Pioneer VSX521K 5.1-channel 3D ready home theater receiver

Simple, satisfying sound

Great audio can be confusing. When youâ€™re setting up your home audio receiver, itâ€™s tough to remember which input goes where, and was it the output that needs to run to the TV, or from it (or both)? Pioneer does things a little bit differently, and helps you push forward (instead of pushing you back) by making the connections on their entry-level 3D-ready receiver simple. By including not only 3D capability, but also an audio return channel, in their HDMI ports, the VSX521K makes sure that you'll have fewer connections to worry about. Plus, an on-screen GUI makes tweaking your system even easier (oh, and did we mention the AutoMCACC speaker setup that automatically configures your speakers to your room? It does that, too). The VSX521K makes sure that the only thing youâ€™ll need to be confused about is what to do with your home theater system first.

Wireless possibilities…

We live in a wireless age, so why do so many manufacturers insist on things like docks or connection cables? By adding the optional AS-BT200 or ASBT100, you can easily connect your smart phone, iPod, laptop, computer, tablet … Bluetooth compatible device with just a quick sync. Plus, Pioneerâ€™s Advanced Sound Retriever audio compression software takes your compressed digital music files and enhances them with frequencies that are normally lost during compression.. By keeping your potable devices wirelessly synced, you can stream music while keeping them nearby, because thereâ€™s nothing worse than the realization that you left the device you need plugged in at home.

In the box

Included with your purchase are: VSX521K receiver, remote control, two AAA batteries, setup microphone, AM loop antenna, FM wire antenna, user manual

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Operation and Set-up Manual for Pioneer ReceiverAmp VSX521K (November 24, 2011)

Ease of Use		(3/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(4/5.0)
Overall Rating		(4/5.0)

Reviewed By: Stuart L Plater - San Antonio, TX

Im having a hard time, and have spent many hours trying to follow the Easy Set Up instruction manual. I have phoned Pioneer twice so far, for help in connecting cables, and they were very helpful. I had a bad cable that made it impossible to enable the TV sound to pass to the receiver input. And I missed a step in activating another input because you have to almost require a microscope to read the very fine print in the notes areas. I would be very happy to spend another $10 or so for a larger manual with larger print. This is my main objection with just about every product these days. Either a skimpy instruction book , or none at all. A Glossary of terms used would help a lot. They should not assume that everyone is an electronics technician. After spending 23 years as a tech in the Air Force, where I was involved in the repair of air to ground radio, at radar sights, control towers, a missile testing program, airborne encrypted phone systems, then 8 years in intelligence, Go figure.. I still am confused by all the lingo used today. Now, I have to phone Pioneer again since I can not get the automatic 5-speaker set up program to work. It not only will it not set up surround sound, but it will not even acknowledge all of the 5 speakers. It leaves out the center and both rear speakers, and the front speakers are not listed as R & L, just front. Well, I will get out my magnifying glass again and get back to it. Im 76 now and just hope I can get this system running before I get pass middle age.

Good value (July 19, 2011)

Ease of Use		(3/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Karl R. - Keizer, Oregon

Good product at a great price!!!!

Pioneer Receiver VSX521K (June 09, 2011)

Ease of Use		(5/5.0)
Value		(5/5.0)
Performance		(5/5.0)
Overall Rating		(5/5.0)

Reviewed By: Jim B. - Gulf Shores, AL

Easy hookup, great picture with HDMI pass-through. I am using just the auto-diurect mode which picks up the broadcast or DVD sound format and reproduces it accurately through the surround sound speakers.

Especially like the simplified wiring with just one HDMI cable to the TV and the simple HDMI inputs to the receiver from DirecTV and Blu-Ray DVD player.

Great prices and timely delivery.

Comparison Specifications

Processing decoding: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Dolby Digital EX, Dolby Digital Plus / dts-HD Master Audio, dts-ES, dts Neo-6
Output power: 80W per channel (20Hz - 20kHz, 0.08%THD @8ohm) / 100W per channel (1kHz@8ohm) / 125W per channel (1kHz@6ohm)
Best video connections: 4 HDMI v1.4 inputs, 1 output
Best audio connections: 2 digital optical audio inputs / 1 digital coaxial audio input
Other connections: 2 component-video in, 1 out / 4 composite-video in, 2 out / 6 L/R analog-audio input pairs, 3 output pairs / 1 subwoofer preout / 1 FM antenna in / 1 AM antenna in / 1 headphone out
Digital signal processing: Texas Instruments Aureus DSP
Bluetooth compatible (requires optional AS-BT200 or AS-BT100)
Remote control: Included

Additional Specifications

3D-ready via HDMI v1.4 connectivity
Auto MCACC speaker setup
Audio return channel
Multi-media connectivity: 1 front mini jack for portable audio players
Speaker terminals: Binding posts pairs for 2-channel front L/R output / 3 spring-clip pairs for back L/R and center channels
3D noise reduction / Y/C color separation
Compressed-audio enhancer: Advanced sound retriever
Auto level control

Manufacturer Specifications

Convenience features: FL Dimmer (4 steps) / Sleep timer / Auto audio signal select / LFE attenuator
Audio features: 2-ch SACD playback via HDMI / Multi PCM playback (192kHz) via HDMI
Audio features: Symmetric EQ / 0.1-step audio delay (lip sync, max 9 frame) / auto surround stream direct / phase control, bass / midnight listening mode