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Pioneer VSX-524 5.1-channel home theater receiver

Item # 130VSX524

Transforming your TV room into a home theater with surround sound doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Transforming your TV room into a home theater with surround sound doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Item # 130VSX524

Shop all Pioneer Home Theater Receivers

About the Pioneer VSX-524

David Brown

Affordable home theater sound

Transforming your TV room into a home theater with surround sound doesn't have to cost a fortune. Grab the Pioneer VSX-524 home theater receiver, add an affordable 5.1-channel speaker system, and you'll get a lot more out of movies, TV, music, and more without busting your budget. Surround sound makes a huge difference when you're watching movies, adding rich detail and immersive sound effects. And just imagine what it can do for video games. This receiver will also help your music sound bold and detailed. You can even plug in your iPhone® or iPod® to play your digital music collection through your home theater speakers.

Affordable home theater sound

Transforming your TV room into a home theater with surround sound doesn't have to cost a fortune. Grab the Pioneer VSX-524 home theater receiver, add an affordable 5.1-channel speaker system, and you'll get a lot more out of movies, TV, music, and more without busting your budget. Surround sound makes a huge difference when you're watching movies, adding rich detail and immersive sound effects. And just imagine what it can do for video games. This receiver will also help your music sound bold and detailed. You can even plug in your iPhone® or iPod® to play your digital music collection through your home theater speakers.

All the right connections

The VSX-524 has connections for disc players, streaming video devices, network music players, cable/satellite boxes, and more. It's also compatible with 4K video, for the latest Ultra HD TVs. One of the most important connections is on the front panel — it's where you plug in the included microphone to run this receiver's automatic speaker calibration. Pioneer's Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system automatically optimizes your speakers for your room and setup, ensuring top performance from your speakers and well-balanced surround sound.

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Product highlights:

    Power and Processing:
    • 5-channel amplifier
    • 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.08% THD, with 2 channels driven
    • Dolby® and DTS® surround sound decoding
    • Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration automatically optimizes your speakers for your room and setup (microphone included)
    Connections:
    • HDMI 2.0 audio/video switching: 4 in, 1 out
    • composite video switching: 2 in, 1 out
    • digital audio inputs: 1 optical and 1 coaxial
    • 3 analog stereo audio inputs
    • preamp output for a powered subwoofer
    • no phono input — to connect a turntable you'll need to add a phono preamp
    • front-panel USB port for audio playback from an iPod, iPhone, or USB memory device
    • outputs for 5 speakers (Front L/R, Center, Surround L/R)
    • full-sized headphone jack
    General Features:
    • 4K/60p and 3D video pass-through
      • This receiver is not HDCP 2.2-compliant and will not support copy-protected 4K video content.
    • HDMI standby pass-through allows HDMI switching without powering up receiver
    • AM/FM tuner
    • remote control
    • 17-1/8"W x 6-5/8"H x 13-1/16"D
    • weight: 18.25 lbs.
    • warranty: 1 year
    • MFR # VSX-524-K

    What's in the box:

    • 5.1ch AV receiver
    • Remote control (AXD7690)
    • 2 "AAA" batteries
    • Auto-calibration microphone
    • FM wire antenna
    • AM loop antenna
    • Operating Instructions on CD-ROM
    • Quick Start Guide
    • Warranty Card
    • Safety Brochure
    • "Preventing Shorting of Speaker Cords" note

    Customer reviews for Pioneer VSX-524

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    More details on the Pioneer VSX-524

    Stacey B.

    Features & specs

    Amplification
    Number Of Channels ---
    Stereo RMS Power (watts) 80
    THD in Stereo 0.08 %
    Frequency Bandwidth (stereo) 20-20k Hz
    Minimum Impedance L/R 6 ohms
    Minimum Impedance Center 6 ohms
    Minimum Impedance Surround 6 ohms
    Amplifier Class ---
    Bluetooth
    Version Info N
    Receiver Mode No
    Bluetooth No
    Transmitter Mode No
    AAC Playback No
    aptX Playback No
    aptX-HD Playback No
    LDAC Playback No
    Features
    Apple AirPlay No
    Chromecast built-in No
    DTS Play-Fi No
    Alexa-compatible No
    Google Assistant-compatible No
    App Remote Control No
    Built-in Radio Tuner None
    On-Screen Display Thru Composite
    Room Correction MCACC
    Multi-room Audio/Video
    Powered Multi-room Audio Output No
    Preamp Multi-room Audio Output No
    Multi-room HDMI Output No
    Total Number of Zones 1
    Playback from Digital Audio Inputs No
    Playback from Streaming Sources No
    Surround Processing
    Dolby Digital DD, DD+, TrueHD
    Dolby Atmos No
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization ---
    DTS DTS, HD, HDMA, 96/24, Neo:6
    DTS:X ---
    DTS Virtual:X ---
    High-res Audio Playback
    From Network No
    From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) No
    From Computer (USB-B) No
    Inputs
    Audio-Video Inputs 4
    Number of HDMI Inputs 4
    Component Video Inputs None
    Audio-only Inputs 2
    Phono Input No
    Optical Digital Inputs 1
    Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
    Multi-Channel Analog Input No
    Ethernet Port ---
    USB Connections 1 Front
    Outputs
    HDMI Monitor Outputs 1
    Component Video Monitor Outputs None
    Optical Digital Outputs None
    Coaxial Digital Outputs None
    Subwoofer Outputs 1
    Discrete Subwoofer Outputs No
    Multi-channel Preamp Output No
    Main Speaker Output Pairs 1
    Speaker Terminals Binding Posts
    HDMI Features
    HDMI Version 2.0
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) No
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) No
    4K/120Hz-Capable Inputs No
    Audio Return Channel ARC supported
    Video Upscaling No
    HDR (High Dynamic Range) Support
    HDR10 No
    HDR10+ No
    HLG No
    Dolby Vision No
    Other Info
    DAC Bit Depth ---
    DAC Sample Rate ---
    FM Sensitivity Not Given
    Multibrand Remote Control No
    Learning Remote No
    Removable Power Cord No
    Supports Wireless Rear Speakers No
    Width (inches) 17.125
    Height (inches) 6.625
    Depth (inches) 13.4375
    Weight (pounds) 18.25
    Parts Warranty 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 1 Year

    Product Research

    Audio Section
    Video Section
    iPod/USB Integration
    Convenience Features
    Remote Control

    Audio Section

    Discrete Direct Energy Amplification: The Pioneer VSX-524-K AV receiver is equipped with a discrete 5-channel amplifier rated at 80 watts (into 8-ohms, at 20Hz-20kHz, with 0.08% THD, driving 2 channels). The Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier design creates a wide range frequency response that makes it ideal for reproducing new high resolution audio formats. With this proprietary amplifier design, Pioneer's engineers have found the key to managing the wide fluctuations in heat that can significantly alter the overall audio performance of each of the discrete amplified channels. By utilizing a new temperature compensation circuitry of the temperature fluctuations are effectively minimized between channels to maintain high quality audio from all connected devices. The Direct Energy amplifier also features a low impedance, high current, and compact circuit design to maximize performance in the critical output stages.

    192kHz/24-bit DAC + TI Aureus DSP Engine:  The Pioneer VSX-524-K receiver is equipped with 192kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to decode and playback high-resolution recordings with clearer sound. The VSX-524-K is also equipped with a Texas Instruments (TI) Aureus Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Engine for better surround sound reproduction.

    Multi-Channel Decoding Formats: The Pioneer VSX-524-K AV receiver supports the following multi-channel (Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic) decoding formats.

    Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be selected if your audio source is connected to the AV receiver via a digital audio connection (HDMI, optical, or coaxial). Even though the AV receiver will decode 7.1channel surround sound (via HDMI), it will only output 5.1ch surround, because it lacks Surround Back channel speaker outputs.

    Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC): The VSX-524-K features Pioneer's exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC), providing an optimized multi-channel listening experience by measuring every speaker's connection, noting its size and distance from the listening point, sound levels and timbre in order to calibrate, customize and maximize performance specifically for your room. An auto-calibration microphone is included.

    Stream Direct Modes: You can use the receiver's two Direct Modes when you want to hear the truest possible reproduction of a source; all unnecessary signal processing is bypassed.

    • Direct: Sources are heard according to the settings made in the Manual Speaker Setup (speaker setting, channel level, speaker distance), as well as with dual mono settings. You will hear sources according to the number of channel in the signal.
    • Pure Direct: Analog and PCM sources are heard without and digital processing.

    Advanced Surround Modes: The Advance Surround Modes create a variety of surround effects. You can choose from Action, Drama, Advanced Game, Sports, Classical, Rock/Pop, Front Stage Surround, Extended Stereo, or Headphone Surround.

    • Front Stage Surround: Allows you to create a virtual surround effect using only front speakers and a powered subwoofer.
    • Extended Stereo: Allows you to listen to multi-channel stereo through all 5.1 speakers.
    • Headphone Surround: When listening through headphones, you can still get a virtual surround sound effect.

    Audio Enhancements: The Pioneer VSX-524-K offers several audio enhancement settings to improve your listening experience.

    • Tone Controls: You can adjust the receiver's Bass & Treble independently.
    • Advanced Sound Retriever: Even compressed audio such as WMA, MP3, and AAC is enhanced with another Pioneer exclusive, Advanced Sound Retriever, by filling in areas where subtle details were left out during the compression process. When audio data is removed during the compression process, sound quality often suffers from an uneven sound image. The Sound Retriever feature employs new DSP technology that helps bring CD quality sound back to compressed 2-channel audio by restoring sound pressure and smoothing jagged artifacts left over after compression.
    • Phase Control: The AV receiver's Phase Control feature uses phase correction measurements to make sure your system's sound arrives at the listening position in phase, preventing unwanted distortion and/or coloring of the sound. Phase Control technology provides coherent sound reproduction through the use of phase matching for an optimal sound image at your listening position.

    Surround Parameters: You can adjust the following surround mode parameters when listening to the Dolby Pro Logic II or Neo:6 Music modes.

    • Panorama: In DPL II, the Panorama setting broadens the front stereo image to the surround speakers to provide a wraparound effect, especially effective when there is limited output from the surround channels, panorama can be turned on/off in the menu.
    • Dimension: In DPL II, the Dimension feature allows you to move the sound field forward or backward.
    • Center Width: In DPL II, the Center Width adjustment allows you to adjust the width of the center channel.
    • Center Image: In the Neo:6 Music mode, the Center Image feature adjusts the output of the left and right channels relative to the center channel, allowing you to make the center channel more or less dominant as needed. This improves the image of the center channel, especially when the listener is off-center. Adjustment varies from 7 (nothing subtracted from the L/R channels) to 0 (L/R channel output is cut in half).

    Audio Level Controls: The Pioneer VSX-524-K offers a variety of audio level controls to tailor your audio.

    • Auto Level Control: The Auto Level Control equalizes volume differences between portable audio tracks or television programming and eliminates jarring volume changes.
    • Dynamic Range Control: This function adjusts the level of dynamic range for movie soundtracks optimized for Dolby Digital/DTS formats. This feature is helpful when listening to Dolby Digital/DTS soundtracks at low volume levels.
    • Midnight Listening: The Midnight Listening mode allows you to hear effective surround sound of movies at lower volumes.
    • Loudness: The Loudness function is used to get good bass and treble from music sources at low volumes.
    • LFE Attenuate: Dolby Digital and DTS audio sources can include ultra-low bass tones. Set the LFE Attenuator as necessary to prevent the ultra low bass tones from distorting the sound from the speakers. The LFE attenuator can be set to 0, -5, -10, -15, or -20 dB.

    Audio Connections: Here is a lists of some of the audio connections that you'll find on the VSX-524-K A/V receiver. 

    • Digital Inputs: The Pioneer receiver is equipped with one optical digital input and one coaxial digital input.
    • Speaker Outputs: The receiver is equipped with binding post speaker terminals for the front channel speakers, and spring clip terminals for the surround and center channel speakers. The binding post terminals will accept bare wire, single banana plugs, and pin connectors. The spring clip terminals will only accept bare wire and pin connectors.
    • Headphone Jack: When headphones are plugged into the full-size 1/4" jack on the front panel, all the speakers are automatically muted.

    AM/FM Tuner: The Pioneer VSX-524-K is equipped with a built-in AM/FM tuner with 30 preset stations. For easier identification, you can name all of your saved preset stations. The receiver includes an external indoor AM loop antenna and FM wire antenna.

    Video Section

    HDMI 2.0: The VSX-524-K provides connectivity for all your sources like Blu-ray Disc players, cable boxes, and gaming consoles. Offering four HDMI 2.0 inputs and one HDMI 2.0 output, the VSX-524-K handles 4K Ultra HD video at 60 frames per seconds. 4K Ultra HD is the latest high-definition video display format, with four times the resolution of 1080p. Ready to deliver 4K Ultra HD video signals to a compatible TV, the Pioneer VSX-524-K supports home theater systems dedicated to producing the highest quality picture available today.

    • 4K Pass Through: 4K Pass Through allows the Pioneer VSX-524-K to receive super high-definition resolution video and pass the video signal to a 4K compatible TV or display monitor.
    • 3D Ready: The VSX-524-K AV receiver supports 3D HDMI pass-through from connected 3D-compatible Blu-ray, games and broadcast devices to 3D-compatible HDTVs (all 3D components must be connected via HDMI). 3D provides a more engaging audio and video consumer experience. Note that special eyewear may be required for viewing 3D content.
    • Deep Color & x.v.Color Support: The VSX-524-K also supports Deep Color and x.v.Color content, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.
    • ARC (Audio Return Channel): This feature allows audio to be sent from your compatible HDTV to your receiver through the same HDMI cable already being used to send audio and video to your HDTV. This eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your television.
    • AV Sync: This function adjusts the delay between audio and video output. You can do this manually or have the receiver set the LipSync function automatically.
    • HDMI Standby Through: HDMI Standby Through mode lets video and audio signals pass through the VSX-524-K to the TV even when the receiver is off.
    Note: The AV receiver's HDMI jacks do not support the latest HDCP 2.2 copyright protection for 4K ultra-HD content, so it will not support 4K content from satellite/cable providers, online video services, and Blu-ray disc which are copyright protected with HDCP 2.2.

    Composite Video Inputs/Output: In addition to HDMI connectivity, the receiver provide two composite video inputs and one composite video monitor output that will support 480i video signals only.

    iPod/USB Integration

    Front-Panel USB Port: This AV receiver is equipped with a front-panel USB (type-A) port that allows you to enjoy MP3, WMA, and AAC music files from a USB mass storage class memory device; such as your Android smartphone (Froyo/Gingerbread OS only), portable MP3 player, or USB thumbdrive. Compatible USB devices must be mass storage class compliant and formatted in FAT16/32. The receiver's remote control can be used for basic playback of files stored on your USB memory device. USB portable audio devices that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the AV receiver's USB port (5V/1A). The USB function of this receiver supports the following file formats.

    File Type Bit-Rate Sampling Frequency
    MP3 32-320 kbps 32/44.1/48 kHz
    WMA 48-192 kbps 32/44.1/48 kHz
    AAC 16-320 kbps 32/44.1/48 kHz
    Note: Not compatible with all USB devices. This receiver does not support USB hubs.

    Direct iPod/iPhone Connection: The Pioneer VSX-524-K's front-panel USB port allows you to control playback of audio content from your iPod, iPhone, or iPad using the controls of this receiver. Simply connect your iPod, iPhone, or iPad to the receiver's USB port using the Lightning or 30-pin cable supplied with your Apple device. You can enjoy stored music and music apps on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad through the Pioneer AV receiver. You can use the VSX-524-K's included IR remote, front-panel display, and On-Screen Menu (via composite only) to operate your iPod, iPhone, or iPad. You can browse songs stored on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad by Playlist, Artist, Album, song, Podcast, Genre, Composer, Audiobook, or Shuffle. You can also simply control your iPod, iPhone, or iPad device directly from its clickwheel or touchscreen. The Apple device will charge automatically (1A) when connected. The VSX-524-K is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices (as of 11/14/2014):

    Apple Device Generation Tested Version Media Type Control Type Display Type Charge
    Audio Video Remote iPod/iPhone Album Art Artist/Song Text Track Info
    iPad 1 5.1.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y N
    2 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y N
    3 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y N
    4/air 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y N
    mini 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    iPhone
    2G 3.1.3 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    3G 4.2.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    3GS 5.1.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    4 7.1.2 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    4S 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    5/5C/5S 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    6/6+ 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    touch 1st 2.2.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    2nd 4.2.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    3rd 5.1.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    4th 6.1.2 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    5th 8.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    nano
    2nd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    3rd 1.1.3 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    4th 1.0.4 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    5th 1.0.2 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    6th 1.2 PC Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    7th 1.02 PC Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    classic 80GB 1.1.2 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    120GB 2.0.1 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    160GB 2.0.4 Y N Y Y N Y Y Y
    Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.
    Convenience Features

    On-Screen Menu (via analog): The VSX-524-K features an intuitive on-screen menu for use with the included remote, so you can make guided adjustments to your home theater sound. The on-screen menu is only visible when connecting the receiver to your television via composite video. The on-screen menu will not appear via HDMI.

    Display Dimmer: You can dim or brighten the receiver's front-panel display. The brightness level can be controlled in four steps.

    Sleep Timer: The receiver's Sleep Timer function can be set to 30, 60, or 90 minutes.

    Auto Power Down: This function automatically turns off the power when the receiver has not operated for 2, 4, or 6 hours.

    ECO Mode: The new, energy-saving ECO Mode found on all 2014 Pioneer AV receivers goes far beyond the conventional wisdom about "green" electronics, with a standby power consumption of only 0.1 watt when enabled. Pioneer's ECO Mode reduces power consumption in both on and standby modes, so you can feel better about your entertainment experience without sacrificing power or features. The intelligent ECO Mode analyzes your sources in real time, adjusting power consumption accordingly to meet your needs, or you can choose the power-saving settings that are right for you.

    Firmware Upgrades: You can download firmware updates from the Pioneer website for the VSX-524-K using the unit's front-panel USB port and thumbdrive (sold separately). Visit Pioneer's A/V Receiver Support Site for the latest firmware updates.

    Remote Control

    IR Remote: The supplied IR wireless remote control is pre-coded to control the Pioneer AV receiver and other Pioneer audio/video components.

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