Pioneer VSA-E08 Operating Instructions Manual
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Pioneer VSA-E08 Operating Instructions Manual

Audio/video multi-channel amplifier
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AUDIO/VIDEO
MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
VSA-E08
Operating Instructions

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Summary of Contents for Pioneer VSA-E08

  • Page 1 AUDIO/VIDEO MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER VSA-E08 Operating Instructions...

  • Page 2: Maintenance Of External Surfaces

    1362 should be used. fitted. [For European model] Thank you for buying this Pioneer product. Please read through these operating instructions If the socket outlets on the associated so you will know how to operate your model prop- equipment are not suitable for the plug supplied erly.

  • Page 3: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide This is a quick guide to setting up your new amplifier so you can get home theater surround sound. For more details on any of the information presented here check the main section of the manual. Before making or changing the connections,switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet.

  • Page 4: Speaker Connections

    Quick Start Guide 2 2 2 2 2 Speaker Connections Home theater is designed to be setup with five, or seven speakers (front left & right; center; surround left & right; and, optimally, surround back left & right) and a subwoofer but you can use this amplifier with fewer speakers.

  • Page 5: Digital Input Assignment

    Quick Start Guide 4 4 4 4 4 Digital Input Assignment This is only necessary if you did not hook up your DVD to DIGITAL IN 1, as in the first diagram on p. III. 1 Turn on the and your TV, amplifier press the AMP button on the remote control.

  • Page 6: Playing A Dvd With Surround Sound

    Quick Start Guide 5 5 5 5 5 Playing a DVD with Surround Sound 1 Turn on the Amplifier, your TV, and the DVD player. 2 Press the STANDARD button on the front panel for the basic surround sound setting. You can also press the remote control AMP button and then press the STANDARD button on that Amplifier MAIN screen.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Listening in MIDNIGHT Mode ......48 The PIONEER SR system: Listening in LOUDNESS Mode ......49 Operating other PIONEER components ....11 Adjusting Bass and Treble (Tone Control) ..49 Installing the Amplifier ..........11 MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback ......50 Ventilation .............

  • Page 8: Features

    Features Multi Channel Stereophonic Concept The VSA-E08 amplifier is constructed with Pioneer’s industry-leading multi channel stereophonic concept. This well-developed approach to amplifier circuitry takes the high level base technology that, up until now, has been only used for stereo equipment and applies it to multi-channel audio-visual amplifiers. The result is that the product, in addition to being expertly built, and gives you optimal sound reproduction of DVDs, other multi channel sources and stereo sources as well.

  • Page 9: Before You Start

    4 Remote control unit Operating Instructions How to Use This Manual This manual is for the VSA-E08 Audio/Video Multi- Playback“ on p.41. Doing the operations in “Remote Channel Amplifier. Control of Other Components“ (p.52) is highly This manual is divided into three main sections which recommended so you can use this unit’s remote...

  • Page 10: Remote Control Battery Alarm

    Operating range of remote control unit The area in which you can use the remote control to operate the VSA-E08 is fairly large. To use, point the remote control toward the remote sensor on the front panel of this unit while within the range shown right.

  • Page 11: The Pioneer Sr System: Operating Other Pioneer Components

    The PIONEER SR System: Operating other PIONEER components Connecting an optional control cord allows you to operate other PIONEER components simply by pointing the amplifier’s remote control at the remote sensor on the front panel of the amplifier. The amplifier then sends the remote control signals to the other devices via the CONTROL OUT terminal.

  • Page 12: Connecting Your Equipment

    Connecting Your Equipment Before making or changing the connections, switch off the power and disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet. Audio Components To begin set up connect your audio components to the jacks as shown below. These are all analog connections and your analog audio components (turntable, cassette deck) use these jacks.

  • Page 13: Digital Connections

    (for example, the coaxial out from the component to coaxial in on the amplifier). The VSA-E08 has two coaxial and three optical inputs for a total of five digital inputs. A DVD/LD player or LD player should be connected to a digital jack and the special 2 RF jack (if the LD has one) as well as a pair of analog jacks (see the next page).

  • Page 14: Example Connection For A Dvd/Ld Or Ld Player

    VSA-E08's default setting. In this case you will need to assign the digital inputs. See DIGITAL INPUT SELECT on p.31 in order to do this.

  • Page 15: Video Components

    These jacks are VIDEO INPUT labeled by the Japanese designation "S" on the VSA-E08 but they are simply S-video jacks. However, if you use S-video cords for your video hook ups you must also hook up your TV with S- video connections.

  • Page 16: Satellite Tv Components

    Connecting Your Equipment Satellite TV Components Connect your satellite TV components to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the video signal with either component video, S-video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture.

  • Page 17: Multi Channel Input (External Decoder)

    Connecting Your Equipment Connect your TV to the jacks as shown below. Hook up the signal with either component video, S- video, or composite video cords (the quality descends in this order) but remember, the video component you are watching and your TV must be hooked up with same type of video cord or you won't be able to see the picture.

  • Page 18: Speakers

    SURROUND BACK speakers up to an external amplifier and then connect that to the VSA-E08, as shown in the diagram below. If you only have one SURROUND BACK speaker hook it up the SURROUND BACK L (SINGLE) terminal on the back of the amplifier.

  • Page 19: Placing Your Speakers

    Connecting Your Equipment 7 Speaker terminals 2 2 2 2 2 Loosen speaker terminal 3 3 3 3 3 Tighten 1 1 1 1 1 Twist exposed wire and insert exposed wire. terminal. strands together. 10mm Placing Your Speakers Proper speaker placement is essential to realize the best sound from your system. The diagram and tips given here are just a rough guide;...

  • Page 20: Connecting Additional Amplifiers

    In this case plug the amplifier into the L (SINGLE) terminal only. We suggest using a Pioneer M-10X or A-509R amplifier as your additional amp. Plugging In (Except for the UK model) Up to three components can be powered from this amplifier. Two of the outlets are switched, which means that power is switched on and off with the amplifier.

  • Page 21: Displays & Controls

    Displays & Controls Display All the display information is explained and/or referenced here. SIGNAL LOUDNESS MIDNIGHT STEREO VOLUME PRO LOGIC SELECT OVER ANALOG SP DIGITAL DIGITAL AC-3RF AUTO TAPE 2 MPEG AC-3DTS MPEG 1 SIGNAL SELECT indicators 5 LOUDNESS indicator (See p.49) Light to indicate the input signal you selected Lights when the LOUDNESS mode is on.

  • Page 22: Front Panel

    Switches the amplifier into STEREO mode if it decode other types of signals and input them was in a different sound mode (like DSP into the VSA-E08. MODE) or toggles between DIRECT and STEREO mode. For more on STEREO mode see p.43.
  • Page 23 Displays & Controls 4 TONE control buttons VIDEO – Video camera (etc.) connected to the VIDEO INPUT on the front panel. TONE button VCR1/DVR – Video cassette recorder connect- This button has two functions. Firstly, it ed to VCR1/DVR inputs. switches between TONE ON and TONE VCR 2 –...

  • Page 24: Remote Control

    TV/SAT (satellite tuner) mode. This button turns off components in two ways. VCR 1: Press to switch the remote control into First, when pressed it will turn off all PIONEER VCR 1 mode. components. Secondly, any component that has VCR 2: Press to switch the remote control into programmed into the SYSTEM OFF settings will VCR 2 mode.

  • Page 25: Basic Amplifier Lcd Screens

    5 MIDNIGHT button (See p.48) decode other types of signals and input them into Switches the MIDNIGHT LISTENING mode on or the VSA-E08. off (for all modes except THX and MULTI CH IN). 6 DIGITAL NR button (See p.48) - EFFECT +/– button...

  • Page 26: Amplifier Sub Screen

    Displays & Controls Amplifier SUB Screen Amplifier MAIN TAPE 2 MONITOR DIMMER BASS TREBLE INPUT SPEAKER ATT. TONE SELECT SYSTEM LEVEL SETUP 1 Amplifier SUB button 6 CH LEVEL button (See 35-36) Press this button to select the sub amplifier screen Use this feature to adjust the level of individual (above) when the remote control is on the main speakers during playback of a source.

  • Page 27: Initial Set Up

    Initial Set Up On Screen Display There are a number of possible ways to hook up the amplifier to your video components, like a DVD player, and hook up to your amplifier to your TV, but some of them won't allow you to use the on-screen display of this unit. To avoid this one simply needs to follow two rules.

  • Page 28: Setting Up The Remote Control

    Initial Set Up Setting Up the Remote Control Since this remote is based on LCD screens, you should try and get used to the touch-sensitive nature of the buttons as well as the way in which different screens control different operations. You can move between the different screens with the function buttons on the left and right and/or certain buttons within each screen.
  • Page 29 Initial Set Up 5 Decide which other adjustments you‘d like to make and press those buttons. The different possibilities are: lock BACKLIGHT : The backlight button let’s you choose CONTROL weather or not you want to have the backlight for this REMOTE SETUP LCD screen on or off.

  • Page 30: Setting Up For Surround Sound

    Initial Set Up Setting Up for Surround Sound To ensure the best possible surround sound, complete the following set up operations. You only need to make these settings once (unless you change the placement of your current speaker system or add new speakers, etc.).

  • Page 31: Digital Input Select

    Initial Set Up DIGITAL INPUT SELECT In order to be able to use your digital equipment properly you need to assign digital inputs for each of the digital components you connected. Match the DIGITAL IN buttons 1-5 with the digital jacks 1-5 in accordance with what component is hooked up to each digital jack.

  • Page 32: Speaker Setting

    Initial Set Up SPEAKER SETTING The following steps show you how to select the correct set up for the type and number of speakers you connected. If continuing from DIGITAL INPUT SELECT go to step 1. If starting fresh, complete steps 1-3 on p.30 first.
  • Page 33 Initial Set Up ONE (SINGLE) SURROUND BACK SPEAKER SURROUND (default setting is LARGE) • Select large if your speakers will reproduce bass frequencies effectively. Center Front woofer • Select small to send bass frequencies to the other Speaker Setting BACK speakers or subwoofer.

  • Page 34: Channel Delay

    Initial Set Up CHANNEL DELAY Adding a slight delay to some speakers is necessary to achieve a surround sound effect. You need to figure out the distance from your listening position to your speakers to add the proper delay. The following steps show you how to set the delay time for each channel by specifying the distances from your listening position to each speaker.

  • Page 35: Channel Level

    Initial Set Up CHANNEL LEVEL The following steps show you how to balance the sound output level of your speakers. Proper speaker balance is essential for obtaining high quality surround sound. If continuing from CHANNEL DELAY go to step 1. If starting fresh, complete steps 1-3 in “Setting Up for Surround Sound“...
  • Page 36 Initial Set Up 3 Using the remote control display, follow the instructions below to adjust the speaker levels so that you hear the test tone at the same volume from each speaker when seated in your normal listening AUTO T.TONE position.

  • Page 37: Crossover Network

    Initial Set Up CROSSOVER NETWORK The following steps show you how to adjust the crossover network. The crossover network is the frequency at which the system divides the signal and sends the different parts (high, mid, low) to different speakers. Speaking precisely, this setting sets the cutoff point for the bass frequencies rerouted from your SMALL speakers to your subwoofer or speaker set to LARGE.

  • Page 38: Bass Peak Level Manager

    Initial Set Up BASS PEAK LEVEL MANAGER The LFE (Low Frequency Effect) channel in Dolby Digital,DTS or MPEG program sources can produce heavily concentrated ultra-low bass tones that may exceed the capabilities of your speaker system. The following steps show you how to set the peak level for the ultra-low bass (LFE) channel. If continuing from CROSSOVER NETWORK go to step 1.

  • Page 39: Dynamic Range Control

    Initial Set Up DYNAMIC RANGE CONTROL This feature makes it possible to enjoy full surround sound effects on Dolby Digital sources even at low volumes. It does this by compressing the dynamic range. Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and the softest sounds in any given signal.

  • Page 40: Dual Mono Setting

    Initial Set Up DUAL MONO SETTING The dual mono setting can only be used when listening to Dolby Digital discs that have dual mono software encoded in them. Dual mono software usually is used to put two different soundtracks on one DVD. With this setting you can choose which channel in the dual mono setting you want to listen to.

  • Page 41: Basic Playback

    Basic Playback Sound Modes The five sound modes on the receiver are explained here. These can be turned on from the front panel or from the AMPLIFIER MAIN SCREEN on the remote control. There are three cinema modes: STANDARD, HOME THX CINEMA, and ADVANCED THEATER. These are designed to be used with multi channel surround sound audio/visual sources (like DVDs and LDs).

  • Page 42: Advanced Theater Modes

    Basic Playback HOME THX CINEMA modes THX is a set of technical standards created by Lucasfilm, Ltd. These standards were designed to emulate a film sound stage and thus reproduce, with the greatest possible accuracy, the soundtrack intended by the filmmakers. To get THX sound use one the three modes explained below.

  • Page 43: Dsp Modes

    Basic Playback DSP modes The DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes allow you to transform your living room into a variety of different sonic environments when playing either two-channel or multi-channel sources. If you have SURROUND BACK speakers switched on (see p.32-33) then 7.1 will appear after the name of all of these modes in the display on the amplifier.

  • Page 44: Selecting A Sound Mode

    Basic Playback Selecting a Sound Mode To ensure the best possible surround sound, be sure to complete the set up procedures described in “Setting Up for Surround Sound” (starting on page 30) before using the sound modes. This is particularly important when using the 2(Dolby) Digital / MPEG or DTS sources.

  • Page 45: Playing Sources With Dolby Digital, Mpeg Or Dts Sound

    Basic Playback Playing Sources with Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS Sound The following instructions show you how to play Dolby Digital, MPEG or DTS sound sources with the VSA-E08. 1 Turn on the power of the playback lock CONTROL REMOTE component.

  • Page 46: Playing Sources With Stereo Sound

    Playing Sources with Stereo Sound The following instructions show you how to play audio or audio-visual sources with the VSA-E08. If the TAPE 2 indicator is visible in the display, it means the TAPE 2 MONITOR is on. Press TAPE 2 memo MONITOR on the front panel to turn it off unless you want to listen to TAPE 2.

  • Page 47: Switching Analog/Digital Signal Input

    Basic Playback Switching ANALOG/DIGITAL Signal Input This button selects the type of input, ANALOG, DIGITAL or 2 RF, sent to the amplifier. You need to take special care to switch to the appropriate input when necessary. For example, the switch would have to be on DIGITAL to hear DOLBY DIGITAL/MPEG or DTS surround sound material but it would have to be on analog to record from the ANALOG out jacks on the amplifier.

  • Page 48: Reducing Noise During Playback

    Basic Playback Reducing Noise During Playback (DIGITAL NR Function) To reduce extraneous noise switch on DIGITAL NR. This noise reduction can be used with every mode except THX and MULTI CH IN. 1 Press the DIGITAL NR button on the MAIN remote control’s Receiver MAIN screen or on the front panel.

  • Page 49: Listening In Loudness Mode

    Basic Playback Listening in LOUDNESS Mode The LOUDNESS mode allows you to boost the bass in a signal. It is useful for listening to music at low volumes. MAIN Press the LOUDNESS button on the Amplifier MAIN remote control’s Amplifier MAIN STEREO screen or on the front panel.

  • Page 50: Multi Channel In Playback

    Basic Playback MULTI CHANNEL IN Playback MULTI CH IN allows you to connect an external decoder to enjoy certain types of specialized discs. To use MULTI CH playback follow the instructions below. MAIN Press the MULTI CH IN button on Amplifier MAIN the remote control’s Amplifier MAIN...

  • Page 51: Direct Playback

    Basic Playback Direct Playback MAIN Use the STEREO button on the STEREO remote control or the STEREO/ Amplifier MAIN DIRECT button on the front panel to STEREO alternate between STEREO and / dts / MPEG EFFECT DIRECT mode. ADVANCED STANDARD THEATER The DIRECT mode will give you the most accurate MULTI CH...

  • Page 52: Remote Control Of Other Components

    Remote Control of Other Components Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components In addition to controlling the amplifier, the supplied remote control can operate your other components (VCR, TV, LD, CD, etc.) after you program it to do so. In this way, instead of fumbling with many different controls and buttons, you only need to use one remote control.
  • Page 53 +/– buttons to go back and forth between the SELECT MAKER two sets of makers' names. For explanation purposes, DVD/LD MD/TAPE1 ITEM SHARP PIONEER we'll use PIONEER as an example. TV/SAT SAM- PANA- SONY SUNG SONIC MAKER 6 Press the NUMBER 1 button.

  • Page 54: Learning Mode: Programming Signals From Other Remote Controls

    Remote Control of Other Components Learning Mode: Programming Signals from Other Remote Controls If preset codes are not available for your component(s), or the available preset codes do not operate correctly, you can use this procedure to program in signals from the remote control(s) of your other component(s). These steps can also be used to add further operations to the remote control screens that were successfully set with the stored settings (see p.52-53).

  • Page 55: Locking The Settings

    REMOTE SETUP the operation you want to program. DVD/LD MD/TAPE1 LEARNING flashes in the display on the VSA-E08 remote control. After the process is complete and the command TV/SAT SEARCH MODE has been learned, OK will appear at the top of the remote LINE/ control LCD display.

  • Page 56: Item Memo

    DVD or CD player. For example, you could add the name of the company that makes your component, then the top line of the screen for the respective component would read something like "DVD PIONEER" . 1 Press the REMOTE SETUP.

  • Page 57: Key Rename

    Remote Control of Other Components Key Rename Use the KEY RENAME capability to rename the buttons (keys) on the remote control screens for different functions (DVD, etc.). You would want to do this if you taught a specific button a new operation on the previous two pages.

  • Page 58: Using Remote Control With Other Components

    Remote Control of Other Components Using Remote Control with Other Components DVD or LD player operations • The following operations are available from the Amplifier’s remote control after you program memo your DVD or LD player into it, but some operations may need to be learned separately by the amplifier (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“...

  • Page 59: Cd Player Operations

    Remote Control of Other Components CD player operations • The following operations are available from the Amplifier’s remote control after you program memo your CD player into it, but some operations may need to be learned separately by the amplifier (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“...

  • Page 60: Md Operations

    Remote Control of Other Components MD operations • The following operations are available from the Amplifier’s remote control after you program memo your MD recorder into it, but some operations may need to be learned separately by the ampli- fier (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ p.52-55). •...

  • Page 61: Tv Operations

    Remote Control of Other Components TV operations • The following operations are available from the Amplifier’s remote control after you program memo your TV into it, but some operations may need to be learned separately by the amplifier (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ p.52-55). •...

  • Page 62: Stb (Satellite Tuner) Operations

    Remote Control of Other Components STB (satellite tuner) operations • The following operations are available from the amplifier's remote control after you program memo your satellite tuner into it, but some operations may need to be learned separately by the amplifier (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“...

  • Page 63: Tuner Operations

    Remote Control of Other Components Tuner operations • The following operations are available from the amplifier's remote control after you program memo your FM/AM tuner into it, but some operations may need to be learned separately by the amplifier (see “Setting Up the Remote Control to Control Other Components,“ p.52-55). •...

  • Page 64: Cassette Deck Operations

    Remote Control of Other Components Cassette deck operations You can use this remote control to control a single or a double cassette deck after you program the deck player into it. If you have a regular cassette deck with only one set of tape heads use the buttons on the right marked “SINGLE/DECK II“.

  • Page 65: Vcr Operations

    Other screen for preset operations In addition to the operations mentioned in this section up to this point, the VSA-E08 is equipped with remote control screens to deal with a variety of cutting edge technologies and components that may or may not have appeared on the market yet.

  • Page 66: Using Other Functions

    Using Other Functions Recording from Audio Components The following explanations show you how to record an analog or digital audio signal. Note that your analog components cannot record a player that is only connected digitally (and vice-versa). If you want to record from a digital component to an analog one (for example, a tape deck), or vice-versa, the digital component it must be connected via analog jacks and you need to set the SIGNAL SELECT switch to ANALOG.

  • Page 67: Video Select

    Using Other Functions Video Select This function allows you to listen to one sound source while you watch a different video source on your TV. The sound source is set in the normal fashion as is explained on p.45. You then alter the video input with the VIDEO SELECT button.

  • Page 68: Multi Operations

    Using Other Functions Multi Operations Multi operations allow you to tell the amplifier and your other components to do a number of things with the push of only two buttons on the LCD commander. For example, you can program the unit to turn on your TV, turn on your DVD player and start playing the loaded DVD.

  • Page 69: Performing Multi Operations

    REMOTE SETUP DVD/LD MD/TAPE1 You don't need to program power on for PIONEER memo components (except for the first generation of Pio- TV/SAT neer DVRs), they will go on automatically if a LINE/...

  • Page 70: System Off

    For example, you can program the unit to stop your DVD, turn off your TV, turn off your DVD player and turn off the receiver itself. You don't need to program in other the power for PIONEER components, they will go off automatically in this mode.

  • Page 71: Using System Off

    Using Other Functions 6 Select a stop or a power ( ) DVD:System Off BACK REMOTE SETUP command. DVD/LD MD/TAPE1 The command and component chosen will appear in the window of command 1. TV/SAT SEARCH MODE To erase a command LINE/ VCR1 Press the command button you want to erase and...

  • Page 72: Setting Up The Direct Function

    VCR 2 mode you'll get no picture on your TV because the external video deck signal is not going through the VSA-E08. To get around this problem you set the DIRECT FUNCTION for VCR 2 to OFF. Now when you press VCR 2 function button you can control the external video deck with the remote but the amplifier does not go into VCR 2 mode.

  • Page 73: Techno Tidbits & Problem-Solving

    Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Dolby Digital Dolby Digital is a compression format which records Laser disc format the sound of 6 or 8 channels of the theater surround Laser discs are now available on the market in large system (Dolby Digital) on the movie film digital track. numbers.

  • Page 74: Dts

    Because of these differences we often miss the power and emotion that thrills us in a good movie. Now Pioneer and THX have teamed up to bring the full glory of accurate cinema sound to the comfort and convenience of your home.

  • Page 75: Troubleshooting

    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 service center or your dealer to carry out repair work. Symptom...
  • Page 76 Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Symptom Cause Remedy No sound from surround or • Speaker settings are incorrect. • See “SPEAKER SETTING” on p.32-33 center speakers. to check the speaker settings. • The rear and/or center levels are • See “CHANNEL LEVEL” p.35-36 to turned down.

  • Page 77: Specifications

    Techno Tidbits & Problem-solving Specifications Amplifier Section Miscellaneous Power Requirements Continuous Power Output (STEREO MODE) UK model ........AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz FRONT ... 130 W + 130 W (DIN 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 6 European model ....AC 220 - 230 V, 50/60 Hz Continuous Power Output (SURROUND MODE) Power Consumption ..........

  • Page 78: Pioneer Corporation

    Haven 1087, Keetberglaan 1, B-9120 Melsele, Belgium TEL: 03/570.05.11 PIONEER ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD. 178-184 Boundary Road, Braeside, Victoria 3195, Australia, TEL: [03] 9586-6300 PIONEER ELECTRONICS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V. San Lorenzo 1009 3er Piso Desp. 302 Col. Del Valle Mexico D.F. C.P. 03100 TEL: 5-688-52-90 Printed in Japan <00K00ZF0L00>...

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