Pioneer VSX-1020-K AV receiver

Versatile receiver in tune with trends
BY YEONG AH SENG

IT USED to be that AV receivers processed and delivered only whatever sound and video formats, be they Dolby Pro Logic, DTS or other surround modes, that were in vogue.

Not any more, as the latest Pioneer VSX-1020-K AV receiver shows. It offers not only 7.1- channel sound, but also comes with Internet radio and an iPhone/iPod Touch control.

The rear panel of the VSX- 1020-K shows a myriad of connectors that gives a measure of its versatility.

There are six HDMI (one in front, five at the back) ports and countless speaker connections for different sound configurations.

Bluetooth streaming allows the wireless playback of music from the iPhone or iPod touch. An Advanced Sound Retriever program digitally improves compressed audio files by restoring critical data.

These two devices can also directly control the receiver via the Pioneer iControl AV App.

To achieve the best sound, a Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) function analyses the speakers’ configuration and optimises each one to balance out any room-induced acoustic influence.

This receiver is definitely in tune with contemporary audio trends.

How much: $1,299

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