Pioneer VSX-501 User manual

Operating
Instructions
AUDIO/VIDEO STEREO RECEIVER
Vo!
Voxolls
_—| DEMO MODE |
@ Ilustration shows model VSX-501.
® The demonstration mode is activated by turning on the power
switch while holding down the RETURN button (from power
standby condition). The demonstration will appear on the display.
| e Press any other switch to cancel the demonstration.
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 piace for future reference.
In some countries or regions, the shape of the power plug and power
outlet may sometimes differ from that shown in the explanatory
drawings. However, the method of connecting and operating the unit
is the same.
WARNING: To PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
[For U.S. and Canadian models]
The serial number for this equipment is located on the rear panel. Please
write this serial number on your enclosed warranty card and keep it in
@ secure area. This is for your security.
Note to CATV system installer
This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention
to Article 820-40 of the NEC that provides guidelines for proper
grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be
connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point
of cable entry as practical.
[For Canadian model]
CAUTION: To PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT USE THIS
(POLARIZED) PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR
OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO
PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.
:
ATTENTION: pour PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES NE
PAS UTILISER CETTE FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLONGATEUR
UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT,
SAUF SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A FOND SANS EN
LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A DECOUVERT.
RETURN function
This function returns the unit to a set of initial settings and ready |
to broadcast tuner. This is helpful during troubleshooting or when |
no sound is output. For details, refer to page 19.
W) PIONEER’
The Art of Entertainment

| IMPORTANT
The hghtning flash yath arrawhea pa an equilateral
9 intended to alert the 19 the preseace of
uningulated “dangerous voltage’ within the product's
enclosure that may be of sufticent mageiturda to constitute
ansk of electric shock tw persons
Ow
READ INSTRUCTIONS ~ All the safety and operating
instructions shoutd be read before the appliance is
operated
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS ~ The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future
reference
HEED WARNING ~ Ali warnings on the apptiance and in
the operating instructions should be adhered to.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
OO NOT OPEN:
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK. NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
— SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS —
POWER LINES = An outdoor antenna should be iocated
away from power lines.
NONUSE PERIODS ~ The power cord of the appliance
should be unplugged from the outtet when left
unused for a long period of time
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY ~ Care should be taken
80 that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilted
into the enclosure through openings
The exclamation poi within aq equilateral
intended to alert
operating and
angie is
nce of important
g) instructions in
appliance
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING ~ ff an outside
antenna is connected to the antenna terminal, be
sure tha antenna system is grounded so 3s to
provide some protection against voltage surges
ang built-up static charges.
in the U.S.A. section 819 of the National Electrical
Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides intormation with
respect to proper grounding of the mast and
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS All operating and use
instructions should be followed
WATER AND MOISTURE ~ The appliance should not
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE ~ The appliance
should be serviced by @ Pionser authorized service
center or qualified service personnel when:
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire
to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna discharge unit,
be used near water ~ for example, near a bathtub, The power-supply cord or the phig has been connection to grounding electrodes, and
washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet damaged. requirements for the grounding electrode. See Fig.
basement, or near a swimming pool, ete Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into A
LOCATION -- The appliance should be installed in a
stable location.
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING — The appliance
should not be mounted to 3 wall or calling. or exhibits 8 marked change In pertorman:
VENTILATION ~ The appliance shoutd be situated so The appliance has been dropped or the enclosure
that its location or position does nat interfere with damaged.
its proper ventilation, For example, the appliance SERVICING ~ The user should not attempt to service
should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar the appliance beyond that described in the
surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, aperating instructions. All other servicing should
placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase be referred to qualified service personnel
or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through
the ventilation openings
HEAT ~ The appliance should be situated away trom ae 3
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, a ee if =
stoves,
or
other
appliances
{including
amplifiers}
NEC
—~
NATIONAL
ELECTRIC
CODE
Es
that
produce
heat,
.
CART ~ An appliance and cart combination should be
moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart
combination to overturn
the appliance,
The appliance has been exposed to cain.
The appliance does not appear ta operate normally
POWER SOURCES — The appliance should be ae
connected
to
a
power
supply
only
of
the
type
2
described in the operating instructions or as ANTENNA
marked on the appliance :
POWER-CORD PROTECTION ~ Powersupply cords LEAD IN
should he routed so that they are not likely to be ee WIRE 4
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or we
against them. Pay particular attention to cords at “
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the paint eS ANTENNA i
where they exit from the appliance. —— DISCHARGE UNIT q
POLARIZATION - Hf your purchased product is INEC SECTION 810 20)
provided with a polarized power plug, please read
the following instructions. This productis equipped
with a polarized alternating current ling plug (2 plug SERVICE
having one blade wider than the other), This plug ~
will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a
safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the
plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to
replace your obsoleté: outlet, Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized plug
CLEANING ~ The appliance should be cleaned only
with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth, Never
clean with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or
other volatile liquids since they may corrode the
cabinet,
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
{NEC SECTION 810 — 21)
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
FIG. A (NEC ART 250, PART H} i
2
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CONTENTS
BEFORE OPERATING, ADJUST THE POSITION OF THESE SWITCHES .......00. cere 4
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ACCESSORY ITEMS 5
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6
7
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7
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DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND, DOLBY 3CH LOGIC CENTER MODE ...........cccssececeeecsneeeeeeeeeeeeee
SPEAKER INSTALLATION \oussancasersosinist vccinsalsgaesnetuovvieyestekeunanbiadyeg haa cagieGvadeaanins Sioa setuiaenge he
SIMULATED: STEREO tacuctsaccetetasasv ester cuctasss thie: Setsenadevewgeiens roveremanansa cel oud eoeseceactledtsvyi¥eentece ees
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Basic audio system connections ...
Basic video system connections
Speaker connections...........:5
Applications......
Multi-Roam connections ....
REAR PANEL FACILITIES iam
FRONT PANEL FACILITIES [aR RRRRnnnrr rr
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AUTO TUNING......... Perera
MANUAL TUNING... cisscccscteecnccasideverreceecseeter wee 22:
PRESET TUNING aie ww 22
HITS (Hyper Intelligent Tuning System) ..... eee
RECEIVING FM SIMULCAST TV PROGRAMS .......cccscccsseeeeereeeeeaeeeeenesecunneesoreseees 24
OPERATING THE AUDIO/VIDEO COMPONENTS [RiRRResssnsnnnnnnnnnnnnESSS SESE EEEEEEES ES Seen ESS tS STESES 24
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RECORDING WITH A CASSETTE DECK
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leer ste aad ane te eect 28
HINTS“FOR:BET TER RECEPTION: sass ccctics scexsnchnkaader vases terstiescodsadagernacendhcevendchoradeddusiisscateeace 29
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Pe men an eke PONS anne rN 36
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Operating other components.. aoe
PFOGraMMIng ....seeeceees eens
TROUBLESHOOTING ...
SPECIFICATIONS.) sicsccse lesan aia shaayensunusaaapeaeeue ceva ue Dena peuenes mabe ith deebrs abeteer ia eStameaai eed needa tien
3
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[TWO
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
SWITCHES
|
Only multi-voltage modeis are provided with these switches. U.S.,
Canadian, European, U.K. and Australian models are not provided with
these switches.
Mains voltages in Saudi Arabia are 127 V and 220 V only. Never use
this model with 110 V setting in Saudi Arabia.
The line voltage selector switches are on the rear panel. Before your
model is shipped from the factory, these switches are set to the power
requirements of the destination. Check that they are set properly before
plugging the power cord into the household wail socket. If the voltage
is not properly set or if you move to an area where the voltage
requirements differ, adjust the selector switches as follows.
1. Use a medium-size screwdriver.
2. First, insert a screwdriver in the groove of the voltage selector at
the right, and adjust so that the tip of the groove points to the voltage
value of your area.
3. Next, insert a screwdriver in the groove of the voltage selector at
the jeft and adjust until the voltage is the same as at the right.
TWO VOLTAGE SELECTORS
110V
120-127V
gfe 220V
240V
11O¥ 120-427V
SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAUTION: TWO VOLTAGE SELECTORS
ac tov | AC 120 T ac 220 | ac 240v
Dr @y Or
110V | 120-127¥ | 220V
TeV
1200-1274 x
A -Y
cu ie
x«K
NOTE:
Both switches must be in the same switch
setting; otherwise, unit can be damaged.
VOLTAGE SELECTORS
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BEFORE
OPERATING,
ADJUST
THE
POSITION
OF
THESE
SWITCHES
CHANNEL STEP/FM DE EMPHASIS SWITCH |
(Not available on U.S. and Canadian models)
The unit has been factory preset to the channel allocation and de-
emphasis value for the area in which it is to be sold, if these values are
set incorrectly, the frequency display may stop at the wrong frequency,
or sound may be distorted, resulting in an inability to reproduce reception
signals at their proper sound quality. For this reason, be sure to confirm
that the values are set correctly before first using the unit.
[100 kHz/10 kHz/75 ys] position:
Set to this position for areas with an FM reception step of 100 kHz,
AM 10 kHz, and de-emphasis 75 xs.
{50 kHz/9 kHz/50 us) position:
Set to this position, for areas with an FM reception step of 50 KHz,
AM 9 kHz, and de-emphasis 50 ys.
NOTE:
When unsure about the channel allocation and de-emphasis values for
your area, consult your dealer for correct information.
CHANNEL STEP/
FM DE-
EMPHASIS
SOkHz
/50uS —@ e~ SkHz
100kHz—~® ®-10kHz
{75x48
FM AM

|
FEATURES
The VSX-501/VSX-511S combines the functions of receiver, wireless
remote control, audio-visual selector and surround processor. It will play
a central role in your enjoyment of audio-video media.
® BUILT-IN DIGITAL DELAY, DOLBY SURROUND
CIRCUIT
You can enjoy STUDIO and SIMULATED surround playback. And
thanks to the built-in DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND decoder, you
can also enjoy the superb imaging and sensation of movement
provided by DOLBY SURROUND when using software bearing the
DO [porsy suarounn | mark. {When not using rear speakers,
DOLBY 3CH LOGIC lets you enjoy the ambience of a wide, spacious
sound field.)
With SIMULATED and DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND, changing the
delay time lets you enjoy a wider sound field effect.
*¢ LARGE, MOTOR-DRIVEN VOLUME KNOB
The large volume knob contributes to operational convenience and
positive response, You can even operate it via remote control. When
you change the volume setting using the remote control unit, the knob
turns by itself, making it easy to keep track of the current setting.
@ VIDEO SIGNAL SELECTOR (Simulcast function)
Allows free combination of various audio-visual sources during playback
and over-dubbing, enabling you to produce your own origina! video
product.
© TWO-WAY VCR COPYING AND MONITORING
VCR 1 — VCR 2: Copying of video cassette tapes can be performed
in either direction. a
LD — VCR 1, VCR 2: Allows simuttaneous production of two copies
from video disc or compact disc with video.
® ACOUSTIC MEMORY FUNCTION
Five types (A—E) of tone control settings can be preset. The settings
for loudness and flat tone response functions can also be selected
quickly.
° CUSTOM MEMORY FUNCTION
Stations can be preset according to the genre of the material broadcast,
and Memory Scan of a particufar genre can be carried out.
® 90/60/30-MINUTE SLEEP TIMER FUNCTION
® MULTI-ROOM REMOTE JACK
The optional MR-100 Multi-room remote control unit can be connected
to the Multi-room remote IN jack.
[VSX-501]
* AV REMOTE CONTROL UNIT
With the attached remote controi unit you can operate any Pioneer audio
or video component bearing the isa mark.
{VSX-517S]
® AV PROGRAMMABLE REMOTE CONTROL UNIT
With the attached programmable remote control unit, you can operate
any Pioneer audio or video component bearing the
if you use the LEARN function, remote commands of components not
bearing the ff] mark can be memorized, giving you remote control over
a component's functions.
You can also use the MULTI-COMMAND to memorize up to seven
commands in order, letting you transmit them at the push of a single
button.
|
>
CCESSORY ITEMS
FM T-type Antenna AM Loop Antenna
VSX-501
Dry ceil battery x 2
(size “AAA” (RO3/UM-4))
AWN remote control unit
VSX-511S8
Audio/Video programmabie
remote control unit
Alkaline dry cell battery x 2
{size ‘AA’ (LR6/AM-3))
5
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[
| BLOCK DIAGRAM
AUDIO TAPER
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ant [RE
PHONO G-{EG +o
co G@-———0.
tape 1 ~
17 Go
ver 1©
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TAPE @& —
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vers
eet i
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Fe | =
VIDEO
LD Qe
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——D fronton
| SURROUND EFFECT
This unit has a built-in surround processor for adding presence and an
expansive effect to the sound.
e STUDIO:
Select this position to enjoy the effect of listening to music in a recording
studio.
The source sound is output as it is through the front speakers, with
reverberation output through the rear speakers.
This is particularly suitable for a source that has a lot of reverberation.
e SIMULATED SURROUND:
The “SIMULATED” creates effects of reverberated and reflected sound
from the walls and ceiling similar to a concert hail. These sound-effects
added to the actual sound from the source make you feel as if you were
in a more expanded space. The different ranges of the expanded space
can be set by the DELAY TIME button.
Set the Delay Time to 16 ms or 20 ms for a live-house concert. For
chamber music, set to 20 ms. For orchestral music, set to 30 ms. The
“SIMULATED SURROUND” also gives effects on monaural sources by
outputting the reverberated sound from rear speakers while keeping the
output sound from front speakers as it is. Turn on the “SIMULATED
SURROUND” for a monaural source to gain effective surround playback.
Choose the SIMULATED SURROUND mode if the source sound signal
is mono. Little or no sound will be heard from the surround speakers
if the STUDIO or DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND mode is selected.
* DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND
Choose this setting for movies and music (especially Video Discs and
video tapes bearing the oo [poLey suRRouNO | mark) playback.
DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND continuously detects the size and
direction of the dominant signal and cancels undesirable crosstalk,
thereby providing signal emphasis.
ft makes you clearly perceive the directions where music comes from.
Real flow of sound also can be re-created naturally using this feature.
You can feel as if being in the outstanding and expansive sound field.
When using DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND, a delay time setting of
20 ms is commonly used. Use a different setting if you prefer.
Even if they do not bear the oo DOLBY SURROUND | mark, some video
recordings may be Dolby Surround encoded.
Note:
Doiby Surround will not operate correctly if the signal passes through
a graphic equalizer.
When using Dolby Surround, turn off the TAPE 2 MONITOR or set |
the graphic equalizer for flat response or to its “‘through’’ (or off)
setting, if you have one in use.
|
| DOLBY 3CH LOGIC
Combining the rear speaker signal with that of the front speakers results
in your being able to enjoy a regenerated sound field which has
comparatively more presence and a more expansive feeling from the
front 3 channels (front L, front R, and center speakers) than that of
ordinary stereo regensration.
DOLBY 3CH LOGIC can be used with stereo sources not encoded with
DOLBY SURROUND.
6
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Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing |
Corporation. Additionally licensed under one or more of the
following patents: U.S. numbers 3,632,886, 3,746,792 and
3,959,590; CANADA numbers 1,004,603 and 1,037,877.
“Dolby” and the double-D symbol oo are trademarks of Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Fabriqué sous licence de Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
et sous un ou plusiers des brevets suivants; U.S.A. 3,632,886,
3,746,792, et 3,959,590; Canada 1,004,603 et 1,037,877,
DOLBY et le symbole double-D Oo sont des marques de Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

You can choose from the following settings:
Center Mode Choices:
When using a center speaker:
¢ NORMAL — Low range frequencies, which have little effect on
directionality and positioning, are routed to the left and right front
speakers. So you can use a relatively small size speaker as the center
speaker.
® WIDE ~ If you use a large size center speaker, choose this setting.
The full frequency range of the Dolby Surround center channel, from
low to high, is routed to the center speaker.
DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND, DOLBY 3CH LOGIC CENTER MODE
When not using a center speaker: DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND
° PHANTOM — The signal which would have been sent to the center
speaker is divided equally between the left and right front speakers.
With DOLBY PRO LOGIC SURROUND, monaural source sound will. be
heard only from the center channe at settings other than the PHANTOM
position.
SPEAKER INSTALLATION
To get the most out of the surround system, place the speakers as
shown below.
An example of speaker positioning
Front right
speaker
Center speaker
Yi
FRONT
Listening
Lz
Rear left Rear right
speaker speaker
f the rear speakers are positioned at an extreme distance, the surround
level becomes unable to adjust and the surround effect will not be fully
achieved.
NOTE:
© To avoid interference with the picture on a nearby TV set, use
magnetically shielded speaker systems. This is particularly important
for the center speaker since it is usually focated closest to the TV.
° Position the left and right channel speakers at equal distances from
the TV set and approximately six feet from each other.
* Position the center speaker above, below, or behind the TV set. Sound
may not appear to coincide with the picture if you position it next to
the TV set.
® Rear speakers are best positioned slightly above ear fevel.
_ SIMULATED STEREO
This function transforms monaural signals into simulated stereo sound.
Use it when you wish to experience a sense of stereo presence when
istening to AM broadcasts, and other monaural signal sources.
NOTE:
The simulated stereo function can also be used with stereo sound
sources, but it will result in an effect somewhat different from the normal
stereo sound,
7
<ARB1378>

CONNECTIONS
Setting Up the AM Antenna
* insert the claw on the bottom of the antenna into the groove in
the teg.
® Place the antenna on a level surface and rotate it to locate the
orientation that yields the best reception.
* Use the attachment hole in the leg to screw to wall or other
location, then insert the claw on the bottom of the antenna into
the groove in the feg (fixing the antenna in the direction that gives
the best reception).
Lead wire
Lead wire
POWER-CORD CAUTION
Precaution regarding installation position of cassette
deck.
If the cassette deck is installed in the (4) positions shawn in the
drawing beiow, it may be adversely affected during playback. If
possible, it’s better to install it in the @ position.
Handle the power cord by the piug. Do not pull out the piug by tugging
the cord and never touch the power cord when your hands are wet as
this could cause a short circuit or electric shock. Do not place the unit,
a piece of furniture, etc., on the power cord, or pinch the cord. Never
make a knot in the cord or tie it with other cords. The power cords
should be routed such that they are not likely to be stepped on. A
damaged power cord can cause fire or give you an electrical shock.
Check the power cord once in a while. When you find it damaged, ask
your nearest PIONEER authorized servicé center or your dealer for a
replacement.
8
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CONNECTIONS
| BASIC AUDIO SYSTEM CONNECTIONS NOTE FOR FIM 1 TYPE ANTENNA
Stretch the antenna out to its full length, and affix it to a wall, etc.
NOTE FOR AM LOOP ANTENNA
The antenna should be placed at a distance from the receiver, and should
not be allowed to touch metallic objects.
Avoid placing it near CD players, personal computers, television sets,
and other devices generating radio frequencies.
Accessory
FM-T type antenna
Accessory AM
Loop
antenna
Turntable
- ||
fee Pal
Turntable
Cassette deck ‘oS {Power cord connection example]
9
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|

CONNECTIONS
"BASIC VIDED svsTEM CONNECTIONS
TV monitor
VIDEO AUDIO
OUT
y >
TV tuner
FO re ree
10
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