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Pioneer VSX-1020-K Audio/Video Receiver |
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By
Pioneer
Average Customer Rating:  
List Price: $599.00
Our Price: Too low to display
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- Front USB connectivity provide iPod, touch, and iPhone users ultimate plug-and-play integration of their Apple products with their home theater
- Simple connectivity to high-performance HD video, HD audio, portable, internet, wireless, and analog components
- The latest version of HDMI inputs and outputs provide more HD connectivity options with "future-proof" 3-D capability
- 1080p video conversion and upscaling ensures the highest quality video from any source
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Product Description
Key Features are 110 Watts X 7, 7 Channel Configurable Amplifier, Surround Back. Dolby Pro-logic IIz or B Speaker, Dolby True-HD / DTS-HD Master Audio and Advanced MCACC. It has a 9 Band EQ. Auto Crossover Setting, USB to PC Graphs, PQLS – 2 Channel, Auto Level Control – Multi-Channel, Sound Retriever AIR – Multi- channel. It has a Internet radio. iPod Digital USB / USB Memory Audio. Its iPhone Certified, Sirius Satellite Radio, HDMI Repeater (6 In / 1 out), Analog to HDMI Video Conversion, HDMI to HDMI 1080p Scaler, Component Video (2 in / 1 out), Full Color GUI, iControl pioneer AVR iPhone / iTouch “APP” Multi-Zone A/V Pre-out, Preset Remote Control
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Almost a perfect receiver, 2010-08-23
Well normally, I don't post reviews, but I certainly base my purchase decisions off of fellow reviewers hear on Amazon, so it's time to pay it forward. This receiver purchase comes after needing a receiver that has HDMI inputs to compliment the new additions to my downstairs entertainment setup. After buying the Samsung 55" LED 240hz from Amazon, I decided it was time to upgrade the receiver.
Components I have include a Samsung Bluray player, Wii, Scientific Atlantic DVR (from Cox) and I also have the Apple airport which allows me to stream my upstairs music library to the downstairs (very awesome!). I also bought the Harmony One remote which I'll get into a little bit later in this review. The receiver so far has very much met or exceeded my expectations, with only a few things that I have to say would equal a "con".
Pros:
Sound. Although I'm no audiophile by any means, I certainly have become one. Pioneer does a great job at offering several different presets of how to listen to your content. I also like that each input maintains it's own setting. I have my bluray's played with a certain audio setting, as with radio, the Wii, etc.
Extras. I'll admit, that I actually paid a little bit more to have the iPhone remote feature which works really well....for volume and selecting inputs only though. I'll admit that all my friends almost expect me to "wow" them with my gadgets and toys, and the Pioneer app does not disappoint. I also took the time and renamed all of the inputs that I'm using, so rather than seeing "HDMI 1", I renamed it "DVD", or "iTunes" and "Wii". The receiver is nice with that option.
Internet connection. As mentioned, I have the Apple airport express and because I have several devices which needed a physical LAN connection to include the Samsung TV and DVD player, I bought a Netgear switch (which basically just expands the Internet connection to up to 5 devices). With the receiver, it was literally plug and play and no setup was needed on my end, which I was glad for.
Speaker setup. At first, I didn't think much of the speaker MCACC setup, but after doing it with the wired microphone, it was actually very easy. For those who don't have their speakers perfectly centered within their room (for example, I sit a lot closer to my rear left speaker, versus the rear right speaker), I suggest using the MCACC setup. The only thing I changed was the setup identified my front speakers as being large, when in fact they were small. I have Bose speakers with the bass module (which is not the same as a sub-woofer!) and I think that was the reason.
Plenty of inputs. I honestly can't imagine that you could use all of the HDMI and other inputs that are provided to you...which is great feature. I like having a device where I've got room to grow into it versus wondering how I'll make another device fit.
Heat. When I was reading reviews for receivers, heat seemed to be concern. Now that I have a somewhat more enclosed setup, I too have noted that's a good thing to keep in mind. I would rate the Pioneer as being very good in this department. Even after hours of running it, the Pioneer puts off less than moderate heat. If anything, I think the cable box is more to blame. But I would recommend leaving the receiver on a shelf to itself, with nothing on top of it.
Cons:
Remote. If there was any frustration, I think it had to do with being overwhelmed. Between the DVD player, TV, and receiver remote, hands down, do yourself a favor and invest in the Harmony One remote. I didn't even bother trying to program the Pioneer remote to learn the other remotes, etc. Also, I definitely agree with the criticism of the Pioneer remote...c'mon Pioneer - no back light, small buttons...you guys need to do better. But like I said, that remote is sitting in a drawer right now thanks to a REAL remote, the Harmony One.
Input selection. I too experienced problems initially when turning on the receiver and it would automatically go to the "BD Input". But thanks to other reviewers, I turned off the TV's "Anynet" feature and made some adjustments on what HDMI slots I used. What's nice about the Harmony One is that it allows you to select an actual HDMI slot of your choice (for example HDMI 3, which could be your DVD player) versus having to manually select input several times to toggle your way there. I did read some other reviews where the "input complaint" seems to be popular, but was slightly confused, because even on the Pioneer remote, you could easily select HDMI 1 to Radio, to HDMI 5 without having to manually toggle. I think the reviewers who are having those issues are using devices that do not even have HDMI inputs. I'll just say this, if you don't own 1 device that had HDMI, you're probably wasting your money with a high end receiver like this.
Pass through technology. Okay, so here is BIG con for me and I'm a bit shocked. I initially had the bright idea that I was going to run everything into my receiver and only have one HDMI going out to the TV...well that bright idea won't work for you. Why? Well because this receiver does not have "pass through technology". Meaning that if I want to watch cable TV, I can't just turn on my Samsung and start flipping away, I would have to turn on the receiver AND would have to select the TV input...somewhat disappointing. It goes the same for watching movies, because everything goes through the receiver, you're committed to turning on the receiver (even if you do not want to watch it on surround sound). Now, I will say Pioneer does allow you to toggle the volume so you can choose to listen to a device through either your TV or surround, but the steps to make that toggle are not worth it to me AND, you would still have to have the receiver turned on. So for me, I adapted and hope you take this advice: for watching TV (via cable box), I suggest you run your HDMI cable from cable box into to TV HDMI, but then run audio cables out from the cable box to your receiver (either through standard red/white cables OR what I did, which was using the optical cord with the red laser). Running the audio cables separate allow you to listen to audio on your receiver when YOU want to. Because I'll be honest, although I love this receiver, it only goes on when I'm watching DVD's, playing the Wii, or streaming my iTunes library.
You could easily do the same thing with your DVD player, but I actually only watch movies via surround, so the above work around was only needed with cable TV.
So-So:
Multi zone setup. Although I'm not using the multi-zone feature, I am powering outside speakers. Again, I love the ability to stream my iTunes library (using the Apple airport express) and this is what's nice about having an iPhone (I can use the Remote app and or Pioneer app), but what I do not like is the fact that I have to select the "B Speaker" feature from the receiver itself...there is no remote option that allows you to toggle between "A, B, or Both"...if anyone knows otherwise, please advise.
Audio selections. While the instructions were okay, I wish it would have provided a bit more insight on what audio options should be used under certain conditions. Again, I'm no audiophile, so I have a very sneaking suspicion that I'm not maximizing my surround sound experience for Bluray movies. One thing to note, I'm not impressed with the Samsung Bluray DVD player one bit and plan on bringing my PS3 downstairs (which is the BEST Bluray player out there today), just remember to turn on the highest audio option from the DVD player, to achieve that golden digital / DTS 7.1 or even 5.1 sound.
Internet radio. Although I have a LAN Internet cord running into the receiver, it's strictly to support the Pioneer iPhone app...not the Internet radio feature. I tried the Internet radio feature a few times but wasn't impressed. It does have some decent channels, but the biggest issue I see is that you have to have the TV turned on so you can select your channels you want to listen to. For me, if I'm going to have my TV turned on, then I might as well use the cable box's radio station features...even using the cable box stations, I can easily select a channel which I know to be a "Top 40" station, without actually having to have the TV on. The Internet radio through the receiver is a let down because of how slow it is going between channels and the fact that you need to have your TV to see what it is you're selecting.
Thanks for reading!
Preliminary Review for VSX-1020-K --Verdict: Recommended, 2010-08-29
I am writing this review with limited experience. Very likely, the review will be updated later with more time spend with this receiver.
I purchased this item after another purchase went sour with a Yamaha Receiver (simple shipping damage by UPS). I was originally very attracted to Pioneer, however, I did not want to pay extra $150. Lucky for me, damaged Yamaha became an excuse to upgrade to this Pioneer.
I admit, I am not an audiophile. However, I have much experience with technology, and technology is what got me with this device.
Summary of Goods:
-Internet Radio built-in, IP configurable
-Device specific iPhone App, free
-Very easy to navigate on-screen menu
-5+1 HDMI input (you never know when you need the 5th one)
-Very pleasant design
-Very clean sound, with good speaker of course
-Multiple pre-configured presets for various movie and music situations
-Very functional universal compatibility with FIOS and Cable remotes
-Front HDMI (very important if you need to hook up an HDMI camera)
-Front iPhone/iPod interface (also charges, I think. cable is provided)
Not so good (but still OK)
-Very complicated remote with small keys
-Depth size is a bit high, if you have IKEA TV stand (stands out about and inch)
-No Wi-Fi (Ethernet only)
As you an see, this receiver does not have many negatives that would effect its functionality much, especially the sound quality. Therefore, I will not focus on details for what is good, rather give some tips to potential purchasers. I will also provide more information here later in coming months based on further experience.
I would also like you to pay attention to a general tip at the end of this review for possible network connectivity challenges you might have in your current and future system and how to over come.
TIPS:
Set-up and configuration:
Basic set-up was very easy, and teh system was on after 10 minutes. Make sure you use the BD input for Blu-Ray, and HDMI 1 input for cable/sat source. It becomes easier to navigate later on. You can go to home menu and rename the sources as you like.
Provided booklet is a bit complicated but it is worth reading, in fact, it is a must to read it. You will have to go to it back and forth later in advance configuration phase.
Given my lack of experience with home-theater systems, originally I tried to use it with only two Polk Audio Monitor 70 3-Way Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black), only to find out that you MUST have a center speaker in a system like this in order to comprehend the spoken word on TV. The system will otherwise eat up the dialogs and output the effects and music only..So, I later on picked up BIC America FH6-LCR Dual 6.5-Inch 175-Watt LCR Speaker with Mid/High Frequency Horn. It made all the difference. You may be able to survive without rear speaker in an home-theater system, but center is a MUST.
Internet Radio:
I am an avid internet radio listener. This device connects to internet with ease and stream any ".pls" URL's with ease. Forget about trying to set-up radios from the remote. You can go to the system's home menu and see the IP address of the receiver, and then log-into it from your computer and change default radio stations URLs. Unfortunately, there are only 24 stations at any given time. It is OK for most of the users I guess, but not for me. Still, having a built-in Internet radio is sufficiently awesome.
Internet Connectivity:
As long as, you hook up an Ethernet cable to the receiver, connection is not problem. Once it is connected, make sure to upgrade the firmware. the one on the receiver is not the latest version.
HDMIs:
Unlike many of the current receivers, VSX-1020 has 5+1 HDMI inputs. 5 on the rear, one up front. I was particularly impressed with the front HDMI. It is a must have for those who own HDMI cameras. Nowadays, many manufacturers are providing HDMI out-put on digital cameras. Imagine the convenience.
iPhone/iPod:
There is a free app in the app-store for this device which enables you to control many functions of this device from your iPhone/iPod. You must be on the same network connected via the same Wi-Fi network. Once both your iPhone and receiver are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the app immediately recognizes the receiver without further configuration. Again, make sure you are in Wi-Fi with your iPhone, not 3G for this.
Blue-tooth:
I do not own the Pioneer Electronics AS-BT100 Bluetooth Adapter for Compatible Pioneer Products (Black) for this. You should be able to stream in music from your iPhone (or another blue-tooth enabled device) via this. I am yet to try, perhaps if the adapter sells below $50, I will. Yet, I am afraid it will increase the depth of the receiver and became more problem to fit into some shelves. Alternatively, you can get an Airport Express and stream all the music you like from iTunes on your computer. Again, with he internet radio, I am sufficiently connected to external music sources already.
Remote:
For some configuration and mode changes you definitely need the Pioneer remote. However, to increase the sound level, mute, and turn it on and off, you can easily program your cable/FIOS remote to turn on all the connected systems (TV, Box, receiver, blu-ray) at once. I think, you would prefer to use a single button to turn on and off your entire home-theater system, instead of switching between remotes. Just read the user manual for your Cable remote, it is easy. Not only you have to enter the right codes, but also configure it that the sound controls (volume, mute) works for the receiver not TV.
Design:
Like all other Pioneers, this receiver is nicely designed, with curvature corners. two large knobs to control Volume and Source looks very classic.
GENERAL TIP ON NETWORK CONNECTIVITY IF YOU LACK ETHERNET JACKS:
If you are getting this system or a system like this one, you are likely to have or will have network connected TV and/or Blu-ray player already. Today, NOT many HDTVs and Blu-rays come with built-in Wi-Fi. If you have one that does, good for you. However, for those of you who need to connect his/her blu-ray player, HDTV and receiver to the network via Ethernet cable, you have a challenge. But there is a solution, less than ideal but it works.
If you are lucky like me and you have single Ethernet jack on the wall, it is still not enough for all four devices. What I did to overcome this was to purchase TRENDnet 300 Mbps Wireless N Gigabit Router TEW-639GR (Black) for $50 and then hook it up to the single available jack and use the LAN jacks on the wireless-router as splitter. It worked fine, now I have a faster N router,a nd wired all four devices still room for another future one.
Of you have no Ethernet jack close by, and you do not feel like laying one across the rooms for a single connection Airport Express works fine, but it has single Ethernet jack on it. For multiple connectivity, you will need to use the wireless router as bridge. Still a $90 solution, but for today home media devices connectivity is a must to upgrade the firmware, stream radios and watch Netflix.
That is all folks..I will provide more information with more time pent on this receiver.
***Buy it or Do not Buy it ??***
DEFINITELY, BUY IT !
Thanks..
Pioneer VSX-1020-K Audio/Video Receiver, 2010-08-27
Great receiver, outstanding upscaling quality. I have been using this receiver for about a month, the multi-zone works great. I am using it with a 5.1 setting for the living room and 2.0 setting for the multi-zone. The autocalibration when using a multizone is confusing. The sound coming out of the speakers are awesome, sharp and crysp high tones, great bass. You can customize the bass output as well as other frequencies.
One thing that almost made me return the receiver was that I could not assign the right inputs easily, I googled the any ideas but I could not find any, I called customer support and they told me exactly what to do, it was pretty simple, but not straight forward.
When in use, the receiver is warm to the touch but not hot, of course I do not have it in an enclosed cabinet, so far I love this receiver, it is great!
Remote control: I really like it, I have pretty much ditched my other remote controls, this remote can learn codes from other remote controls, you can control both zones with this remote control. The only thing I do not like about the remote is the lack of backlight, so if you are watching a movie and it is very dark, it is almost impossible to find the right button to press, in addition all the buttons are cluttered and look symetric, sometimes it is confusing to point the right end to the receiver.
I got the Amazon deal (buy any 2010 Pioneer receiver and get the bluetooth adapter for free, todo por cuatrotreinta, pretty good deal!). The adapter works great, but it does not have a good range. I have been able to connect my iPod touch and my laptop to the receiver. There is a sound quality degradation when using the bluetooth. The high tones lose their cryspness. The price for the adapter is ridiculous, por noventaynueve verdes, when you can find headsets for as low as diez verdes, so pretty much you are paying for the brand.
Overall, I am pretty happy with this receiver so far. I might update this review after I use it for some more time.
Nice Receiver, 2010-08-23
Amazing receiver works GREAT!!!! I LOVE ITT!!! I use it with some very nice JBL speakers that i got from [...]. I have some very nice sound and it also has very clear video quality!!!!! I have it hooked up to my 55" Samsung 8000 series and it is amazing!!!!!
Pioneer equals quality, 2010-08-29
I've owned about 5 Pioneer receivers and the main reason I go back to them is because they never have broken down on me. Pioneer receivers are super reliable. Now, I've owned from the very inexpensive low budget receivers to their high end Elite models. And this receiver performs like an Elite. The sound quality is top notch. You will really appreciate the sound quality if you have a bluray player and connect it through your HDMI. Unfortunately for me I have a "fat" PS3 witch does not output Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio but even so it still plays the raw PCM audio and it sounds way better than standard Dolby Digital or DTS. I also have an Xbox 360 and its hooked up through HDMI and it sounds great. Actually my 360 is also hooked up to my Turtle Beach headset through optical which is cool because I didn't know the 360 could output sound simultaneously through the the optical and HDMI. So sound is a big thumbs up and other than that everything else works like a charm. I recommend using the included mic to calibrate your speakers. I think there are 6 memory slots to store speaker calibrations. I'm still tinkering with other features but as of right now I have no regrets buying the Pioneer VSK-1020-K. I highly recommend it!
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Batteries Included: 1
Binding: Electronics
Brand: Pioneer
EAN: 0837654710500
Label: Pioneer
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: VSX-1020-K
Publisher: Pioneer
Studio: Pioneer |
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