Pioneer VSA-AX10 User manual

VSA-AX10 Multi-Channel Stereophonic Amplifier
O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN 04-02-2002 07:13 Page 1

One Success Story
Inspires Another
For the modern ge of improving st nd rds in recording nd repl y technology, Pioneer h s developed new
reference st nd rd mplifier for high fidelity sound reproduction in the home: VSA-AX10. Designed for
connoisseurs who desire the very best in stereo nd multi-ch nnel music repl y together with reference-cl ss
decoding of both tod y’s nd tomorrow’s movie soundtr ck form ts, the VSA-AX10 h s been designed from the
ground up to be true ‘reference st nd rd’ for ll udio nd udio/video system pplic tions. Pioneer’s most
experienced udio mplifier designers te med up with engineering experts in sound recording t London’s f mous
AIR Studios to design n mplifier th t w s worthy of the t sk of studio reference monitoring. With sufficient power
delivery nd tr nsp rency to preserve the enormous dyn mic r nge nd pure cl rity of tod y’s higher-resolution
digit l recordings on DVD-Audio nd SACD, the VSA-AX10 includes 7.1 ch nnel line inputs nd outputs for ll
requirements. Under the bonnet re 7 ch nnels of power mplific tion (170 w tts per ch nnel) for THX Surround EX
nd DTS Extended Surround AV systems. And for high-end 5.1 ch nnel systems the VSA-AX10’s seven power
mplifiers c n be configured for bi- mping system’s m in front left nd right ch nnels. St te-of-the- rt digit l
sign l processors h ve been employed for decoding of future 96/24 DTS encoded movie soundtr cks nd the
VSA-AX10 is the first mplifier in the world to receive THX Ultr 2 certific tion. At Pioneer we describe it s ‘multi-
ch nnel stereophonic’ mplifier. At AIR Studios they c ll it their ‘monitor reference’. In your home you’ll he r your
f vourite stereo nd multi-ch nnel recordings s the profession ls he rd it t the mixing desk. The VSA-AX10
mplifier will be your monitor reference st nd rd.
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O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN 04-02-2002 07:13 Page 2

A New Concept In Sound
Working closely with AIR Studios sound
engineers in the UK, the Pioneer te m
employed revolution ry processes in order to t ke
your home sound system to the level of
profession l sound studio. Profession l sound
engineers lw ys st rt with three principles to
chieve high fidelity recording nd repl y: qu lity
reproduction, precision reproduction nd rtistic
reproduction. Pioneer d pted this profession l
procedure to the design process so th t the
VSA-AX10 would recre te unprecedented udio
fidelity in your home. This includes the best v il ble
udio components, me suring nd c libr ting the
system with microphone, nd fin l sound tuning to
preserve the origin l emotion l el tion of the music.
With the VSA-AX10’s profession l m ster reference
sound qu lity, concert t home h s never been so
spect cul r.
True Visionaries:
Sir George Martin and
AIR Studios
The best sound engineers t one of the best
recording studios in the world contributed n
unquestion ble mount of expertise to this
revolution ry multi-ch nnel stereophonic mplifier.
AIR Studios founder is Sir George M rtin, legend ry
Be tles producer nd Ac demy Aw rd-nomin ted
composer – one of music’s most vers tile nd
im gin tive t lents. Est blished in 1969 in London,
AIR Studios is now st te-of-the- rt recording
complex with m tchless f cilities for film scoring,
rock, pop, cl ssic l nd orchestr l work,
postproduction nd live events. M ny of the world’s
most popul r nd renowned music l t lents h ve
worked in this unique nd inspir tion l recording
environment.
VSA-AX10
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O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN 04-02-2002 07:15 Page 3

Precision Studio Sound Technology
Packaged For Your Home
Designing n mplifier th t reproduces profession l studio qu lity sound in your home requires precision high-end technology.
Working with studio engineers nd sound form t experts round the world, Pioneer’s mplifier design engineers ende voured
to m ke sure th t this multi-ch nnel udio/visu l mplifier perfectly recre tes profession l-level home studio sound with opti-
mum coustic ccur ncy. With the built-in Multi-ch nnel Acoustic C libr tion system, it is str ightforw rd to djust the sound
to the correct p r meters suited to your listening environment. You’ll be set with the l test sound form t technology including
THX Ultr 2, Dolby Pro logic II, DTS 96/24 s well s THX Surround EX, Dolby Digit l, DTS-ES nd DTS. On top of th t, ll the best
possible technologies, design nd p rts h ve been incorpor ted into this superb mplifier for the ultim te in fine-tuned, pro-
fession l qu lity sound. With ll of these elements in pl ce, this work of rt truly is the future of sound.
Achieving Sound Perfection
This system recreates a perfectly realistic listening environment in virtually any space, regardless of size, shape or obstacles, MCACC works by using the
included microphone to measure room acoustics and neutralise any characteristics that tarnish the original source material. To start, the microphone
checks and tests ambient noise and speaker levels. When the initial calibration is complete, the system automatically confirms speaker presence and
size, and creates a sound stage by e ualising the distances between speakers relative to the listener, neutralising differences in sound pressure level,
and compensating for timbre variations. Following this surround analysis, the MCACC checks the channel delay and channel level, processes the
information and performs the acoustic calibration. During the acoustic calibration process, the speakers emit a series of timing pulses that are read by
the microphone and sent to a 9-band digital e ualiser for final calibration of up to seven channels. The system includes a special sound tuning
application created by AIR Studios’ chief engineer to reproduce the original studio sound character. The final result? Delicate nuances of your space are
fully compensated for – affording you – more sound realism than ever before from your stereo and multi-channel recordings.
dB
dB
FL FC FR SL SB SB SR LFE
FL FC FR SL SB SB SR LFE
Automatic Sound Pressure Level Adjustment
The sound pressure level is different for each speaker, as each speaker has varying efficiency
levels and installation methods. This feature equalises each channel’s pressure level.
ITU-R Angle Speaker Setting Fine Distance Control
Fine Angle Control
Each channel’s frequency characteristics are adjusted for the actual listening environment (9 levels). All Channel mode flattens
each divided range for all channels; Front Align mode synchronises other channels to the front speaker’s characteristics.
All Channel Mode Front Align Mode
Adjusts high range of front channel
Before Correction Before Correction
Adjusts surround channel to front channel characteristics
Automatic Tone Adjustment – Effect of Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration EQ
4
Final sound tuning was done by reknowned AIR Studios engineers
to recreate the original sound impression, as shown here in
Studio 2.
O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN 04-02-2002 07:15 Page 4

THX Ultra2 Processing And Certification
Wh t THX Ultr 2 me ns for you is th t you’ll enjoy exciting eight ch nnel
pl yb ck perform nces from ny multi-ch nnel progr mme over the widest
possible se ting re . As the first A/V mplifier in the world to receive THX Ultr 2 certific tion,
the VSA-AX10 is cle rly setting the p ce for the next gener tion. Where s origin l THX Ultr
w s intended for Dolby Pro Logic sources, THX Ultr 2 is entirely d pted to recent high-
qu lity digit l form ts such s DTS nd Dolby Digit l. A true bre kthrough in home
entert inment technology, THX Ultr 2 ensures optim l multi-ch nnel music nd film ple sure.
In ddition to THX Cinem nd THX Surround EX, THX Ultr 2 technology includes two new
modes fe turing THX ASA (Adv nced Spe ker Arr y). THX Ultr 2 Cinem llows non-Surround
EX-encoded, Dolby Digit l 5.1 nd DTS 5.1 m teri l to be pl yed on seven spe ker
configur tion. For music pl yb ck, THX MusicMode c n h ndle ll types of music form ts,
whether it is 5.1 encoded music or high-resolution DVD-Audio nd SACD multi-ch nnel music
recordings.
DTS-ES Decoding
With ll the movement on the form t front, DTS Extended Surround, better known s DTS-ES, h s developed
new home form t in ddition to DTS-ES M trix 6.1 – DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 – for true 3-dimension l surround
sound. This new form t t kes dv nt ge of the l rger DTS b ndwidth to cre te subtle centre b ck ch nnel th t restores the
origin l cinem tic left surround nd right surround ch nnels independently. Moreover, e ch ch nnel is encoded nd decoded
individu lly, enh ncing ch nnel sep r tion. The VSA-AX10 fe tures DTS-ES decoder th t will llow you to pl y b ck discrete
6.1 ch nnel content from DVDs nd CDs. You will lso welcome full comp tibility with ny DTS-ES or 5.1 ch nnel recording.
DTS 96/24 Decoding
Equipped with 96 kHz/24-bit decoder, the VSA-AX10 reproduces high-
qu lity sound, ex ctly s recorded on 96 kHz, 24-bit m ster t pes in the
studio. The l test udio form t by DTS – the multi-pl tform DTS 96/24 – is the first
compressed surround form t technology to support 96 kHz nd 24-bit sound resolution nd
multi-ch nnel c p bilities without video qu lity degr d tion. With its super low udio
compression r te, ll your discs with DTS encoded udio soundtr cks will sound rich nd
sophistic ted. B ckw rds comp tibile with existing DTS decoders, you’ll lso be ble to enjoy
tr dition l DTS discs.
Surround EX
Surround EX w s cre ted by both Dolby Intern tion l nd THX Luc s Film for “St r W rs Episode 1”. The New ide
is to cre te new ch nnel for the b ck side of screen with the s me m trix technology of Dolby Prologic. The
technology w s first introduced to the cinem s nd soon fter introduced to home pplic tion. Surround EX is comp tible with
existing Dolby Digit l 5.1 so th t regul r Dolby Digit l Decoder c n decode sign ls of Surround EX s norm l 5.1 sign l.
VSA-AX10
5
FL C FR
SL SR
SBL SBR
THX 2
FL
SB SB
FC FR
SW
SL SR
Surround
EX
Easy and Precise Set-up with Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration System
MCACC, or Multi-ch nnel Acoustic C libr tion System, is n utom tic sound field djustment system cre ted by Pioneer with
AIR Studios’ coll bor tion. The MCACC works like mini ture sound st ge right in your home. The be uty of this utom tic
djustment system is th t you re ble to djust your home system just like the profession ls. Using microphone, the MCACC
systems monitors your sound environment nd me sures v rious p r meters in the room, nd then utom tic lly djust v rious
sound p r meters in e ch ch nnel so your sound coustics h ve the perfect ton l nu nces customised for your reproduction
environment. This me ns th t the highest cl ss, profession l-level surround sound – c libr ted like never before – c n e sily be
chieved in your home system.
Automatic Mutual Distance Adjustment
Calibration
microphone
The speakers’ distance and tone are not uniform
before the adjustment . The microphone then
determines size and number of speakers,
distance from the listener to the speakers, and
timbre and tone of speakers. After the
adjustment the system is automatically
equalised.
By using the set-up microphone, sound field
characteristics are automatically measured
from the listener’s position, in order to
reproduce the ideal sound environment.
O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN 04-02-2002 07:16 Page 5

High-end 192 kHz/24-bit D/A Converters For So id Sound
Exclusive for Pioneer, top-of-the-line Burr Brown 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converters drive each of the eight channels independently. These are the best multi-
bit type D/A converters for high-resolution, strong and stable sound, with a perfect signal from input to output.
So id High Performance Audio
One of the secrets to this amplifier is Pioneer’s exclusive new Advanced Direct Energy MOSFET. This highly advanced piece of circuitry produces an
amazingly efficient, high-end sound uality with an impressive 170 watts of e ually amplified power for each channel and improved linearity to ensure
consistent sound uality for multi-channel applications. To achieve this, the internal sound stage must remain as smooth and stable as possible. That
is why the MOSFET is designed with heat compensation circuitry in the power chip with A/D isolated amp module to minimise power imbalances that
can cause distortion in the sound stage.
Efficient Heat Radiation For Low Resonance
Since this amplifier incorporates 7 channel, high power units, it generates a huge amount of energy. This newly developed chimney-shaped heatsink
helps release the excess heat from the power elements, enabling lower resonance.
Precise Sound Imaging
To balance both electrical and physical elements between the 7 channels for the most precise sound stage composition, Pioneer designed each power
amplifier on each side of the heatsink in order. This “symmetrical power train” creates a uniform sound field for all channels.
Stab e Power Output
To reproduce the latest wide range audio formats and rapidly changing sound levels, your amplifier needs a solid and stable power supply source.
Therefore, Pioneer designed a state-of-the-art transformer, weighing in at more 10kg. This transformer is uni uely designed to suppress internal energy
loss and prevent magnetic leakage as well as eliminate vibration during sound reproduction.
High y Responsive And C ean Power
VSA-AX10 uses 33000µFx2 large capacity condensers, exclusively for audio, for extra stability and instant response to large power swings. The low loss
thick copper bus-bar ensures clean and smooth power transmission at all times.
The U timate S/N Ratio For DVD-Audio
For this amplifier, Pioneer aimed for a 110 dB S/N ratio to faithfully reproduce the latest wide range audio formats. This was achieved via a new volume
control circuitry design – Precision Gain Management Volume. This feature checks the gain in each amplification stage and selects the best combination
of gain in each stage.
Unquestionable Quality With Impeccable Design
Designed for audiophiles demanding the very best in sound reproduction, VSA-AX10 features the best hardware on the market, like Sharc DSP
processors. Clearly, sound design has reached new arenas of excellence with exclusive Pioneer sound technology designed with the help of the world’s
best sound engineers.
Burr Brown
PCM1704 DAC
Professiona -qua ity 32-Bit Digita Signa Processing
Using 32-bit Sharc and 24-bit double speed Motorola simultaneously, this model can realise full processing which contributes to reproduce the highest
uality of sound.
Idea DVD Audio Converter
Pioneer has mounted highly accurate 96 kHz/24-bit A/D converters on all eight channels individually to precisely reproduce DVD-Audio and SACD sound
sources. For two channel analogue sources, four A/D converters are used for each channel to create high fidelity sound.
New Frame Design Concept For Superior Support
The revolutionary, new chassis design fixes all parts to a 3-D frame instead of the weaker
2-D frame. So the unit has the strength to support the 10 kg transformer, as well as allow
optimum functionality of each part. In addition, the chassis is copper-plated to suppress
signal interference between circuits and lower impedance.
Concentrated Direct Construction Design
To minimise signal interference, each circuit is separated – allowing a more direct signal
route. This concentrated direct construction works simultaneously with the 3-D space
frame to create an extremely pure signal transmission with an open and fresh sound.
Easy Connection And Simp e Conversion
With this easy connection video converter feature, hooking up video components is
foolproof. There is no need to connect every terminal to the amplifier because it converts the input video signal to
all available video output terminals. With a selection of connection options you can easily set up the configuration
you want.
More Rea istic Movie And Music Experience
Pioneer’s exclusive DSP technology lets you experience movies and music like never before with two customised DSP
modes: Advanced Cinema and Advanced Concert. Advanced Cinema enhances movie soundtracks and other
audio/visual sources. You can experiment with the six modes to create six different types of acoustic environments. Advanced Concert lets you transform
your living room into a variety of virtual sonic environments when you play two channel or multi-channel sources.
Advanced Direct
Energy MOSFET Chimney-shaped
large heatsink Amplifier with symmetrical
power train design
Large power
supply transformer
3-D space frame construction
1
2
3
45
6
Large capacity
electrolysis condenser
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4
Picture 5
Picture 6
Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5 Picture 6
Direct construction:
1) Power supply
2) Video block
3) Amplifier
4) Audio block
5) DSP block
6) D/A converter
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Rear Panel Connections
VSA-AX10 Multi-Channel
Stereophonic Amplifier
LCD Touch Panel Remote Control
POd
170 W x 7 DIN
Set-up MicrophoneOpen Front Panel
VSA-AX10
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O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN 04-02-2002 07:18 Page 7

POWER OUTPUT
Stereo (DIN) 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Surround
Front 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Centre 170 W (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Re r (Surround) 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Surround B ck 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
AMPLIFIER DESIGN
Adv nced Direct Energy MOSFET •
L rge c p city electrolysis condenser 33,000 µF x 2, Ø 50
Thick copper bus-b r •
Discrete output ( ll ch nnels) •
Front L & R Bi-Amplifier Function •
SURROUND SOUND
Digit l Sign l Processor (DSP) Sh rc 32-bit x 2, 48-bit
(24 bit double precision) Motorol
Dolby Digit l •
Dolby Pro Logic II •
DTS •
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 •
DTS-ES M trix 6.1 •
DTS 96/24 •
DTS Neo: 6 •
MPEG • (BC)
THX • (THX Ultr 2)
THX Surround EX •
THX Ultr 2 Cinem •
THX MusicMode •
Adv nced Surround Mode (SFC) 6 + 6
Adv nced Cinem
ACTION •
MUSICAL •
DRAMA •
SCI-FI •
MONOFILM •
5-D/7-D THEATER •
Adv nced Concert
CLASSICAL •
CHAMBER •
JAZZ •
ROCK •
DANCE •
5-CH/7-CH STEREO •
Accur te Im ging System (7 ch nnel Equ l Power)
AUDIO FEATURES
D/A Converter 192 kHz/24-bit
(PCM1704 speci lly selected for VSA-AX10)
D/A is one for e ch CH
A/D Converter (2 ch nnel in) 96 kHz/24-bit (4)
4 of A/D will be connected p r relly for 2ch in
A/D Converter (multi-ch nnel in) 96 kHz/24-bit (8)
A/D is one for e ch for multi-ch in
Precision G in M n gement (PGM)
Volume control •
An logue Down mixing for Centre Ch nnel •
Digit l Noise Reduction •
Midnight Listening Mode •
DIRECT Mode •
Tone Control +/- 6 dB (100 Hz/10 kHz)
Loudness •
MULTI-CHANNEL ACOUSTIC CALIBRATION SYSTEM (MCACC)
•
Acoustic C libr tion EQ 9-b nd
EQ M nu l Set-up •
Auto Surround Set-up •
Spe ker Del y Step 0.1 m
Trim Step 0.5 dB
VIDEO FEATURES
Video Sign l Selector •
Video Converter •
CONVENIENCES
Video Converter •
On-Screen Displ y (GUI)
Remote Control LCD Touch P nel
Multi-Oper tion (M cro) •
Flexible M cro •
DVD Control •
MCD Control •
Remote Key Illumin tion LCD
Function Ren me •
FL Dimmer (steps) • (4)
AMX Re dy (RS-232C) •
CONSTRUCTIONS
3-D Sp ce Fr me Construction •
Copper-pl ted ch ssis •
Adv nced Direct Construction •
Double L yered Ch ssis •
TERMINALS
Multi-Ch nnel Input 7.1 ch
RF Input for Dolby Digit l (Demodul tor) •
Digit l Input 8 ( ssign)
Co xi l 3
Optic l 5 (includes Front in)
Digit l Output (Optic l) 2
Audio/Video Inputs 5 A/7 AV
Audio/Video Output 2 A/3 AV + 2 V
Phono Input •
S-Video Input/Output 7/4 (includes Front in)
Component Video Input/Output 3/1 (Assign)
Pre mp Output • All (7.1 ch)
Power Amp Input FL/FR
A/V Input on Front •
SR (System Remote) Termin l • (In/Out)
Spe ker A/B Vers tile Spe ker Configur tion
L rge Spe ker Termin ls • (All)
AMPLIFIER SECTION
R ted Power Output
(20 Hz — 20 kHz,THD 0.09 %, 6 Ω ) 150 W x 2
Input (Sensitivity/Imped nce)
PHONO (MM) 4.7 mV/47 k Ω
Line 382 mV/47 k Ω
Frequency Response
PHONO (MM) 20 — 20,000 Hz, +/- 0.3 dB
Line 5 — 100,000 Hz, + 0, -3 dB
Sign l-to-Noise R tio
(DIN, continuous r ted power output/50 mW)
PHONO (MM) 70/68 dB
Line 93/73 dB
VIDEO SECTION
Input (Sensitivity/Imped nce) 1 V p-p/75 Ω
COMPONENT VIDEO
Frequency Response
(720p comp tible) 5 Hz — 40 MHz + 0, - 3dB
MISCELLANEOUS
Power Requirements AC 220 — 230 V
50/60 Hz
Power Consumption 660 W
Power Consumption in st ndby mode 0.65 W
Dimensions (W x H x D) 440 x 203 x 472 mm
Weight 29.3 kg
O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN – Pr nted n Belg um. As a part of P oneer’s comm tment to a cleaner env ronment and the protect on of the earth, th s catalogue has been pr nted on chlor ne-free paper.
Your local P oneer dealer
Published by:
PIONEER EUROPE NV
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Tel.: + 32 (0)3 570 05 11
Copyr ght 2002 by P oneer Europe NV
All r ghts reserved.
Trade descriptions act:
Products offered for sale may d ffer from those descr bed n th s catalogue due to later
product on changes n spec f cat ons, components or place of manufacture. The nforma-
t on conta ned n th s catalogue may conta n techn cal naccurac es or typograph cal
errors. Consequently any such nformat on s not to be treated as representat ons as to
the current ava lab l ty of products as descr bed or as to products actually offered for sale.
“Dolby”, “Pro Log c”, “Surround EX” and the double D-symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laborator es. “DTS”, “DTS-ES Extended Surround” and “Neo:6” are trademarks of D g tal Theater Systems, Inc..
Lucasf lm and THX are trademarks or reg stered trademarks of Lucasf lm Ltd.. Surround EX s a trademark of Dolby Laborator es. “SACD” and “Super Aud o CD” are trademarks of Sony Corporat on, Japan.
Infr ngement of copyr ght: Copy ng of prerecorded copyr ght mater al w thout appropr ate author sat on or l cence may be unlawful and you are adv sed to check the laws appl cable n the jur sd ct on to wh ch
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VSA-AX10 Features and Specifications
O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN 04-02-2002 07:12 Page 8