Audio Features
Video Features
USB/iPod Connectivity
Convenience Features
Remote Control
Audio Features
Direct Energy Amplifier: The Direct Energy Amplifier 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.
80-Watt x 5.1ch Amplifier: The Pioneer VSX-522-K
Multi-Channel A/V receiver is equipped with a 5-channel amplifier rated at 80
watts (into 8-ohms, at 20Hz-20kHz, with 0.08% THD, driving 2 channels) and a
dedicated subwoofer (LFE) preamp output.
192kHz/24-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter: This receiver is
equipped with 192kHz/24-bit DACs to decode and playback high-resolution
recordings with clearer sound.
Texas Instruments Aureus DSP Engine: The Pioneer VSX-522-K is equipped
with a Texas Instruments (TI) Aureus Digital Signal Processor (DSP) Engine for
better surround sound reproduction.
MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System): The VSX-522-K
features Pioneer's exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC),
providing a near studio-quality, multi-channel listening experience customized
specifically to your listening environment. The Auto Multi-Channel Acoustic
Calibration (MCACC) setup measures the acoustic characteristic of your listening
area, taking into account ambient noise, speaker size and distance, and tests
for both channel delay and channel level. The included microphone measures every
speaker's connection, and notes its size, distance from the listening point,
sound levels, and timbre to calibrate and maximize performance specifically for
your room. After you have setup the microphone provided with the VSX-522-K,
the receiver uses the information from a series of test tones to optimize the
speaker settings and equalization for your particular room.
Note: The receiver also offers Manual Speaker Setup. You can
manually set the Speaker Size (small/large), Crossover Network frequencies
(50/80/100/150/200Hz), Channel Level
for all speakers (test tone), and Speaker Distance (0.1-25.5') from your listening position.
Audio Connections: Here is a lists of some of the audio
connections that you'll find on the VSX-522-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.
- Surround Back/Front Height Pre-Out: The AV receiver is
equipped with a pair of Surround Back/Front-Height Pre-Outs, so you can connect
a secondary amplifier to power a pair Surround Back (DD+, TrueHD, DTS-HD) or
Front-Height (DPL IIz) speakers for 7.1ch surround.
- Headphones: When headphones are plugged into the full-size
1/4" jack on the front panel, all the speakers are automatically muted.
Listening Modes: The Pioneer VSX-522-K offers a variety of listening modes to
accommodate playback of various audio formats.
|
Stereo |
|
Stereo |
Sound
is output by the front left and right speakers and subwoofer. |
|
Stereo ALC |
The
unit equalizes playback of sound levels when your music tracks are
recorded at different volume levels. |
|
Straight Decode |
No
additional effects (tone control, etc.) are added to the stereo
source. |
|
Dolby Pro Logic |
|
Dolby Pro Logic II |
Dolby
Pro Logic II transforms high-quality stereo sound into 5.1-channel
surround sound. Thanks to its full-range performance, you will hear
all the detail and subtleties of a compelling five-channel Dolby
surround sound mix from a stereo signal. You can choose between
three DPL II modes - Movie, Music, or Game. |
|
Dolby Pro Logic IIx |
Dolby
Pro Logic IIx transforms high-quality stereo and 5.1ch sound into
6.1- or 7.1-cchannel surround sound. With Dolby Pro Logic IIx you
experience engaging, natural surround sound. Special effects are
more realistic than you ever thought possible. Your movies and
television programming sound richer, with more depth. You can choose
between three DPL IIx modes - Movie, Music, or Game. |
|
Dolby Pro Logic IIz |
Providing a dramatic listening alternative for 7.1 systems, Dolby
Pro Logic IIz brings the added dimension of height to create an
immersive 7.1-channel surround sound experience from any stereo,
5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 movie, music, TV, or game audio source. Dolby Pro
Logic IIz identifies and processes ambient sound energy and directs
this information to front height speakers in a 7.1-channel
environment. |
|
Dolby Digital |
|
Dolby Digital |
Dolby
Digital has been selected as the default format for DVD video,
standard 2 channel audio playback and HDTV Digital broadcasting.
Dolby Digital features two independent surround channels giving same
full range as the three front channels. Plus it adds a Low Frequency
Effect channel LFE. Dolby Digital accomplishes this by using a
technique called compression. |
|
Dolby Digital EX |
Dolby Digital EX takes the Dolby Digital 5.1-channel
setup one step further with an additional center surround channel
(reproduced through one or two speakers) for extra dimensional
detail and an enveloping surround sound effect. |
|
Dolby Digital Plus |
Dolby Digital Plus is based on core Dolby Digital
technologies. Dolby Digital Plus is an advanced
surround sound audio codec
designed specifically for evolving media. Dolby Digital Plus brings
cinematic sound to Blu-ray,
broadcast, online, game, and mobile phone entertainment (up to
7.1ch) |
|
Dolby Digital TrueHD |
Dolby
TrueHD produces audio that is identical to and every bit as
spectacular as the master recording. It lets you experience the full
potential of Blu-ray Disc (up to 7.1ch), and is even ready for
future HD delivery formats. |
|
DTS |
|
DTS |
DTS
(Digital Theater Systems) uses the same concept as Dolby Digital,
but implements a lower compression rate. This leads to more dynamic
range, improved channel separation, and more subtle nuances. |
|
DTS-HD |
High Resolution Audio |
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio is an improved
version of the
conventional DTS, DTS-ES and
DTS 96/24 signals formats,
compatible with sampling frequencies of 96 or 48 kHz and up
to 7.1 channels of
discrete digital sound. High data
bit rate performance
provides high quality sound.
This format is fully
compatible with conventional
products, including
conventional DTS digital surround 5.1-channel data. |
|
Master Audio |
DTS-HD Master Audio is a lossless audio format
created by Digital Theater System (DTS). This format provides the
facility to support up to 8 audio channels with a sampling frequency
of 96kHz/24bit resolution and up to 6 audio channels with a sampling
frequency of 192kHz/24bit resolution. It is fully compatible with
conventional products, including conventional DTS digital surround
5.1-channel data. |
|
DTS 96/24 |
DTS 96/24
offers a higher quality level of multi-channel audio (up to 5.1
channels) for standard DVDs. The "96" refers to a 96kHz sampling
rate (compared to the typical 48kHz sampling rate.) The "24" refers
to 24-bit depth, compared to 16-bit depth used for CD sound, which
means there is more audio information present. |
|
DTS Express |
DTS
uses a system called DTS Express to deliver Secondary or Sub Audio
to your player. The DTS Express audio is mixed with the Primary
Audio, giving you an intensely great interactive surround
experience. |
|
DTS-ES |
DTS-ES
delivers 6.1 channels of discrete or matrixed audio. Movies encoded
in DTS-ES will dramatically intensify the DTS surround effect with
the addition of a surround center-channel speaker. |
|
DTS Neo: 6 |
DTS
Neo:6 takes 2-channel (stereo) audio and completely transforms it
into up to six full-bandwidth matrix channels of surround sound.
Your home theater system will produce six and five separate
channels, respectively, to match your speaker layout. DTS Neo:6 can
also generate a center surround channel from 5.1 material. You can
choose between two DTS NEO: 6 modes - Cinema or Music. |
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 (unless you
connect an addition Surround Back amplifier to the receiver's SB/FH
Pre-Outs). Pro Logic IIz requires additional Front-Height speakers connected
to a separate amplifier using the receiver's Surround Back/Front-Height
preamp outputs.
Surround Parameters: You can adjust the following surround
mode parameters:
- Dolby Pro Logic II Music Settings: While listening in
the Dolby Pro Logic II Music format, there are three further enhancements
you can adjust:
- Panorama: 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: Allows you to move the sound field
forward or backward.
- Center Width: 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).
- Height Gain: Adjust the volume (Low/Mid/High) of the
Front Height channels in Dolby Pro Logic IIz.
Advanced Surround: The Advanced Surround feature creates a variety of
surround effects for various soundtracks.
|
Movie Modes |
| Action |
Designed for action movies with dynamic
soundtracks. |
| Drama |
Designed for movies with lots of dialog. |
| Entertainment Show |
Suitable for musical sources. |
| Advanced Game |
Suitable for video games. |
| Sports |
Suitable for sports programs. |
| F.S.S. (Front Stage Surround
Advance Advanced) |
Allows you to create natural surround sound
effects using just the front speakers and the subwoofer.
|
|
Audio Modes |
| Classical |
Gives a large convert hall-type sound |
| Rock/Pop |
Creates a live concert sound for rock and/or pop
music. |
| Unplugged |
Suitable for acoustic music sources. |
| Ext. Stereo |
Gives multichannel sound to a stereo source,
using all of your speakers. |
| Sound Retriever AIR |
Suitable for listening to the sound from a
Bluetooth wireless device. |
| Phones Surround |
When listening through headphones, you can still
get a virtual surround sound effect. |
Stream Direct: Use the Stream Direct modes when you want to hear the
truest possible reproduction of a source. All unnecessary signal processing is
bypassed.
|
Stream Direct Modes |
| Auto Surround |
The receiver automatically detects what kind of
source you're playing and selects multichannel or stereo playback
as necessary. |
| 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 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 A/V 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.
Up Mix Function: In a traditional 7.1-channel surround system with
surround speakers placed directly at the sides of the listening position, the
surround sound of 5.1-channels sources is heard from the side. The Up Mix
function mixes the sound of the surround speakers with the surround back
speakers so that the surround sound is heard from diagonally to the rear as it
should be.
Audio Level Controls: The Pioneer VSX-522-K offers a variety of audio
level controls to enhance your listening experience.
- 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.
AM/FM Tuner: The Pioneer VSX-522-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 Features
Video Inputs: The Pioneer VSX-522-K is equipped with Four HDMI 1.4a inputs (up to 1080/24p capable)
that let you connect a
high-definition satellite receiver, Blu-ray Disc player, and game system for
high definition video and audio. There are two composite video inputs (480i only)
to provide
standard-definition connectivity.
- HDMI: The receiver is equipped with four HDMI (v.1.4a)
inputs for connecting HDMI-equipped audio/video components. All four HDMI
inputs are capable of carrying uncompressed digital audio and 3D 1080p video
There is also an HDMI (v.1.4a) output which supports the ARC function that
feeds audio/video signals to an HDTV.
- Composite: The two composite video inputs will only
support 480i video signals.
Note: The receiver does not convert video signals. It
can only output the same type of signals that it receives. The receiver is
capable of receiving and sending HDMI and Composite Video
signals.
3D-Ready: The Pioneer VSX-522-K is compatible with 3D-ready
Blu-ray disc movies, video games, and other 3D content through its HDMI (v.1.4a)
connections.
Note: 3D viewing requires 3D-ready source with 3D
content, 3D-ready HDTV, 3D glasses, and high-speed HDMI cable. Other 3D
accessories may also be needed.
Deep Color & x.v.Color Support: The VSX-522-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.
A/V Sync: Some monitors have a slight delay when showing video, so the
soundtrack will be slightly out of sync with the picture. The receiver can
automatically correct this problem (via HDMI) or it can be fixed manually.
- Auto Delay: This feature automatically corrects the
audio-to-video delay between components connected with an HDMI cable. The
audio delay time is set depending on the operational status of the displayed
connected with an HDMI cable. The video delay time is automatically adjusted
according to the audio delay time.
- A/V Delay: By manually adding a bit of delay (0-9), you can adjust
the sound to match the presentation of the video.
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.
HDMI Standby Through: HDMI Standby Through mode lets video and audio signals
pass through the VSX-522-K to the TV even when the receiver is off. You can
select between 3 HDMI Through functions modes.
- Last: The HDMI Through function is activated on the
input source selected at the time of setting the AV receiver to the
"standby" mode.
- Source: Selects the input source (BD, DVD, Sat/Cable,
Game) for which the HDMI Through function in enabled.
- Off: The HDMI signal will be output during standby mode.
USB/iPod Connectivity
USB Port: It is possible to play audio files by connecting a
USB mass storage class memory device (such as your USB thumbdrive, smartphone,
tablet, or Android device) to the A/V receiver's front-panel USB
(type-A) port. 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. The USB function of this receiver supports the following file
formats.
| File
Type |
Bit-Rate |
Sampling
Frequency |
| MP3 |
8-320 kbps |
8 kHz to 48 kHz |
| WMA |
32-320 kbps |
32 kHz, 44.1 kHz |
| AAC |
16-320 kbps |
11.025 kHz to 48 kHz |
Note: Copyrighted and DRM-protected audio files cannot
be played back. Not compatible with all USB devices. This receiver does not
support USB hubs.
Direct iPod/iPhone Connection: The Pioneer VSX-522-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 USB dock-connector
cable supplied with your Apple device. You can enjoy stored music and music apps
on your iPod, iPhone, or iPad through the Pioneer A/V receiver. You can use the
VSX-522-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 when
connected. The VSX-522-K is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports
the following iPod, iPhone, and iPad devices (as of 9/27/2012):
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video |
Remote |
iPod/iPhone |
Album Art |
Artist/Song Text |
Track Info |
|
dock connector |
3rd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
mini |
1st |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N/A |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
|
video |
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.1 PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
7th |
1.2 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
4.2.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4S |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPad |
1 |
5.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
|
2 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
|
3 |
6.0 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the head 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.
Firmware Upgrades: You can download firmware updates from
the Pioneer website for the VSX-522-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.
Convenience Features
On-Screen Menu (via analog): The VSX-522-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 several hours.
Remote Control
IR Remote Control: The supplied IR wireless remote control is
pre-coded to control the Pioneer A/V receiver and other Pioneer audio/video
components.
