Pioneer Elite VSX-52TX Operating Instructions Manual
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Pioneer Elite VSX-52TX Operating Instructions Manual

Pioneer Elite VSX-52TX Operating Instructions Manual

Audio/video multi-channel receiver
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AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL
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VSX-52TX
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Operating Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Pioneer Elite VSX-52TX

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    • Receive free tips, updates and service bulletins on your new product • Improve product development Your input helps us continue to design products that meet your needs. • Receive a free Pioneer newsletter Registered customers can opt in to receive a monthly newsletter. Operating Instructions...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ INSTRUCTIONS —...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Power cord caution ......22 Operating other Pioneer components ... . . 22 04 Controls and displays Front panel .
  • Page 5 LFE Attenuator Setup......66 SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays ..66 Multi Room Setup .

  • Page 6: Before You Start

    Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES decoders for six-channel surround sound. • Seamless video conversion With the Pioneer video converter, you can use a wide range of cables interchangeably, giving you more flexibility when making video connections. •...

  • Page 7: Ventilation

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

  • Page 8: 02 5 Minute Guide

    5 minute guide Chapter 2: 5 minute guide Introduction to home theater You are probably used to using stereo equipment to listen to music, but may not be used to home theater systems that give you many more options (such as surround sound) when listening to soundtracks. 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.
  • Page 9 5 minute guide Connect your speakers. A complete setup of eight speakers (including the subwoofer) is shown here but everyone’s home setup will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner shown below. The receiver will work with just two stereo speakers (the front speakers in the diagram) but using at least three speakers is recommended, and a complete setup is best.
  • Page 10 5 minute guide Note • The speaker terminals also accept single banana plugs. 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. See Hints on speaker placement on page 21 for more on this.

  • Page 11: Automatically Setting Up For Surround Sound (Mcacc)

    5 minute guide Automatically setting up for surround sound (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...
  • Page 12 5 minute guide Follow the instructions on-screen. 2. AUTO MCACC • Set microphone • Turn on Sub Woofer • Make sure the microphone is connected. • If you’re using a subwoofer, it is automatically detected every time you switch on the system. Make sure it is on and the volume is turned up.

  • Page 13: Other Problems When Using The Auto Mcacc Setup

    5 minute guide Note • If you leave an error message on the screen for over three minutes, or if you cancel the Auto MCACC Setup at any time, the receiver automatically exits and no settings will be made. • Depending on the characteristics of your room, sometimes identical speakers with cone sizes of around 5 inches (12cm) will end up with different size settings.

  • Page 14: Connecting Up

    Connecting up Chapter 3: Connecting up Important • Before making or changing any connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet. About cable types Analog audio cables Use stereo RCA phono cables to connect analog audio components.

  • Page 15: When Making Cable Connections

    Connecting up When making cable connections Be careful not to arrange cables in a manner that bends the cables over the top or around this unit. If the cables are laid on top of the unit, the magnetic field produced by the transformers in this unit may cause a humming noise to come from the speakers.

  • Page 16: Connecting Digital Audio Components

    Connecting up Connecting digital audio components The easiest way to hook up this receiver for surround sound (Dolby Digital and DTS sources) is to use a digital input. You can do this by either coaxial or optical connections (you do not need to do both). The quality of these two types of connections is the same but since some digital components only have one type of digital terminal, it is a matter of matching like with like (for example, the coaxial output from the component to coaxial input on the receiver).

  • Page 17: Connecting Analog Audio Components

    Connecting up Connecting analog audio components To begin set up, connect your analog audio components (such as a cassette deck) to the jacks. For components you want to record with, you need to hook up four plugs to the receiver (a set of stereo inputs and a set of stereo outputs), but for components that only play, you only need to hook up one set of stereo plugs.

  • Page 18: Connecting Video Components

    Connecting up Connecting video components Connect your video components to the jacks as shown below. With digital video components (like a DVD player), you must use the connections shown on this page for the video signal, but in order to hear a digital source (like a DVD) you should hook up the audio to a digital input (see page 16).

  • Page 19: Connecting Antennas

    Connecting up Connecting antennas Connect the AM loop antenna and the FM wire antenna as shown below. To improve reception and sound quality, connect external antennas (see Using external antennas below). Always make sure that the receiver is switched off and unplugged from the wall outlet before making or changing any connections.

  • Page 20: Connecting The Speakers

    Connecting up Connecting the speakers A complete setup of eight speakers (including the subwoofer) is shown below, but everyone’s home setup will vary. Simply connect the speakers you have in the manner shown below. The receiver will work with just two stereo speakers (the front speakers in the diagram) but using at least three speakers is recommended, and a complete setup is best for surround sound.

  • Page 21: Hints On Speaker Placement

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

  • Page 22: Ac Outlet

    Pioneer authorized independent service company for a replacement. Operating other Pioneer components Many Pioneer components have SR CONTROL jacks which can be used to link components together so that you can use just the remote sensor of one component.

  • Page 23: Controls And Displays

    (Acoustic Calibration EQ is automatically set to ALL CH ADJUST after the Auto MCACC Setup (page 11) or EQ Auto Setting (page 41) is complete). Input select buttons Press to select an input source. MASTER VOLUME dial VSX-52TX AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL RECEIVER DVD/LD TV/SAT DVR/VCR VIDEO1...
  • Page 24 Controls and displays 10 Front panel controls To access the front panel controls, push gently on the lower third portion of the panel with your finger. 11 TUNER CONTROL TUNER EDIT Use with the MULTI JOG dial to memorize and name stations for recall (page 48).

  • Page 25: Display

    Controls and displays Display SIGNAL DIGITAL DIGITAL AUTO ANALOG SLEEP Speaker indicators (page 56) Lights to indicate the current speaker system, A and/or B. SIGNAL SELECT indicators Lights to indicate the type of input signal assigned for the current component: AUTO Lights when AUTO signal select is on.
  • Page 26 16 SR Lights when the SR+ control mode has been switched on (see Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma display on page 61). 17 SLEEP Lights when the receiver is in sleep mode (page 37).

  • Page 27: Remote Control

    Controls and displays Remote control INPUT RECEIVER SOURCE SELECT DVD/LD TV/SAT DVR/VCR TV CONT MULTI CONTROL CD-R/TAPE TUNER RECEIVER INPUT ATT FL DIMMER DISC ENTER D.ACCESS CLASS TOP MENU MENU TUNE DTV MENU ENTER T.EDIT BAND TUNE SYSTEM SETUP GUIDE RETURN TV CONTROL INPUT...
  • Page 28 Controls and displays (TUNE/ST +/–) /ENTER Use the arrow buttons when setting up your surround sound system (see page 38). 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 +/–...

  • Page 29: Operating Range Of Remote Control Unit

    Controls and displays +/– Use to adjust the effect and channel levels, as well as to change Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Neo:6 Music parameter settings. SLEEP (SHIFT & –) Use to put the receiver in sleep mode and select the amount of time before the receiver turns off (page 37).

  • Page 30: Listening To Your System

    Listening to your system Chapter 5: Listening to your system • The listening modes described below can also be selected using the front panel controls. Simply press LISTENING MODE SELECT repeatedly to access the modes you want, then use the MULTI JOG to select a particular listening mode (after five seconds the mode is automatically set).

  • Page 31: Using The Home Thx Modes

    Listening to your system Note • If the Extended mode (page 34) is switched to OFF, or the surround back speakers are set to NO (this happens automatically if the Surround back speaker setting on page 38 is set to anything but Normal (SB)), 2 Pro Logic IIx becomes 2 Pro Logic II (5.1 channel sound).

  • Page 32: Dolby Pro Logic Iix Music Settings

    Listening to your system • If you press ADV. SURR when the headphones are connected, the PhonesSurround mode will automatically be selected. • You can’t use the Advanced Surround effects with 88.2/96kHz PCM or DTS 96kHz/24 bit sources. • When an Advanced Surround listening mode is selected, the effect level can be adjusted in the range of 10 to 90 by pressing EFFECT/CH SEL (until EFFECT shows in the display).

  • Page 33: Listening With Acoustic Calibration Eq

    Listening to your system Listening with Acoustic Calibration • Default setting: OFF / ALL CH ADJ (after the Auto MCACC Setup or EQ Auto Setting) You can listen to sources using the Acoustic Calibration Equalization set in Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC) on page 11 or Acoustic Calibration EQ on page 41.

  • Page 34: Using The Surround Back Channel (Extended Mode)

    Listening to your system Using the surround back channel (Extended mode) • Default setting: Extended ON You can have the receiver automatically use 6.1 or 7.1 decoding for 6.1 encoded sources (for example, Dolby Digital EX or DTS-ES), or you can choose to always use 6.1 or 7.1 decoding (for example, with 5.1 encoded material).

  • Page 35: Using The Virtual Surround Back Mode (Virtualsb)

    Listening to your system Using the Virtual Surround Back mode (VirtualSB) When you’re not using surround back speakers, selecting this mode allows you to hear a virtual surround back channel through your surround speakers. For example, you can choose to listen to sources with no surround back channel information (for example, 5.1 encoded material) with emulated 6.1 encoding (VirtualSB ON).

  • Page 36: Using Loudness And Midnight Listening

    Listening to your system Using Loudness and Midnight listening The Loudness listening feature can be used to get good bass and treble from music sources at low volume levels. The Midnight listening feature allows you to hear effective surround sound of movies at low volume levels. The effect automatically adjusts according to the volume at which you’re listening.

  • Page 37: Playing Other Sources

    Listening to your system Playing other sources INPUT RECEIVER SOURCE SELECT DVD/LD TV/SAT DVR/VCR TV CONT MULTI CONTROL CD-R/TAPE TUNER RECEIVER Turn on the power of the playback component. Turn on the power of the receiver. Select the source you want to playback. Use the MULTI CONTROL buttons (or INPUT SELECT).

  • Page 38: The System Setup Menu

    The System Setup menu Chapter 6: The System Setup menu Making receiver settings from the System Setup menu The following section shows you how to make detailed settings to specify how you’re using the receiver (for example, if you want to set up two speaker systems in separate rooms), and also explains how to fine-tune individual speaker system settings to your liking.

  • Page 39: Manual Mcacc Speaker Setup

    The System Setup menu Select the surround back speaker setting. 1. Surround Back System Surround Back Output Normal(SB) • Normal (SB) – Select for normal home theater use with surround back speakers in your main (speaker system A) setup. • Second Zone – Select to use the (surround back) B speaker terminals to listen to stereo playback in another room (see Second Zone speaker B setup on page 56).

  • Page 40: Fine Channel Level

    The System Setup menu Fine Channel Level • Default setting: 0dB (all channels) You can achieve better surround sound by properly adjusting the overall balance of your speaker system. The following setting can help you make detailed adjustments that you may not achieve using the Manual speaker setup on page 43.

  • Page 41: Acoustic Calibration Eq

    The System Setup menu When it sounds like the delay settings are matched up, press ENTER to confirm and continue to the next channel. • For comparison purposes, the reference speaker will change depending on which speaker you select. • If you want to go back and adjust a channel, simply (cursor up/down) to select it.
  • Page 42 The System Setup menu Select ‘OK’ to copy and confirm. 3d. EQ Data Copy CUSTOM1 [ ALL CH ADJ. ] CUSTOM2 Start Copy Enter :Start Copy Setting the Acoustic Calibration EQ manually Before manually adjusting the Acoustic Calibration EQ, we recommend copying the ALL CH ADJUST or the FRONT ALIGN settings from the auto setup above (or from Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC) on page 11) to one of the custom settings.

  • Page 43: Manual Speaker Setup

    The System Setup menu Select the setting you want to check. 3g. EQ Data Check Type [ ALL CH ADJUST [ Left 40Hz : 0.0dB 125Hz : 0.0dB 250Hz : 0.0dB 4kHz : 0.0dB 13kHz : 0.0dB TRIM : 0.0dB •...

  • Page 44: Speaker Setting

    The System Setup menu Speaker Setting Use this setting to specify your speaker configuration (size, number of speakers). It is a good idea to make sure that the settings made in Automatically setting up for surround sound (MCACC) on page 11 are correct. Select ‘Speaker Setting’...

  • Page 45: Crossover Network

    The System Setup menu Crossover Network • Default setting: 80Hz This setting decides the cutoff between bass sounds playing back from the speakers selected as LARGE, or the subwoofer, and bass sounds playing back from those selected as SMALL. It also decides where the cutoff will be for bass sounds in the LFE channel.

  • Page 46: Speaker Distance

    The System Setup menu Note • If you are using a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter, take the readings from your main listening position and adjust the level of each speaker to 75 dB SPL (C- weighting/slow reading). • The subwoofer test tone is output at low volumes. You may need to adjust the level after testing with an actual soundtrack.

  • Page 47: Using The Tuner

    Using the tuner Chapter 7: Using the tuner Listening to the radio The following steps show you how to tune in to FM and AM radio broadcasts using the automatic (search) and manual (step) tuning functions. If you already know the frequency of the station you want, see Tuning directly to a station below.

  • Page 48: Saving Station Presets

    Using the tuner Saving station presets If you often listen to a particular radio station, it's convenient to have the receiver store the frequency for easy recall whenever you want to listen to that station. This saves the effort of manually tuning in each time. This unit can memorize up to 30 stations, stored in three banks, or classes, (A, B and C) of 10 stations each.

  • Page 49: Making Recordings

    MIDNIGHT/ SELECT LOUDNESS • Some digital sources are copy-protected, and can only be recorded in analog. SLEEP DIALOG E • Some video sources are copy-protected. These cannot be recorded. VSX-52TX DVR/VCR VIDEO1 TUNER VIDEO2 MULTI CH SIGNAL EXTENDED SELECT MODE...

  • Page 50: Controlling The Rest Of Your System

    CONT button. • If you assign the TUNER function to another component, you will have to reassign it to the Pioneer preset code to use this receiver’s built-in tuner. • You can cancel or exit any of the steps by pressing RECEIVER.

  • Page 51: Programming Signals From Other Remote Controls

    Controlling the rest of your system Programming signals from other remote controls If the preset code for your component is not available, or the available preset codes do not operate correctly, you can program signals from the remote control of another component.

  • Page 52: Erasing One Of The Remote Control Button Settings

    Controlling the rest of your system Erasing one of the remote control button settings This erases one of the buttons you have programmed and restores the button to the factory default. While pressing the RECEIVER button, press and hold the 1 button. The remote LCD display shows SETUP.

  • Page 53: Controls For Tvs

    Controlling the rest of your system Controls for TVs This remote control can control components after entering the proper codes or teaching the receiver the commands (see Setting the remote to control other components on page 50 for more on this). Use the MULTI CONTROL buttons to select the component.

  • Page 54: Controls For Other Components

    Controlling the rest of your system Controls for other components This remote control can control these components after entering the proper codes or teaching the receiver the commands (see Setting the remote to control other components on page 50 for more on this). Use the MULTI CONTROL buttons to select the component.
  • Page 55 Controlling the rest of your system Button (s) Function Pauses the tape. Stops the tape. ENTER Starts playback. Fast rewinds/fast forwards the tape. & Navigates DVD menu/options. ENTER GUIDE Press to access the DVD player setup screen. CH +/– Selects channels. Selects tracks.

  • Page 56: Other Connections

    Other connections Chapter 10: Other connections Caution • Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the power outlet. Plugging in components should be the last connection you make with your system. •...

  • Page 57: Bi-Amping Your Front Speakers

    Other connections Bi-amping your front speakers Bi-amping is when you connect the high frequency driver and low frequency driver of your speakers to different amplifiers (in this case, to both front and surround back terminals) for better crossover performance. Your speakers must be bi-ampable to do this (having separate terminals for high and low) and the sound improvement will depend on the kind of speakers you’re using.

  • Page 58: Multi-Room Listening

    You can also do this using the front panel controls. • The receiver must be switched on (or in standby) in • When someone is controlling the system from the • If you are using a Pioneer amplifier in the sub room, ANTENNA CONTROL...
  • Page 59 • When the MULTI ROOM OUT jacks are connected to a sub room amplifier with a remote sensor and Pioneer CONTROL terminals (page 22), both the IR receiver and the amplifier may receive remote control commands (making correct operation impossible) during multi-room operation.

  • Page 60: Connecting Additional Amplifiers

    Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display If you have a Pioneer plasma display, you can use an SR+ cable (see note below) to connect it to this unit and take advantage of various convenient features, such as automatic video input switching of the plasma display when the input is changed.

  • Page 61: Using The Sr+ Mode With A Pioneer Plasma Display

    (analog and/ or digital) to this receiver. Note • The 3-ringed SR+ cable from Pioneer is commer- cially available under the part number ADE7095. Contact the Pioneer Customer Support division for more information on obtaining an SR+ cable (you can also use a commercially available 3-ringed mini phone plug for the connection).

  • Page 62: Switching Components On And Off Using The 12 Volt Trigger

    Other connections Switching components on and off using the 12 volt trigger You can connect components in your system (such as a screen or projector) to this receiver so that they switch on or off using a 12 volt trigger when you select an input function.

  • Page 63: Other Settings

    Other Settings Chapter 11: Other Settings The Input Assign menu You only need to make settings in the Input Assign menu if you didn’t hook up your digital equipment according to the default settings for the digital inputs, or if you have connected equipment using component video cables.

  • Page 64: The Other Setup Menu

    Other Settings Assigning the component video inputs • Default settings: Component 1 – OFF Component 2 – OFF If you used component video cords to connect your video equipment you must tell the receiver which device it is, or else you may see the S-video or composite video input instead of the component video signal.

  • Page 65: Dynamic Range Control Setup

    LFE channel (LFE Attenuator Setup on page 66). • SR+ Setup – Specify how you want to control your Pioneer plasma display (SR+ Setup for Pioneer plasma displays on page 66). • Multi Room Setup – Specify your volume setting and IR receiver type for a multi-room setup (see Multi Room Setup on page 67).

  • Page 66: Lfe Attenuator Setup

    Note that the number of function settings available will depend on the plasma display you’ve connected. See also Using this receiver with a Pioneer plasma display on page 60 and Using the SR+ mode with a Pioneer plasma display on page 61. want.

  • Page 67: Multi Room Setup

    • FIXED – Use this setting if you’ve connected a fully integrated amplifier (such as another Pioneer VSX receiver) in the sub room and want to use that receiver’s volume controls.

  • Page 68: Additional Information

    Sometimes the trouble may lie in another component. Investigate the other components and electrical appliances being used. If the trouble cannot be rectified even after exercising the checks listed below, ask your nearest Pioneer authorized independent service company to carry out repair work. Power Symptom The power does not turn on.

  • Page 69: No Sound

    Additional information No sound Symptom Cause No sound is output when an • Improper connections. input source is selected. No sound output from the front speakers. • Sound is muted or the volume is turned down. • Speakers are turned off or selected improperly with the SPEAKERS switch.

  • Page 70: Other Audio Problems

    Additional information Symptom No sound from one speaker. Sound is produced from analog components, but not from digital ones (DVD, LD, CD-ROM etc.). No sound is output or a noise is output when Dolby Digital/DTS software is played back. Other audio problems Symptom Broadcast stations cannot be selected automatically, or there...

  • Page 71: Video

    Additional information Symptom Cause Can't record audio. • You are trying to make an analog recording from a digital signal, or a digital recording of an analog source. • The digital source is copy protected. • The analog REC jacks have not been connected properly.

  • Page 72: Settings

    • The low-frequency noise could have been caused by an air conditioner or motor. Switch off all appliances in the room and rerun the Auto MCACC Setup. • Ask your Pioneer dealer to disable the key lock. • Turn the receiver off and check the 12V trigger connection.

  • Page 73: Remote Control

    • Input the correct preset code. • Reset the proper system settings. • Reinsert the SR cable, making sure it’s connected to the right jack (see Operating other Pioneer components on page 22). • Make sure an analog connection has been made between the units.

  • Page 74: Resetting The Main Unit

    Additional information Resetting the main unit Use this procedure to reset all the receiver’s settings to the factory default. Use the front panel controls to do this. Switch the receiver into standby. While holding down the TONE button, press and hold the STANDBY/ON button for about three seconds.

  • Page 75: Surround Sound Formats

    Additional information Surround sound formats Below is a brief description of the main surround sound formats you’ll find on DVDs, satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasts, and video cassettes. Dolby The Dolby technologies are explained below. See www.dolby.com for more detailed information. Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a multichannel digital audio coding system widely used in cinemas, and in the home for DVD...

  • Page 76: About Thx

    Additional information About THX The THX technologies are explained below. See www.thx.com for more detailed information. THX Cinema processing THX is an exclusive set of standards and technologies established by the world-renowned film production company, Lucasfilm Ltd. THX grew from George Lucas' personal desire to make your experience of the film soundtrack, in both movie theatres and in your home theatre, as faithful as possible to what the director...

  • Page 77: Specifications

    Additional information Specifications Amplifier section Continuous average power output of 110 watts* per channel, min., at 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.09%** total harmonic distortion (front). Continuous Power Output Front... . . 110 W + 110 W (20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.09%) Center .
  • Page 78 Additional information Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you’ve just purchased is only the start of your musical enjoyment. Now it’s time to consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your equipment offers. This manufacturer and the Electronic Industries Association’s Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most out of your equipment by playing it at a safe level.
  • Page 79 Should this product require service in the U.S.A. and you wish to locate the nearest Pioneer Authorized Independent Service Company, or if you wish to purchase replacement parts, operating instructions, service manuals, or accessories, please call the number shown below.

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