output Dolby Digital, DTS and

88.2 kHz / 96 kHz PCM (2 channel) audio, and if there is an MPEG audio option, set this to convert the MPEG audio to PCM.

• Depending on your DVD player or source discs, you may only get digital 2 channel stereo and analog sound. In this case, the receiver must be set to a

multichannel listening mode (see Listening in surround sound on page 26 if you need to do this) if you want multichannel surround sound. 4 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.

Connecting your equipment

(

)

OUT

CENTER

Chapter 3:

Connecting your equipment

This receiver provides you with many connection possibilities, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. This page explains the kinds of components you can connect to make up your home theater system.

Rear panel

PRE

Singl

IN IN INOUT OUT

DVR/VCR1DVR/VCR

Caution

• Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Plugging in should be the final step.

1 HDMI connectors (x3)

Two inputs and one output for high-quality audio/video connection to compatible HDMI devices.  Connecting using HDMI on page 51.

2 Coaxial digital audio inputs (x2)

Use for digital audio sources, including DVD players/ recorders, digital satellite receivers, CD players, etc.

 See also The Input Setup menu on page 56 to assign the inputs.

3 Optical digital audio output/input(s) (x4)

Use the OUT jack for recording to a CD or MiniDisc recorder.  Connecting digital audio sources on page 15.

Use the IN jacks for digital audio sources, including DVD players/recorders, digital satellite receivers, CD players, etc.

 See also The Input Setup menu on page 56 to assign the inputs.

4 Control input/output

Use to connect other Pioneer components so that you can control all your equipment from a single IR remote sensor.

 Operating other Pioneer components with this unit’s sensor on page 67.

5 Stereo analog audio source inputs/(outputs) (x3)

Use for connection to audio sources such as CD players, tape decks, turntables, etc.  Connecting analog audio sources on page 16.

6 Component video connections (x4)

Use the inputs to connect any video source that has component video output, such as a DVD recorder. Use the output for connection to a monitor or TV.  Using the component video jacks on page 14.

7 Audio/video source inputs/(outputs) (x6)

Use for connection to audio/visual sources, such as DVD players/recorders, VCRs, etc. Each set of inputs has jacks for composite video, S-video and stereo analog audio.

 Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other video sources on page 14.

8 iPod input terminal

Use to connect your Apple iPod as an audio source.  Connecting an iPod on page 49.

9 AM and FM antenna terminals

Use to connect indoor or outdoor antennas for radio broadcasts.  Connecting antennas on page 19.

Connecting your equipment

10 Multichannel pre-amplifier outputs

Use to connect separate amplifiers for front, center, surround, surround back and subwoofer channels.  Connecting additional amplifiers on page 54 (see also Installing your speaker system on page 17 for powered subwoofer connection).

11 Composite and S-video monitor outputs

Use to connect monitors and TVs.  Connecting your TV and DVD player on page 13.

12 Multichannel analog audio inputs

7.1 channel inputs for connection to a DVD player with multichannel analog outputs.  Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 52.

13 Speaker terminals

Use for connection to the main front, center, surround and surround back speakers.  Installing your speaker system on page 17.

When making cable connections

• To avoid hum, do not lay connected cables over the top of the receiver.

About the video converter

The video converter ensures that all video sources are output through all of the MONITOR VIDEO OUT jacks. The only exception is HDMI and high-definition component video: since these resolutions cannot be downsampled, you must connect your monitor/TV to the receiver’s HDMI/component video outputs when

connecting these video sources. If several video components are assigned to the same

input function (see The Input Setup menu on page 56), the converter gives priority to component, S-video, then composite (in that order).

• For optimal video performance, THX recommends

switching Digital Video Conversion (in Setting the AV

options on page 58) OFF.

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited consumer uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

• 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.

Note

1 If the video signal does not appear on your TV or plasma display, try adjusting the resolution settings on your component or display. Note that some components (such as video game units) have resolutions that may not be converted. In this case, use an (analog) S-video or composite connection.

Connecting your equipment

Connecting your TV and DVD player

2 Connect a composite or S-video output on your DVD player to the

DVD/LD

VIDEO or

DVD/LD

S-VIDEO

input.

Connect using a standard video cable or an S-video cable.

VIDEOINS-VIDEO

VSX-LX50

OPTICAL

DIGITAL

IN 1

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

IN 2

OUT

HDMI

(

DVD/LD

(

DVR/VCR2

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

DIGITAL OUT VIDEO OUT

(

DVR/

)

VCR1

(

)

TV/SAT

IN 2

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

CONTROL

iPod

OUT

IN IN IN IN IN INOUT OUT OUT

AUDIO

)

CD-R/TAPE/MD DVD/LD

COAXIAL

ANTENNA

S-VIDEO

ANALOG OUT

ASSIGNABLE

IN IN IN IN MONITOR

VIDEO

TV/SAT

OUT OUT

DVR/VCR1 DVR/VCR2

AUDIO LR

AM LOOP

L L

OUT

IN 3

R R

FRONT

S-VIDEOOPTICAL

CENTER

SUB WOOFER

OUT

FRONT

MULTI CH IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

CENTE

SUB WOOFE

DVD player

The diagram shows a basic setup of this receiver together with a TV and DVD player, with S-video or composite video connections. Different TVs and DVD players may offer alternative connections. See also Using the component video jacks on page 14 if your TV and/or DVD player has component video inputs/outputs. If your DVD player offers multichannel analog audio outputs, see Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 52.

1 Connect the MONITOR OUT video jack to a video input on your TV.

Use a standard RCA/phono jack video cable to connect to the composite video jack, or for higher quality video, use an S-video cable to connect to the S-video jack.

3 Connect a coaxial-type1 digital audio output on your DVD player to the COAXIAL 1 (

DVD/LD

) input.

Use a coaxial cable designed for digital audio.

4 Connect the stereo audio outputs on your DVD player to the

DVD/LD

AUDIO inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable.

• If your DVD player has multichannel analog outputs,

you can connect these instead. See also Connecting the multichannel analog inputs on page 52.

Connecting a satellite/cable receiver or other set-top box

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

DIGITAL

IN 1

IN 2

OUT

HDMI

(

DVD/LD

(

DVR/VCR2

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

VSX-LX50

STB

OPTICAL

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

(

DVR/

)

VCR1

(

)

TV/SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

CONTROL

iPod

OUT

IN IN IN IN IN INOUT OUT OUT

AUDIO

)

CD-R/TAPE/MD DVD/LD

DIGITAL OUT

ANTENNA

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

IN IN IN IN MONITO

VIDEO

TV/SAT

OUT OUT

DVR/VCR1 DVR/VCR2

AV OUT

AM LOOP

CENTER

OUT

IN 3

SUB

FRONT

WOOFER

OUT

FRONT

MULTI

VIDEO S-VIDEOAUDIO LR

Note

1 If your DVD player only has an optical digital output, you can connect it to one of the optical inputs 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 Setup menu on page 56).

Connecting your equipment

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

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack cable and a video or S-video cable.

2 Connect an optical-type1 digital audio output from your set-top box to the OPTICAL 2 (TV/SAT) input.

1 Connect the audio/video outputs of the video player/recorder to the DVR/VCR1 AUDIO and VIDEO inputs.

Use a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable for the audio connection and a video or S-video cable for the video connection.

Use an optical cable for the connection.

2 If the device can record, connect the DVR/VCR1 AUDIO and VIDEO outputs to the recorder’s audio/

Connecting a DVD/HDD recorder, VCR and other video sources

This receiver has two sets of audio/video inputs and

video inputs.

Use a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable for the audio connection and a video or S-video cable for the video connection.

outputs suitable for connecting analog or digital video devices, including DVD/HDD recorders and VCRs.

VSX-LX50

IN 1

IN 2

OUT

HDMI

OPTICAL

DIGITAL

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

(

DVR/

)

VCR1

(

)

TV/SAT

IN 2

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

CONTROL

iPod

OUT

IN IN IN IN IN INOUT OUT OUT

AUDIO

(

)

DVD/LD

(

)

DVR/VCR2

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

CD-R/TAPE/MD DVD/LD

ANTENNA

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

IN IN IN IN MONITOR

VIDEO

TV/SAT

OUT OUT

DVR/VCR1 DVR/VCR2

AM LOOP

L L

OUT

IN 3

R R

FRONT

CENTER

SUB WOOFER

OUT

FRONT

MULTI CH IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

CENTER

SUB WOOFE

3 If the device can output digital audio, connect an optical-type

the OPTICAL 1 (DVR/VCR1) input.

Use an optical cable for the connection.

Using the component video jacks

Component video should give superior picture quality when compared to composite or S-video. You can also take advantage of progressive scan video (if your source and TV are both compatible), 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.

• For a second recorder, use the

digital audio output from the recorder to

DVR/

VCR2 IN inputs.

DVR/

VCR2 outputs.

• For a second recorder, use the COAXIAL 2 (

VCR2) inputs.

DVR/

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

VIDEOAUDIO LR

AV IN

S-VIDEO AUDIO

VIDEO S-VIDEO

AV OUT

1 23

DVR, VCR, etc.

Note

1 If your set-top box 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 Setup menu on page 56). 2 If your satellite/cable receiver doesn’t have a digital audio output, you can skip this step. 3 • In order to record, you must connect the analog audio cables (the digital connection is for playback only).

• If your video component doesn’t have a digital audio output, you can skip this step.

4 If your recorder 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 recorder to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 56).

Connecting your equipment

VSX-LX50

ANTENNA

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

IN IN IN IN MONITO

VIDEO

TV/SAT

OUT OUT

DVR/VCR1 DVR/VCR2

OUT

AM LOOP

HDMI

IN 1

IN 2

OUT

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

OPTICAL

DIGITAL

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

(

DVR/

)

VCR1

(

)

TV/SAT

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

CONTROL

iPod

OUT

IN IN IN IN IN INOUT OUT OUT

AUDIO

(

)

DVD/LD

(

)

DVR/VCR2

CD-R/TAPE/MD DVD/LD

COMPONENT

VIDEO

Connecting digital audio sources

CENTER

SUB

FRONT

WOOFER

OUT

FRONT

MULTI

This receiver has both digital inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect digital audio components for playback and for making digital recordings.

Most digital components also have analog connections. See Connecting analog audio sources on the following page if you want to connect these too.

DIGITAL

IN 1

IN 2

(

TV/SAT

OUT

ASSIGNABLE

HDMI

CONTROL

(

DVD/LD

(

DVR/VCR2

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

VSX-LX50

OPTICAL

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

(

DVR/

)

VCR1

)

(CD)

iPod

OUT

IN IN IN IN INOUT OUT OUT

AUDIO

)

CD-R/TAPE/MD DVD/LD

ANTENNA

ASSIGNABLE

S-VIDEO

IN IN INOUT OUT

VIDEO

TV/SAT

DVR/VCR1 DV

OUT

IN 3

COMPONENT

VIDEO

DVD player

1 Connect the component video outputs of your source to a set of ASSIGNABLE COMPONENT VIDEO inputs.

1 2

OPTICAL COAXIAL

DIGITAL OUT

OPTICAL

DIGITAL IN

CD-R, MD,

DAT, etc.

Connect using a three-way component video cable.

• Since they are assignable, it doesn’t matter which component video inputs you use for which source. After connecting everything, you’ll need to assign the component video inputs—see The Input Setup menu on page 56.

2 Connect the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks to the

1 Connect an optical-type1 digital audio output on your digital component to the DIGITAL 3 (CD) input.

Use an optical cable for the connection.

2 For recording equipment, connect the optical-type DIGITAL output to a digital input on the recorder.

Use an optical cable to connect to the DIGITAL OUT.

component video inputs on your TV or monitor.

Use a three-way component video cable.

Note

1 • If your digital component only has a coaxial digital output, you can connect it to one of the coaxial inputs on this receiver using a coaxial cable. When you set up the receiver you’ll need to tell the receiver which input you connected the component to (see also The Input Setup menu on page 56).

• The digital outputs from other components can be connected to any spare digital audio inputs on this receiver. You can assign them when setting up

the receiver (see also The Input Setup menu on page 56). 2 In order to record some digital sources, you must make analog connections as explained in Connecting analog audio sources below.

Connecting your equipment

About the WMA9 Pro decoder

This unit has an on-board Windows MediaTM Audio 9 Professional

playback WMA9 Pro-encoded audio using a coaxial or optical digital connection when connected to a WMA9 Pro-compatible player. However, the connected PC, DVD player, set-top box, etc. must be able to output WMA9 Pro format audio signals through a coaxial or optical digital output.

(WMA9 Pro) decoder, so it is possible to

Connecting analog audio sources

This receiver features two stereo audio-only inputs. One of these inputs (CD-R/TAPE/MD) has corresponding outputs for use with audio recorders.

Connecting a component to the front panel inputs

The front panel inputs comprise a composite video jack (VIDEO), an S-video jack (S-VIDEO), stereo analog audio inputs (AUDIO L/R) and an optical digital audio input (DIGITAL). You can use these connections for any kind of audio/video component, but they are especially convenient for portable equipment such as camcorders, video games and portable audio/video equipment.

•Push down on the PUSH OPEN tab to access the front video connections.

VIDEO

INPUT

S-VIDEO

MCACC

USB

DIGITAL INAUDIO RLVIDEO

SETUP MIC

PUSH OPEN

ANTENNA

S-VIDEO

ASSIGNABLE

IN IN IN IN MONITOR

VIDEO

TV/SAT

OUT OUT

DVR/VCR1 DVR/VCR2

AM LOOP

L L

OUT

R R

FRONT

CENTER

SUB WOOFER

OUT

FRONT

MULTI CH IN

PRE OUT

SURROUND

CENTE

SUB WOOFE

HDMI

IN 1

IN 2

OUT

(

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

OPTICAL

DIGITAL

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

(

DVR/

)

VCR1

(

)

TV/SAT

IN 2

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

iPod

CONTROL

OUT

IN IN IN IN IN INOUT OUT OUT

AUDIO

(

)

DVD/LD

)

DVR/VCR2

CD-R/TAPE/MD DVD/LD

VSX-LX50

OUT

PLAY

REC

R L

AUDIO IN/OUT

Tape deck, etc.

• Connect the analog audio outputs of the source component to one of the AUDIO inputs.

Connect using a stereo RCA/phono jack audio cable.

• If you’re connecting a tape deck, MD recorder, etc., connect the analog audio outputs (OUT) to the analog audio inputs on the recorder.

PHONES

INPUT

SYSTEM

TUNING/

TUNER

SPEAKERSRETURN

TONE

SETUP

STATION

EDIT

MULTI JOG

VIDEO/GAME

VIDEO OUTPUT

DIGITAL INAUDIO RLVIDEO

DIGITAL OUT

USB

MCACC

SETUP MIC

S-VIDEO

TV game, video camera, etc.

• Select these inputs by pressing VIDEO/GAME or using INPUT SELECT (remote) to select VIDEO/ GAME.

Note

1• Windows MediaTM and the Windows logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• With WMA9 Pro, sound problems may occur depending on your computer system. Note that WMA9 Pro 96 kHz sources will be downsampled to 48 kHz.

Connecting your equipment

Installing your speaker system

To take full advantage of the receiver’s surround sound capabilities connect front, center, surround and surround back speakers, as well as a subwoofer. Although this is ideal, other configurations with fewer speakers—no subwoofer or no center speaker, or even no surround speakers—will work. At the very least, front left and right speakers only are necessary. Note that your

main surround speakers should always be connected as a pair, but you can connect just one surround back speaker if you like (it must be connected to the left surround back terminal). You can use speakers with a nominal impedance between 6 Ω to 16 Ω (please see Switching the speaker impedance on page 60 if you plan to use speakers with an impedance of less than 8 Ω).

Subwoofer

LINE LEVEL

INPUT

DIGITAL

IN 1

IN 2

(

TV/SAT

OUT

HDMI

CONTROL

(

DVD/LD

(

DVR/VCR2

COAXIAL

ASSIGNABLE

VSX-LX50

Front left

OPTICAL

OUT

COMPONENT VIDEO

(

DVR/

)

VCR1

)

IN 2

(CD)

ASSIGNABLE

iPod

OUT

IN IN IN IN IN INOUT OUT OUT

AUDIO

)

CD-R/TAPE/MD DVD/LD

ANTENNA

ASSIGNABLE

S-VIDEO

IN IN IN IN MONITOR

VIDEO

TV/SAT

OUT

OUT OUT

DVR/VCR1 DVR/VCR2

Center

AM LOOP

PRE OUT

CENTER

L LL

SUR-

SUB

R R

FRONT

ROUND

WOOFER

OUT

CENTER

L L

SUB

FRONT

WOOFER

MULTI CH IN

( Single

SURROUND BACK

SURROUND

)

R R

SURROUND BACK

SPEAKERS

FRONT CENTER

Front

right

SURROUND

CAUTION

These speaker terminals carry HAZARDOUS LIVE voltage. To prevent the risk of electric shock when connecting or disconnecting the speaker cables, disconnect the power cord before touching any uninsulated parts.

SURROUND BACK /

(

)

SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

SELECTABLE

Single

Surround left

Surround back left

Connecting the speakers

Each speaker connection on the receiver comprises a positive (+) and negative (–) terminal. Make sure to match these up with the terminals on the speakers themselves.

Surround

right

Surround back right

Caution

• Make sure that all the bare speaker wire is twisted together and inserted fully into the speaker terminal. If any of the bare speaker wire touches the back panel it may cause the power to cut off as a safety measure.

Connecting your equipment

Bare wire connections

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

To connect a terminal, 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

Important

• Please refer to the manual that came with your speakers for details on how to connect the other end of the speaker cables to your speakers.

• Other connections on page 49 provides greater detail on alternate speaker setups, such as using speaker system B (page 52), bi-amping (page 53) and biwiring (page 53).

• If you are using a THX certified subwoofer use the THX INPUT jack on the subwoofer (if your subwoofer has one) or switch the filter position to THX on your subwoofer.

Placing the speakers

Where you put your speakers in the room has a big effect on the quality of the sound. The following guidelines should help you to get the best sound from your system.

• The subwoofer can be placed on the floor. Ideally, the other speakers should be at about ear-level when you’re listening to them. Putting the speakers on the floor (except the subwoofer), or mounting them very high on a wall is not recommended.

• For the best stereo effect, place the front speakers 2 m to 3 m apart, at equal distance 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 higher than your ears and titled slight downward. Make sure the speakers don't face each other. For DVD-Audio, the speakers should be more directly behind the listener than for home theater playback.

• Try not to place the surround speakers farther away from the listening position than the front and center speakers. Doing so can weaken the surround sound effect.

• 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.

Front

left

Surround

left

Surround back left Surround back right

Single surround back speaker

Center

Listening position

Subwoofer

Front right

Surround

right

Caution

• Make sure that all speakers are securely installed. This not only improves sound quality, but also reduces the risk of damage or injury resulting from speakers being knocked over or falling in the event of external shocks such as earthquakes.

Connecting your equipment

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.

90º to 120

fig. A fig. B

0º to 60

SBL

SBR

• If you have two surround back speakers THX recommends placing them together and the same distance from your listening position (see below).

THX speaker system setup

If you have a complete THX speaker system, follow the diagram below to place your speakers. Note that the

surround speakers ( indicates bi-polar radiating speakers) should output at an angle parallel to the listener.

Surround

• If you have two surround back speakers THX recommends placing them together and the same distance from your listening position for the following THX modes: THX Select2 CINEMA, THX MUSICMODE and THX GAMES MODE.

See also THX Audio Setting on page 48 to make the settings that will give you the best sound experience when using the Home THX modes (page 27).

Surround

SBL SBR

Surround back

SBR

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 Connecting external

antennas below).

fig. a fig. b fig. c

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

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.

AM LOOP

Connecting your equipment

Connecting external antennas

To improve FM reception connect an external FM antenna to the FM UNBAL 75 Ω terminal.

75 Ω coaxial cable

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

To improve AM reception, connect a 5 m to 6 m length of vinyl-coated wire to the AM LOOP terminals without disconnecting the supplied AM loop antenna.

For the best possible reception, suspend horizontally outdoors.

Outdoor antenna

AM LOOP

Indoor antenna

(vinyl-coated wire)

Plugging in the receiver

Only plug in after you have connected all your components to this receiver, including the speakers.

Caution

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

• The receiver should be disconnected by removing the mains plug from the wall socket when not in regular use, e.g., when on vacation.

• Make sure the blue  STANDBY/ON light has gone out before unplugging.

• Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

ANTENNA

FM UNBAL 75 Ω

5 m to 6 m

AM LOOP

Controls and displays

Chapter 4:

Controls and displays

Front panel

1 72 65 812

MULTI JOG

STANDBY/ON

LISTENING

PTY

EON

MODE

ENTER

PHASE

CONTROL

DVD/ LD

TV/SAT DVR/VCR 1 DVR/VCR 2 VIDEO/GAME

PHONES

SYSTEM

SETUP

TONE

MULTI JOG

TUNING/ STATION

DIGITAL PRECISION PROCESSING

TUNER

SPEAKERSRETURN

EDIT

S-VIDEO

CD-R/TAPE/MD

VIDEO/GAME

161514 1713

910 11

FM/AM

INPUT

iPod

USB HDMI

USB

DIGITAL INAUDIO RLVIDEO

MCACC

SETUP MIC

SIGNAL

SELECT

SB ch

PROCESSING

MULTI CH

VSX-LX50

MASTER VOLUME

21 222019 234324

SYSTEM

SETUP

MULTI JOG

dial

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

 STANDBY/ON

Switches the receiver between on and standby. Power indicator lights when the receiver is on.

EON MODE

Use to search for programs that are broadcasting traffic or news information (page 36).

PTY SEARCH

Use this button to search for RDS program types (page 35).

4 LISTENING MODE

Use with the MULTI JOG dial to select the various listening modes (page 26).

PHASE CONTROL

indicator

Lights when the Phase Control is switched on (page 10).

6 MCACC indicator

Lights when one of the MCACC presets (page 29) is

TONE

TUNING/ STATION

TUNER

EDIT

SPEAKERSRETURN

DIGITAL PRECISION PROCESSING

indicator

Lights to indicate digital processing.

8 Character display

See Display on page 23.

9 Remote sensor

Receives the signals from the remote control (see Operating range of remote control unit on page 22).

10 HDMI indicator

Blinks when connecting an HDMI-equipped component; lights when the component is connected (page 51).

11 SIGNAL SELECT

Use to select an input signal (page 29). SB ch PROCESSING – Selects the surround back

channel mode (page 29) or virtual surround back mode (page 30).

MULTI CH IN – Press to select the multichannel analog inputs (page 52).

MASTER VOLUME

ENTER

dial

selected.

Controls and displays

PHONES

Use to connect headphones. When the headphones are connected, there is no sound output from the speakers.

15 Input source buttons

Press to select an input source.

VIDEO/GAME INPUT

See Connecting a component to the front panel inputs on page 16.

USB

Connect a USB audio device for playback (see Using the USB interface on page 32).

18 MCACC SETUP MIC jack

Use to connect the supplied microphone.

SYSTEM SETUP

Press to access the System Setup menu (see page 37).

RETURN

Press to confirm and exit the current menu screen.

TONE

Press this button to access the bass and treble controls, which you can then adjust with the MULTI JOG dial (page 31).

TUNING/STATION

Use to find radio frequencies and to select preset stations (page 34).

TUNER EDIT

Use with the MULTI JOG dial to memorize and name stations for recall (page 34).

SPEAKERS

Use to change the speaker system (page 52).

jack

interface

Operating range of remote control unit

The remote control 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.

D O W

D O

W N

7 m

Controls and displays

Display

SIGNAL

AUTO

PCM

HDMI

DIGITAL

ANALOG

STREAM DIRECT

PRO LOGIC

ADV.SURROUND

THX

STEREO

indicators

21 3 765 9 10 11 12

SBR

DTS

DIGITAL

WMA9 Pro

DSD

L C R

SL S SR

SBL SB

LFE

STANDARD

SLEEP

: 6

4 8

PCM

S.RTRV

Light to indicate the currently selected input signal. AUTO lights when the receiver is set to select the input signal automatically (page 29).

2 Program format indicators

These change according to which channels are active in digital sources.

L – Left front channel C – Center channel R – Right front channel SL – Left surround channel S – Surround channel (mono) SR – Right surround channel SBL – Left surround back channel SB – Surround back channel (mono) SBR – Right surround back channel LFE – Low frequency effects channel (the ((( ))) indicators light when

an LFE signal is being input)

3 Digital format indicators

Light when a signal encoded in the corresponding format is detected (DSDPCM lights during the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) to PCM conversion with SACDs).

S.RTRV

Lights when the Sound Retriever is switched on

SOUND

(page 31)

Lights when any of the Midnight, Loudness or tone controls feature is selected (page 31).

PHASE CONTROL

Lights when the Phase Control is switched on (page 10).

7 Sound processing indicators

Light according to the active AV parameter(s) (page 58). OVER lights to indicate that the level of an analog source

is too high. ATT lights when you use the attenuator (ANALOG ATT) to reduce it.

V.SB

Lights during Virtual surround back processing

TUNER

indicators

(page 30)

TUNED – Lights when a broadcast is being received. STEREO – Lights when a stereo FM broadcast is

being received in auto stereo mode.

PHASE CONTROL

DIALOG E

SOUND

Hi-Bit/Sampling

DNR

ATT

OVER

V.S B

HDMI

181413 16 1917

TUNED

STEREO

MONO

[ 1 ]

RDS EON

[ 2 ]

SR+

MONO – Lights when the mono mode is set using the MPX button.

10 EON

RDS indicators

EON – Lights when the EON mode is set (flashes

during EON reception). The indicator lights when the current station carries the EON service (page 36).

RDS – Lights when an RDS broadcast is received (page 35).

11 Master volume level 12

SR+

Lights when the SR+ mode is switched on (page 55).

STREAM DIRECT

Lights when Direct / Pure Direct is selected (page 28).

14 Speaker indicators

Indicate the current speaker system, A and/or B (page 52)

15 Listening mode indicators

THX – Lights when a Home THX mode is selected. ADV. SURROUND – Lights when an Advanced

Surround mode has been selected (page 27).

STEREO – Lights when the stereo mode is selected (page 28).

STANDARD – Lights when a Standard Surround mode is switched on (see Listening in surround sound on page 26).

SLEEP

Lights when the receiver is in sleep mode (page 60).

17 Matrix decoding format indicators

2PRO LOGIC IIx – This lights to indicate 2 Pro Logic II / 2 Pro Logic IIx decoding (page 26).

Neo:6 – When one of the Neo:6 modes of the receiver is on, this lights to indicate Neo:6 processing

(page 26).

18 Character display

Displays various system information.

19 HDMI connection indicators

Light to indicate the HDMI input currently selected.

Controls and displays

Remote control

INPUT

RECEIVER

SELECT

DVD

CD-R/TAPE

iPod

HDMI 1

SLEEP

SR+

5 6

10 11

DIALOG E

D.ACCESS

+10

AV PARAMETER CH LEVEL

TOP MENU

ST ST

SETUP

PTY SEARCH

GUIDE

TV CONTROL

INPUT

TV VOL

SELECT

EON

MPX

AUDIO

SUBTITLE

DISP

STATUS

SIGNAL SEL

MULTI OPE

SHIFT

PHASE

The remote has been conveniently color-coded according to component control using the following system (press the corresponding input source button to access):

• Green – Receiver controls (see below)

• Red – DVD controls (page 66)

• Blue – Tuner controls (page 34)

• Yellow – iPod controls (page 49)

• White – Other controls (page 66)

1 RECEIVER

This switches between standby and on for this receiver.

2 INPUT SELECT Use to select the input source (use SHIFT for INPUT SELECT ).

SYSTEM OFF

SOURCE

DVR 2USB

TV DVR 1

TUNE

REC

THX

RECEIVER

TV CTRL

CDHDMI 2

RECEIVER

TUNER

S.RETRIEVER

DIMMER

CLASS

ENTER

BAND

TV CH

VOL

MUTE

REC STOP JUKEBOX

CDE

HDD

DVD

CH CH

PHOTO

STEREO/

SB ch

.S.SURR

STANDARD

ADV.SURR

MCACC

S.DIRECT

ANALOG

MIDNIGHT/ LOUDNESS

T.EDIT

RETURN

ATT

DISC

3 Input source buttons

Press to select control of other components (see Controlling the rest of your system on page 62).

4 Number buttons and other receiver/component controls

Use the number buttons to directly select a radio frequency (page 34) or the tracks on a CD, DVD, etc.

DISC (ENTER) can be used to enter commands for TV or DTV, and also to select a disc in a multi-CD player.

Press RECEIVER first to access:

SLEEP – Use to put the receiver in sleep mode and select the amount of time before sleep (page 60).

S.RETRIEVER – Press to restore CD quality sound to compressed audio sources (page 31).

ANALOG ATT – Attenuates (lowers) the level of an analog input signal to prevent distortion (page 60).

SR+ – Switches the SR+ mode on/off (page 55). DIMMER – Dims or brightens the display (page 60). MIDNIGHT/LOUDNESS – Use Midnight when

listening to movie soundtracks at low volume. Use Loudness to boost the bass and treble at low volume (page 31).

DIALOG E – Use to make dialog stand out when watching TV or a movie (page 31).

Press TUNER first to access:

D.ACCESS – After pressing, you can access a radio station directly using the number buttons (page 34).

CLASS – Switches between the three banks (classes) of radio station presets (page 34).

5 Tuner/component control buttons/

SETUP

These button controls can be accessed after you have selected the corresponding input source button (DVD, DVR1, TV, etc.). The BAND, T.EDIT and PTY SEARCH tuner controls are explained from page 34. Press

RECEIVER first to access the following controls:

AV PARAMETER – Use to access the AV options

(page 58). SETUP – Use to access the System Setup menu

(page 37). CH LEVEL – Press repeatedly to select a channel,

then use / to adjust the level (page 48). RETURN – Press to confirm and exit the current

menu screen (also use to return to the previous menu with DVDs or to select closed captioning with DTV).



(TUNE/ST) /

ENTER

Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (page 37) and the AV options (page 58). Also used to control DVD menus/options and for deck 1 of a double cassette deck player. Use the TUNE / buttons to find radio frequencies and use ST / to find preset stations (page 34).

Controls and displays

7 TV CONTROL buttons

These buttons are dedicated to control the TV assigned to the TV CTRL button. Thus if you only have one TV to hook up to this system assign it to the TV CTRL input source button. If you have two TVs, assign the main TV to the TV

CTRL button (see page 62 for more on this).

TV – Use to turn on/off the power of the TV. TV VOL +/– – Use to adjust the volume on your TV. INPUT SELECT – Use to select the TV input signal. TV CH +/– – Use to select channels.

8 Component control buttons

The main buttons (, , etc.) are used to control a component after you have selected it using the input source buttons.

The controls above these buttons can be accessed after you have selected the corresponding input source button (for example DVD, DVR1 or TV). The following controls can be accessed when listening to the built-in tuner:

MPX – Switches between stereo and mono reception of FM broadcasts. If the signal is weak then switching to mono will improve the sound quality (page 34).

DISP – Switches between named station presets and radio frequencies (page 35). Also used to display RDS information (page 35).

EON – Use to search for programs that are broadcasting traffic or news information (page 36).

STATUS

Press to check selected receiver settings (page 60).

MULTI OPE

Use this button to perform multi operations (page 64).

SHIFT

Press to access the controls outlined in white boxes (for example, INPUT SELECT ), or to display the currently selected input source in the remote control LCD.

SOURCE

Press to turn on/off other components connected to the receiver (see page 62 for more on this).

13 Character display (LCD)

This display shows information when transmitting control signals.

The following commands are shown when you’re setting the remote to control other components (see Controlling the rest of your system on page 62):

SETUP – Indicates the setup mode, from which you choose the options below.

PRESET – See Selecting preset codes directly on page 62.

LEARNING – See Programming signals from other remote controls on page 62.

MULTI OP – See Multi Operation and System Off on page 64.

SYS OFF – See Multi Operation and System Off on page 64.

DIRECT F – See Direct function on page 64. RENAME – See Renaming input source names on

page 64.

ERASE – See Erasing one of the remote control button settings on page 63.

RESET – See Resetting the remote control presets on page 63.

READ ID – See Confirming preset codes on page 63.

14 RECEIVER

Switches the remote to control the receiver (used to select the green commands above the number buttons (ANALOG ATT, etc.)). Also use this button to set up surround sound (page 8, page 37).

15 VOL +/–

Use to set the listening volume.

16 MUTE

Mutes the sound or restores the sound if it has been muted (adjusting the volume also restores the sound).

17 Receiver controls

SIGNAL SEL – Use to select an input signal (page 29). SB ch – Use to select the surround/virtual back

channel mode (page 29). STEREO/F.S.SURR – Switches between the stereo

playback mode (page 28) and the Front Stage Surround Advance mode (page 28).

THX – Press to select a Home THX listening mode (page 27).

STANDARD – Press for Standard decoding and to switch between the various 2 Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 options (page 26).

ADV.SURR – Use to switch between the various surround modes (page 27).

PHASE – Press to switch on/off Phase Control

(page 10). MCACC – Press to switch between MCACC presets (page 29).

S.DIRECT – Press to select the Auto Surround mode (page 26) or the Stream Direct mode (page 28). Stream Direct playback bypasses the tone controls and any other signal processing for the most accurate reproduction of a source (page 28).

+ 57 hidden pages