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Pioneer VSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver

  • Price: $229.95
  • B&H # PIVSX821K
  • Mfr# VSX-821-K

Product Highlights

  • 5.1 A/V Receiver
  • 110 Watts per Channel
  • HDMI With 3D and ARC Support
  • Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio
  • Dolby Pro Logic IIz
  • 192 kHz/24-bit D/A Converter
  • iPad, iPhone, iPod Compatible
  • Front USB / A/V Inputs
  • Sirius Satellite Ready
  • MCACC Room Calibration

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Pioneer VSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver
iPod(s) iPad or iPhone not included

For exceptional audio and video processing of 5.1 channel surround sound, Pioneer offers the VSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver. This receiver is fully compatible with 1080p source materials and supports 3D content as well as an Audio Return Channel (ARC), Deep Color and xv Color. It also supports a host of advanced audio formats from Dolby and DTS including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby Pro Logic IIz for an added "height" channel.

A notable feature of this receiver is that it's Apple friendly. Your new VSX-821K comes with a USB/video cable, so there's no need to buy a separate dock to access all your music, videos, streaming content, and photos stored on your iPad, iPhone or iPod. It will automatically charge when connected, making it a convenient Plug-and-Play integration into your home theater.

Enjoy music, videos and movies, downloaded TV shows from iTunes, photos, web content like YouTube videos and much more. When you receive an incoming call on your iPhone, movies and music will conveniently mute. Use your iPad or iPhone directly, or push a button on the front panel to switch control to the preset remote and an intuitive OSD (on-screen display) complete with artist, track, play mode, and track time information.

Setup is easy with Pioneer's MCACC, which "fingerprints" your listening area to deliver optimum audio based on your specific room characteristics. The unit is also Sirius Radio ready to widen your entertainment options. This array of audio and video processing and device interoperability comes in a streamlined, sophisticated package that you'll be proud to showcase in your home theater space.

5.1 Channel Surround Sound
A cinematic experience in your own living room can be yours. The VSX-821-K offers 5.1-channel surround sound to make your favorite movies, music and games come to life. It offers 110-watt per channel output with support for an array of audio formats so you can create a detailed, immersive sound field.
HDMI With 3D and ARC
Full connectivity is offered through four HDMI outputs and one HDMI input that support 3D content (games, movies and other broadcasting). They also support an Audio Return Channel (ARC) so that you can send audio "upstream" from your HDTV to the receiver without the use of an additional cable. You'll also find two component video inputs and three digital audio inputs so you can easily connect all of your other gear. Large speaker terminals are featured for the front left and front right channels.
Supports Deep Color, xv Color
With support for Deep Color and xv Color, this receiver can carry 36-bit video. Deep Color is capable of sending over one billion colors to your display, and while this is more than the human eye can discern it eliminates color banding often present even with HD video content. This creates smoother, more realistic on-screen images.
Dolby TrueHD & DTS-HD Master Audio
The VSX-821-K features processing for high definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, which are both lossless multi-channel formats that offer a realistic, true-to-life soundtrack for your favorite Blu-ray discs.
Dolby Pro Logic IIz
With support Dolby Pro Logic IIz, you can add extra dimension to your entertainment experience. This audio format adds a "height" channel for an even more immersive experience when you're watching movies, listening to music or even gaming.
iPod, iPhone and iPad Compatible
Streaming between devices is key in any home theater setup, and this receiver offers support for several Apple devices. The front panel USB input can accommodate your iPod, iPhone or iPad and you also get a combination USB and composite video cable for easy connection. It can stream audio and video from your Apple device and supports Memory Audio Playback (MP3, WMA, AAC files).
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
It is capable of receiving Sirius Satellite digital radio, which provides 100% commercial-free 5.1-channel surround sound music of over 120 digital channels. To listen to Sirius radio programming, you would need an optional docking adapter/tuner and activation of optional Sirius service.
Bluetooth-Ready
Along with a Pioneer AS-BT200 or AS-BT100 (available separately), you can enjoy effortless wireless connectivity and play music from your iPod, iPad, Smartphone or laptop and virtually any other A2DP profile Bluetooth-enabled device like. Designed for Bluetooth audio, integrated Sound Retriever technology means you'll hear near-CD quality audio from these sources.
MCACC Calibration
The Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC) provides a near studio-quality, multi-channel listening experience customized specifically to your listening environment. An 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 for the room.
Advanced Sound Retriever
Compressed audio such as WMA, MP3 and AAC is enhanced with another Pioneer exclusive, Advanced Sound Retriever, by filling in areas where minute details were left out during the compression process. This technology also enhances the audio quality of Sirius Satellite Radio and can realize an upper limit frequency of 20kHz with compressed audio playback so you hear clear, rich audio even from digital audio sources. This advanced feature can also restore multi-channel audio.
Auto Level Control
The Auto Level Control feature can equalize volume level differences between tracks playing from an iPhone or iPod or during television programming so the volume can be enjoyed at a consistent level. This way you won't have to reach for the remote to make constant volume adjustments.
User-Friendly OSD
This receiver features a user-friendly and intuitive on-screen display (OSD) for use with the included remote. This allows you to make guided adjustments to your audio settings for optimized sound.
Pioneer Sound Enhancements
  • Symmetric EQ
  • Advanced Sound Retriever (2 ch.)
  • Sound Retriever AIR
  • Phase Control Bass Management
  • Front Stage Surround Advance
  • Auto Level Control (2 ch.)
  • Stream Direct
  • Advanced Surround (9 + 1 Modes)
  • Midnight Listening Mode
  • Headphones Surround
Amplifier
Power Output 110W x 5 (1 kHz, THD 0.05% @ 8 ohms)
80W x 5 (20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.08% @ 8 ohms FTC)
No. of Channels 5.1
Audio Processing
Dolby Digital Yes, and:
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital EX Yes
Dolby Pro Logic II Yes, and:
Dolby Pro Logic IIz
DTS Yes
DTS ES Yes
DTS Neo:6 Yes
THX Surround EX No
THX Certified No
Convenience
Speaker Selector Yes
Multi Room/Source No
AM/FM Tuner 30 AM/FM Presets
FM Sensitivity Not Specified by Manufacturer
Remote Control Included
Connectors
Inputs HDMI x 4
Component Video (Y, Pb, Pr) x 2
Composite Video In (1 Front) x 5
Analog Audio (L/R) x 3
Digital Optical Audio (Assignable) x 2
Digital Coaxial Audio x 1
Outputs HDMI x 1
Component Video (Y, Pb, Pr) x 1
Composite Video Out x 1
Analog Audio (L/R) x 3
Subwoofer Pre-Output x 1
Speaker Terminals (Pos/Neg Pair, Binding Post) x 7
Other Ports Sirius Radio Port x 1
USB Port (Front) x 1
Bluetooth Wireless Adapter Port x 1
Video Input Conversion None
General
Power Requirements 120V AC 60 Hz
Power Consumption 415W
Standby: 0.4W
Finish Glossy Black
Dimensions (WxHxD) 17.16 x 6.6 x 14.27" (43.59 x 16.76 x 36.24 cm)
Weight 20.24 lb (9.18 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
PioneerVSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver
 
3.0

(based on 3 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

67%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

    Cons

      Best Uses

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No (3)

        Reviewed by 3 customers

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        (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great Product would buy again

        By kodak

        from Lancaster wi

        About Me Practical

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Set Up
        • Good Power Output
        • Great Sound Quality

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Basic Systems
          • Home Theater

          Comments about Pioneer VSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver:

          great product

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          1.0

          Save your money, buy something else

          By Sound Man

          from Southeast US

          About Me Audiophile, Pro Audio / DJ

          Pros

          • None

          Cons

          • Confusing / Bad Remote Control
          • Difficult To Set Up
          • Poor Sound Quality

          Best Uses

            Comments about Pioneer VSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver:

            Difficult to set up. Complicated operation. Mediocre sound at best. Advanced surround sounds like a cheap reverb coming out of all 5 speakers. The 10 year old Pioneer Pro Logic receiver I replaced with this one sounds far better.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

             
            3.0

            Adequate for my speakers

            By xander

            from new york, new york

            About Me Musician, Practical

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Accurate Controls
            • Easy To Set Up
            • Looks nice

            Cons

            • I hate the speaker wires
            • Kinda big

            Best Uses

            • Home Theater

            Comments about Pioneer VSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver:

            I'm not an audiophile or anything; I just needed a replacement for my home theater setup. It has everything I needed (optical in...) -- can't say it sounds amazing, but it works fine.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

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            What's in the Box

            Pioneer VSX-821K 5.1 Channel A/V Receiver
            • Remote Control
            • 2 x AAA Batteries
            • AM Loop Antenna
            • FM Wire Antenna
            • iPod Cable
            • Operating Instructions
            • 1-Year Parts and Labor Warranty
             
             
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