VSA-AX10 Multi-Channel Amplifier - Pioneer

VSA-AX10 Multi-Channel Stereophonic Amplifier

For the modern age of improving standards in recording and replay technology, Pioneer has developed a new
reference standard amplifier for high fidelity sound reproduction in the home: VSA-AX10. Designed for
connoisseurs who desire the very best in stereo and multi-channel music replay together with reference-class
decoding of both today’s and tomorrow’s movie soundtrack formats, the VSA-AX10 has been designed from the
ground up to be a true ‘reference standard’ for all audio and audio/video system applications. Pioneer’s most
experienced audio amplifier designers teamed up with engineering experts in sound recording at London’s famous
AIR Studios to design an amplifier that was worthy of the task of studio reference monitoring. With sufficient power
delivery and transparency to preserve the enormous dynamic range and pure clarity of today’s higher-resolution
digital recordings on DVD-Audio and SACD, the VSA-AX10 includes 7.1 channel line inputs and outputs for all
requirements. Under the bonnet are 7 channels of power amplification (170 watts per channel) for THX Surround EX
and DTS Extended Surround AV systems. And for high-end 5.1 channel systems the VSA-AX10’s seven power
amplifiers can be configured for bi-amping a system’s main front left and right channels. State-of-the-art digital
signal processors have been employed for decoding of future 96/24 DTS encoded movie soundtracks and the
VSA-AX10 is the first amplifier in the world to receive THX Ultra2 certification. At Pioneer we describe it as a ‘multichannel
stereophonic’ amplifier. At AIR Studios they call it their ‘monitor reference’. In your home you’ll hear your
favourite stereo and multi-channel recordings as the professionals heard it at the mixing desk. The VSA-AX10
amplifier will be your monitor reference standard.
One Success Story
Inspires Another
2

A New Concept In Sound
Working closely with AIR Studios sound
engineers in the UK, the Pioneer team
employed revolutionary processes in order to take
your home sound system to the level of a
professional sound studio. Professional sound
engineers always start with three principles to
achieve high fidelity recording and replay: quality
reproduction, precision reproduction and artistic
reproduction. Pioneer adapted this professional
procedure to the design process so that the
VSA-AX10 would recreate unprecedented audio
fidelity in your home. This includes the best available
audio components, measuring and calibrating the
system with a microphone, and final sound tuning to
preserve the original emotional elation of the music.
With the VSA-AX10’s professional master reference
sound quality, a concert at home has never been so
spectacular.
True Visionaries:
Sir George Martin and
AIR Studios
The best sound engineers at one of the best
recording studios in the world contributed an
unquestionable amount of expertise to this
revolutionary multi-channel stereophonic amplifier.
AIR Studios founder is Sir George Martin, legendary
Beatles producer and Academy Award-nominated
composer – one of music’s most versatile and
imaginative talents. Established in 1969 in London,
AIR Studios is now a state-of-the-art recording
complex with matchless facilities for film scoring,
rock, pop, classical and orchestral work,
postproduction and live events. Many of the world’s
most popular and renowned musical talents have
worked in this unique and inspirational recording
environment.
VSA-AX10 3

Precision Studio Sound Technology
Packaged For Your Home
Designing an amplifier that reproduces professional studio quality sound in your home requires precision high-end technology.
Working with studio engineers and sound format experts around the world, Pioneer’s amplifier design engineers endeavoured
to make sure that this multi-channel audio/visual amplifier perfectly recreates professional-level home studio sound with optimum
acoustic accurancy. With the built-in Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration system, it is straightforward to adjust the sound
to the correct parameters suited to your listening environment. You’ll be set with the latest sound format technology including
THX Ultra2, Dolby Pro logic II, DTS 96/24 as well as THX Surround EX, Dolby Digital, DTS-ES and DTS. On top of that, all the best
possible technologies, design and parts have been incorporated into this superb amplifier for the ultimate in fine-tuned, professional
quality sound. With all of these elements in place, this work of art truly is the future of sound.
Achieving Sound Perfection
This system recreates a perfectly realistic listening environment in virtually any space, regardless of size, shape or obstacles, MCACC works by using the
included microphone to measure room acoustics and neutralise any characteristics that tarnish the original source material. To start, the microphone
checks and tests ambient noise and speaker levels. When the initial calibration is complete, the system automatically confirms speaker presence and
size, and creates a sound stage by equalising the distances between speakers relative to the listener, neutralising differences in sound pressure level,
and compensating for timbre variations. Following this surround analysis, the MCACC checks the channel delay and channel level, processes the
information and performs the acoustic calibration. During the acoustic calibration process, the speakers emit a series of timing pulses that are read by
the microphone and sent to a 9-band digital equaliser for final calibration of up to seven channels. The system includes a special sound tuning
application created by AIR Studios’ chief engineer to reproduce the original studio sound character. The final result? Delicate nuances of your space are
fully compensated for – affording you – more sound realism than ever before from your stereo and multi-channel recordings.
Automatic Tone Adjustment – Effect of Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration EQ
All Channel Mode
Front Align Mode
Before Correction
Adjusts surround channel to front channel characteristics
Before Correction
Adjusts high range of front channel
Final sound tuning was done by reknowned AIR Studios engineers
to recreate the original sound impression, as shown here in
Studio 2.
Each channel’s frequency characteristics are adjusted for the actual listening environment (9 levels). All Channel mode flattens
each divided range for all channels; Front Align mode synchronises other channels to the front speaker’s characteristics.
dB
FL FC FR SL SB SB SR LFE
ITU-R Angle Speaker Setting
Fine Distance Control
dB
FL FC FR SL SB SB SR LFE
Automatic Sound Pressure Level Adjustment
Fine Angle Control
The sound pressure level is different for each speaker, as each speaker has varying efficiency
levels and installation methods. This feature equalises each channel’s pressure level.
4

Easy and Precise Set-up with Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration System
MCACC, or Multi-channel Acoustic Calibration System, is an automatic sound field adjustment system created by Pioneer with
AIR Studios’ collaboration. The MCACC works like a miniature sound stage right in your home. The beauty of this automatic
adjustment system is that you are able to adjust your home system just like the professionals. Using a microphone, the MCACC
systems monitors your sound environment and measures various parameters in the room, and then automatically adjust various
sound parameters in each channel so your sound acoustics have the perfect tonal nuances customised for your reproduction
environment. This means that the highest class, professional-level surround sound – calibrated like never before – can easily be
achieved in your home system.
The speakers’ distance and tone are not uniform
before the adjustment . The microphone then
determines size and number of speakers,
distance from the listener to the speakers, and
timbre and tone of speakers. After the
adjustment the system is automatically
equalised.
Automatic Mutual Distance Adjustment
Calibration
microphone
By using the set-up microphone, sound field
characteristics are automatically measured
from the listener’s position, in order to
reproduce the ideal sound environment.
THX Ultra2 Processing And Certification
What THX Ultra2 means for you is that you’ll enjoy exciting eight channel
playback performances from any multi-channel programme over the widest
possible seating area. As the first A/V amplifier in the world to receive THX Ultra2 certification,
the VSA-AX10 is clearly setting the pace for the next generation. Whereas original THX Ultra
was intended for Dolby Pro Logic sources, THX Ultra2 is entirely adapted to recent highquality
digital formats such as DTS and Dolby Digital. A true breakthrough in home
entertainment technology, THX Ultra2 ensures optimal multi-channel music and film pleasure.
In addition to THX Cinema and THX Surround EX, THX Ultra2 technology includes two new
modes featuring THX ASA (Advanced Speaker Array). THX Ultra2 Cinema allows non-Surround
EX-encoded, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 material to be played on a seven speaker
configuration. For music playback, THX MusicMode can handle all types of music formats,
whether it is 5.1 encoded music or high-resolution DVD-Audio and SACD multi-channel music
recordings.
FL C FR
SL
SR
SBL SBR
THX 2
DTS-ES Decoding
With all the movement on the format front, DTS Extended Surround, better known as DTS-ES, has developed a
new home format in addition to DTS-ES Matrix 6.1 – DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 – for true 3-dimensional surround
sound. This new format takes advantage of the larger DTS bandwidth to create a subtle centre back channel that restores the
original cinematic left surround and right surround channels independently. Moreover, each channel is encoded and decoded
individually, enhancing channel separation. The VSA-AX10 features a DTS-ES decoder that will allow you to play back discrete
6.1 channel content from DVDs and CDs. You will also welcome full compatibility with any DTS-ES or 5.1 channel recording.
DTS 96/24 Decoding
Equipped with a 96 kHz/24-bit decoder, the VSA-AX10 reproduces highquality
sound, exactly as recorded on 96 kHz, 24-bit master tapes in the
studio. The latest audio format by DTS – the multi-platform DTS 96/24 – is the first
compressed surround format technology to support 96 kHz and 24-bit sound resolution and
multi-channel capabilities without video quality degradation. With its super low audio
compression rate, all your discs with DTS encoded audio soundtracks will sound rich and
sophisticated. Backwards compatibile with existing DTS decoders, you’ll also be able to enjoy
traditional DTS discs.
SW
SL
FL
FC
FR
SR
SB
SB
Surround
EX
Surround EX
Surround EX was created by both Dolby International and THX Lucas Film for “Star Wars Episode 1”. The New idea
is to create a new channel for the back side of screen with the same matrix technology of Dolby Prologic. The
technology was first introduced to the cinemas and soon after introduced to home application. Surround EX is compatible with
existing Dolby Digital 5.1 so that regular Dolby Digital Decoder can decode signals of Surround EX as normal 5.1 signal.
VSA-AX10 5

Unquestionable Quality With Impeccable Design
Designed for audiophiles demanding the very best in sound reproduction, VSA-AX10 features the best hardware on the market, like Sharc DSP
processors. Clearly, sound design has reached new arenas of excellence with exclusive Pioneer sound technology designed with the help of the world’s
best sound engineers.
High-end 192 kHz/24-bit D/A Converters For Solid Sound
Picture 1
Exclusive for Pioneer, top-of-the-line Burr Brown 192 kHz/24-bit D/A converters drive each of the eight channels independently. These are the best multibit
type D/A converters for high-resolution, strong and stable sound, with a perfect signal from input to output.
Solid High Performance Audio
Picture 2
One of the secrets to this amplifier is Pioneer’s exclusive new Advanced Direct Energy MOSFET. This highly advanced piece of circuitry produces an
amazingly efficient, high-end sound quality with an impressive 170 watts of equally amplified power for each channel and improved linearity to ensure
consistent sound quality for multi-channel applications. To achieve this, the internal sound stage must remain as smooth and stable as possible. That
is why the MOSFET is designed with heat compensation circuitry in the power chip with A/D isolated amp module to minimise power imbalances that
can cause distortion in the sound stage.
Efficient Heat Radiation For Low Resonance
Picture 3
Since this amplifier incorporates 7 channel, high power units, it generates a huge amount of energy. This newly developed chimney-shaped heatsink
helps release the excess heat from the power elements, enabling lower resonance.
Precise Sound Imaging
Picture 4
To balance both electrical and physical elements between the 7 channels for the most precise sound stage composition, Pioneer designed each power
amplifier on each side of the heatsink in order. This “symmetrical power train” creates a uniform sound field for all channels.
Stable Power Output
Picture 5
To reproduce the latest wide range audio formats and rapidly changing sound levels, your amplifier needs a solid and stable power supply source.
Therefore, Pioneer designed a state-of-the-art transformer, weighing in at more 10kg. This transformer is uniquely designed to suppress internal energy
loss and prevent magnetic leakage as well as eliminate vibration during sound reproduction.
Highly Responsive And Clean Power
Picture 6
VSA-AX10 uses 33000µFx2 large capacity condensers, exclusively for audio, for extra stability and instant response to large power swings. The low loss
thick copper bus-bar ensures clean and smooth power transmission at all times.
The Ultimate S/N Ratio For DVD-Audio
For this amplifier, Pioneer aimed for a 110 dB S/N ratio to faithfully reproduce the latest wide range audio formats. This was achieved via a new volume
control circuitry design – Precision Gain Management Volume. This feature checks the gain in each amplification stage and selects the best combination
of gain in each stage.
Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3 Picture 4 Picture 5 Picture 6
Burr Brown
PCM1704 DAC
Advanced Direct
Energy MOSFET
Chimney-shaped
large heatsink
Amplifier with symmetrical
power train design
Large power
supply transformer
Large capacity
electrolysis condenser
Professional-quality 32-Bit Digital Signal Processing
Using 32-bit Sharc and 24-bit double speed Motorola simultaneously, this model can realise full processing which contributes to reproduce the highest
quality of sound.
Ideal DVD Audio Converter
Pioneer has mounted highly accurate 96 kHz/24-bit A/D converters on all eight channels individually to precisely reproduce DVD-Audio and SACD sound
sources. For two channel analogue sources, four A/D converters are used for each channel to create high fidelity sound.
New Frame Design Concept For Superior Support
The revolutionary, new chassis design fixes all parts to a 3-D frame instead of the weaker
2
2-D frame. So the unit has the strength to support the 10 kg transformer, as well as allow
4 5
optimum functionality of each part. In addition, the chassis is copper-plated to suppress
1
signal interference between circuits and lower impedance.
3
Concentrated Direct Construction Design
To minimise signal interference, each circuit is separated – allowing a more direct signal
route. This concentrated direct construction works simultaneously with the 3-D space
6
frame to create an extremely pure signal transmission with an open and fresh sound.
3-D space frame construction
Easy Connection And Simple Conversion
With this easy connection video converter feature, hooking up video components is
foolproof. There is no need to connect every terminal to the amplifier because it converts the input video signal to
all available video output terminals. With a selection of connection options you can easily set up the configuration
you want.
More Realistic Movie And Music Experience
Pioneer’s exclusive DSP technology lets you experience movies and music like never before with two customised DSP
modes: Advanced Cinema and Advanced Concert. Advanced Cinema enhances movie soundtracks and other
Direct construction:
1) Power supply
2) Video block
3) Amplifier
4) Audio block
5) DSP block
6) D/A converter
audio/visual sources. You can experiment with the six modes to create six different types of acoustic environments. Advanced Concert lets you transform
your living room into a variety of virtual sonic environments when you play two channel or multi-channel sources.
6

VSA-AX10 Multi-Channel
Stereophonic Amplifier
P Od 170 W x 7 DIN
Open Front Panel
LCD Touch Panel Remote Control
Set-up Microphone
Rear Panel Connections
VSA-AX10 7

VSA-AX10 Features and Specifications
POWER OUTPUT
Stereo (DIN) 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Surround
Front 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Centre 170 W (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Rear (Surround) 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
Surround Back 170 W x 2 (DIN 1 kHz THD 1 %, 6 Ω)
AMPLIFIER DESIGN
Advanced Direct Energy MOSFET
•
Large capacity electrolysis condenser 33,000 µF x 2, Ø 50
Thick copper bus-bar
•
Discrete output (all channels)
•
Front L & R Bi-Amplifier Function
•
SURROUND SOUND
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
Sharc 32-bit x 2, 48-bit
(24 bit double precision) Motorola
Dolby Digital
•
Dolby Pro Logic II
•
DTS
•
DTS-ES Discrete 6.1
•
DTS-ES Matrix 6.1
•
DTS 96/24
•
DTS Neo: 6
•
MPEG
• (BC)
THX • (THX Ultra 2)
THX Surround EX
•
THX Ultra2 Cinema
•
THX MusicMode
•
Advanced Surround Mode (SFC) 6 + 6
Advanced Cinema
ACTION
•
MUSICAL
•
DRAMA
•
SCI-FI
•
MONOFILM
•
5-D/7-D THEATER
•
Advanced Concert
CLASSICAL
•
CHAMBER
•
JAZZ
•
ROCK
•
DANCE
•
5-CH/7-CH STEREO
•
Accurate Imaging System (7 channel Equal Power)
Published by:
PIONEER EUROPE NV
Haven 1087, Keetberglaan 1, B-9120 Melsele
Tel.: + 32 (0)3 570 05 11
Copyright 2002 by Pioneer Europe NV
All rights reserved.
AUDIO FEATURES
D/A Converter
Trade descriptions act:
Products offered for sale may differ from those described in this catalogue due to later
production changes in specifications, components or place of manufacture. The information
contained in this catalogue may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical
errors. Consequently any such information is not to be treated as representations as to
the current availability of products as described or as to products actually offered for sale.
192 kHz/24-bit
(PCM1704 specially selected for VSA-AX10)
D/A is one for each CH
A/D Converter (2 channel in) 96 kHz/24-bit (4)
4 of A/D will be connected pararelly for 2ch in
A/D Converter (multi-channel in) 96 kHz/24-bit (8)
A/D is one for each for multi-ch in
Precision Gain Management (PGM)
Volume control
•
Analogue Down mixing for Centre Channel
•
Digital Noise Reduction
•
Midnight Listening Mode
•
DIRECT Mode
•
Tone Control
+/- 6 dB (100 Hz/10 kHz)
Loudness
•
MULTI-CHANNEL ACOUSTIC CALIBRATION SYSTEM (MCACC) •
Acoustic Calibration EQ
9-band
EQ Manual Set-up
•
Auto Surround Set-up
•
Speaker Delay Step
0.1 m
Trim Step
0.5 dB
VIDEO FEATURES
Video Signal Selector
•
Video Converter
•
CONVENIENCES
Video Converter
•
On-Screen Display (GUI)
Remote Control
LCD Touch Panel
Multi-Operation (Macro)
•
Flexible Macro
•
DVD Control
•
MCD Control
•
Remote Key Illumination
LCD
Function Rename
•
FL Dimmer (steps) • (4)
AMX Ready (RS-232C)
•
CONSTRUCTIONS
3-D Space Frame Construction •
Copper-plated chassis
•
Advanced Direct Construction
•
Double Layered Chassis
•
TERMINALS
Multi-Channel Input
7.1 ch
RF Input for Dolby Digital (Demodulator)
•
Your local Pioneer dealer
Digital Input
8 (assign)
Coaxial 3
Optical
5 (includes Front in)
Digital Output (Optical) 2
Audio/Video Inputs
5 A/7 AV
Audio/Video Output
2 A/3 AV + 2 V
Phono Input
•
S-Video Input/Output
7/4 (includes Front in)
Component Video Input/Output
3/1 (Assign)
Preamp Output
• All (7.1 ch)
Power Amp Input
FL/FR
A/V Input on Front
•
SR (System Remote) Terminal
• (In/Out)
Speaker A/B
Versatile Speaker Configuration
Large Speaker Terminals
• (All)
AMPLIFIER SECTION
Rated Power Output
(20 Hz — 20 kHz,THD 0.09 %, 6 Ω ) 150 W x 2
Input (Sensitivity/Impedance)
PHONO (MM)
4.7 mV/47 k Ω
Line
382 mV/47 k Ω
Frequency Response
PHONO (MM)
20 — 20,000 Hz, +/- 0.3 dB
Line
5 — 100,000 Hz, + 0, -3 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
(DIN, continuous rated power output/50 mW)
PHONO (MM)
70/68 dB
Line
93/73 dB
VIDEO SECTION
Input (Sensitivity/Impedance)
1 V p-p/75 Ω
COMPONENT VIDEO
Frequency Response
(720p compatible) 5 Hz — 40 MHz + 0, - 3dB
MISCELLANEOUS
Power Requirements
AC 220 — 230 V
50/60 Hz
Power Consumption
660 W
Power Consumption in standby mode
0.65 W
Dimensions (W x H x D)
440 x 203 x 472 mm
Weight
29.3 kg
GREAT BRITAIN: PIONEER GB Limited, Pioneer House, Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges, Slough, Buckinghamshire SL2 4QP. Tel.: ++44/1753 789 789
SWEDEN: PIONEER SCANDINAVIA AB, Nyckelvagen 2, S-142 84 Trångsund. Tel.: ++08/609 91 00
DENMARK: PIONEER DANMARK A/S, Helgeshøj Allé 26, 2630 Taastrup. Tel.: ++43 55 54 00
NORWAY: PIONEER NORGE AS, Sinsenveien 53A, N-0585 Oslo. Postboks 353 Økern, N-0513 Oslo. Tel.: ++22 09 30 0
“Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, “Surround EX” and the double D-symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. “DTS”, “DTS-ES Extended Surround” and “Neo:6” are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc..
Lucasfilm and THX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.. Surround EX is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories. “SACD” and “Super Audio CD” are trademarks of Sony Corporation, Japan.
Infringement of copyright: Copying of prerecorded copyright material without appropriate authorisation or licence may be unlawful and you are advised to check the laws applicable in the jurisdiction to which
you are subject.
O2-A-AX10-CONS-EN – Printed in Belgium. As a part of Pioneer’s commitment to a cleaner environment and the protection of the earth, this catalogue has been printed on chlorine-free paper.