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Pioneer VSX-1015TX (discontinued)

Pioneer VSX-1015TX

Entered CNET Catalog: 06/24/2005

SKU: VSX-1015TX

Manufacturer: Pioneer North America

Manufacturer description

The top-of-the-line VSX-1015TX is the world's first receiver to process THX Select 2 for high impact multi-channel audio for cinema, concerts and gaming in rooms of up to two thousand square feet. It also offers enhanced video processing with video conversion of composite and S-video connected sources to component video.

CNET editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 09/19/2005
The VSX-1015TX is the flagship model of Pioneer's A/V receiver line, and as such it certainly raises expectations. The good news is that Pioneer's product planners didn't let us down. It's one of the more affordable receivers with THX Select 2 certification, which guarantees the receiver's performance in rooms of up to 2,000 square feet. It turned in stellar sound on CDs, DVDs, and high-resolution SACDs and DVD-Audio discs. We're also happy to report that the Pioneer VSX-1015TX's abundant feature set exceeds our expectations for its midline retail list price of $650.

Most of the lesser-used controls and buttons on the Pioneer VSX-1015TX live behind a large flip-down door on the handsome front panel. The exposed controls are well labeled and easy to use. The onscreen menus and navigation are more logical than most, and we felt right at home just a few minutes after opening the box and hooking up the necessary cables. Unlike some other models in Pioneer's A/V receiver line, the 1015TX is available only in black.

Pioneer's autosetup program, the MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration), has always been one of our favorites, so when we heard it had been revamped, we were nervous the engineers might have messed up a good thing. Happily, they followed the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of thought: the new MCACC still balances the satellite speakers' volume levels, measures speaker-to-listener distances, and determines the various "sizes" of the speakers. Additionally, it equalizes the sound of your speakers in your room--a feature not found in earlier iterations--and includes the microphone needed to measure the levels. If you don't like the effect of the equalization, go into the 1015TX's manual MCACC mode and adjust the tonal balance of each speaker. This exceptional versatility is a welcome advance over that of the original system, and Pioneer deserves praise for devising the most accurate autosetup system on the planet. We're not going to name names here, but some competitors' auto systems are so poorly implemented, they do more harm than good.

Most A/V receivers' technical specifications are pretty useless, but the one that carries a lot of weight with us is weight. Paying lip service to quality is easy; massive power supplies and amplifiers are expensive and heavy. The 1015TX weighs almost 34 pounds and measures 16.8 inches wide, 6.75 inches high, and 18.3 inches deep.

The long and slender remote's LCD window displays the selected source, and we found the button layout easy to fathom. Curiously, you can't select the SACD/DVD-Audio input from the remote--the front-panel button is the only way to access it.

Pioneer's Digital Core Engine performs CD and 7.1-channel Dolby and DTS signal processing with a high-speed (180MIPS) Motorola 48-bit chip--the company claims the same chip is used in professional Dolby and DTS theater systems. (The receiver also features Windows Media 9.0 decoding, though that's of dubious value.) Pioneer's Advanced Direct Energy MOSFET amplifiers deliver 120 watts to each of its 7 channels. The THX Select 2 certification indicates that the receiver passed THX's rigorous performance tests.

Connectivity options are solid: three sets of component-video inputs; five A/V inputs (four on the rear, one on the front panel); five digital inputs (three optical--including the single front panel--and two coaxial); one optical output; two stereo analog inputs and one output; and a complete set of analog 5.1-channel SACD/DVD-Audio inputs and 7.1-channel preamp outputs. A/B speaker switching is possible but only if you forfeit the 1015TX's 7.1-channel capabilities and use 5.1 sound in your main room. The biamping-hookup option forgoes 7.1 operation as well; that upgrade is intended for use with compatible front-left and front-right speakers (the speaker must have separate connectors for its woofer and tweeter). Biamping speakers somewhat improves the bass definition and midrange clarity.

While the VSX-1015TX is generously appointed for a midrange receiver, it has notable shortcomings. It can upconvert composite and S-Video (VCRs or older cable boxes, for instance) to component-video output, but it lacks any provisions for passing or switching the latest HDMI A/V components. Buyers interested in multiroom connectivity won't find much to cheer about: the 1015TX lacks RS-232 control, 12-volt triggers, or IR jacks. And unlike some competitors in this price range, the VSX-1015TX lacks an A/V-sync feature to allow the receiver to correct lip-sync problems that occur with some flat-screen TVs.

If you like the 1015TX but want to save some dough, check out Pioneer's step-down model, the VSX-915. You'll save $175 on the list price and still get the excellent MCACC autosetup, but the 915 lacks its big brother's THX certification and component-video upconversion.

We had a blast evaluating the home-theater prowess of the Pioneer VSX-1015TX. The big receiver sounded powerful and refined, so even the most strenuous DVDs never caught it off guard. From the first round's opening bell, the Million Dollar Baby DVD pummeled the 1015TX without mercy. We felt Hilary Swank's every punch connect, and when her opponents slammed down to the mat, we sensed their pain. As she quickly moved up through the ranks and the arenas grew bigger and bigger, the 1015TX cued us in to the sounds of the ever-larger bloodthirsty crowds--the excitement was palpable. Morgan Freeman's narration was never less than present and natural.

We were so impressed with the 1015TX's muscular sound that we pulled out our favorite new torture test for receivers, Babatunde Olatunji's Circle of Drums SACD. The disc wasn't as much fun to listen to on Sony's STR-DE698, which inhibited the massively deep bass pulses and grooves. By contrast, the Pioneer VSX-1015TX was in its glory, pounding out the African master's "Rhythmic Vibrations" all around us. The sense of scale of the sound, the deep resonance of the drums, and the tactile sense of hands on the skins made this disc a sublime experience. Plain-vanilla CDs, in stereo or decoded to surround, also sounded fabulous.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

User Rating: 8/10

Above average performance, limited tech features

Pros: Great sound with proper adjustment (dialogue enchance)

Cons: No HD pass through, limited inputs

Review: A good receiver at its price point, at least in 2005, this model does require a few adjustments for great home theater sound.

I recommend turning the dialogue enhancement feature on, as this dramatically improves the home theater performance, specifically with...well...dialogue.

User Rating: 3/10

make sure to buy extended warranty

Pros: looks nice

Cons: poor reliability

Review: If you like looking at just blinking lights and no sound, recommend this receiver since mine stopped working after 1 year and 7 months. The MCAAC light flashes a few times and then it powers off. You are a fool to buy this without an extending warranty. My is in the shop at a cost of $65 just to determine the additional cost. I'll update this post later. Buyer beware.

User Rating: 9/10

So many features

Pros: It can do A LOT

Cons: minor things

Review: I bought this a few months ago, and I have been very impressed so far. I had a Sony STR-DE697 that died, and looked for awhile before buying this from Best Buy for around 500 dollars.

First thing you notice is it is HEAVY. This is not a complaint, but mearly an observation.

Setup was a breeze - I had a little learning to do - How to assign the inputs was the big thing, but the on screen menu that comes on the TV is GREAT. Makes it very easy.

I have Polk M20's for the front right and left, and then Polk CSM for the center channel. I need to replace the surround speakers, as I only have Sony SS-MB150H.

One thing I noticed though was my Subwoofer wasn't really bumping as much as I thought it should. I have the Sony 150 Watt 12" Subwoofer, and was dissapointed at first. I had the sub cranked and just seemed like nothing was coming out. However, I changed a setting on the reciever for the sub - I can't remember what it was - but it made a night and day difference. Now it's shaking the walls.

However, I am hoping someone can shead some light on the WMA compatablity. How does this work, and how does one hook this up? I have a laptop computer that I frequently use to listen to music, and I'm curious what kind of setup I need for it to be effective. Do I need an optical connection to the reciever for this?

In all, I am very impressed with the sound and features of this. I am moving into a new home soon, and will be running a higher grade speaker wire through the house, and look forward to seeing how much better the sound will be.

User Rating: 9/10

A Class of it's kind

Pros: Easy setup, Numerous features, incredible sound

Cons: No HDMI, single zone

Review: I recently purchased this receiver, after a long wait, since most of the online dealers are out of stock. I really feel it's worth for the wait. The receiver has the Multi channel acoustical calibration that checks the distance, acoustical conditions and calibrates automatically. This is an excellent THX certified receiver with incredible performance for your money. I would rate this 9/10 for feature and performance.

User Rating: 8/10

Excellent performance

Pros: Lot of features...easy to setup

Cons: still evaluating

Review:

User Rating: 9/10

Unbeatable in its price category, and outclasses the yamaha 5860 by a mile

Pros: Power to spare, 1 of only 9 THX SELECT2 certified receivers in the world, nearly perfect auto setup, MEDIUM PRICE TAG!!!

Cons: headphone jack requires front panet to be open in order to be used, other than this: NO WEAKNESSES so far

Review: i had one problem, my yamaha HTR 5830 was shutting off due to high current requirements of my JBL E90 speaker monsters, exchanged for this baby: Problem Solved. the Yamaha was rated at 110 w(rms)/ch which was a lie, since this receiver is 120 w(rms)/ch and puts my speakers to their full potential without breaking a sweat with power to spare. As per www.thx.com they CERTIFY power output levels, among other things, so we, consumers dont get screwed by shady power output levels. Quality of sound is worm on the midrange, flat base response again with room to spare, this monster never breaks a sweat, Does get warm at the top when u blast it for a long period of time, so respect the manual documentation when it calls for 8 inches AT LEAST for ventilation from top cover. also this unit is large and heavy, so plan your shelf space accordingly ahead not to get dissapointed when u unpack it and it doesnt fit in ur tv shelf, include space for connections in the back, tight is not so good. auto setup is a breeze, it does it all, and lets u change anything u dont agree with. this is a midpriced receiver, but its build quality and outstanding performance are high end, if have large floorstanding front speakers, and require lots of power to push those large woofer cones, u NEED this unit, this unit uses the same chip that they use in sound systems in movie theatres across the world, provides all possible surround arrangements and THX sourround that is NOT available on any other unit except for THX select 2 certified. get it while u can i paid 499.99 + tax CANADIAN, Enjoy ;)

User Rating: 9/10

Much more than I expected!

Pros: Easy speaker and component setup, wonderful learning remote, fantastic clear sound!

Cons: The remote does not appear to have any JVC presets in it.

Review: I got the receiver just a few days ago and from the first time I turned it on it has blown me away! Much better than the JVC I used to have in all ways. From sound quality to setup ease I couldn't be happier.
Following the 5 minute setup guide that comes with the unit gets you up and running just that quickly. The MCACC speaker setup feature was a breeze to use and the balance between the speakers in the room came out well.
Once I had the DVD player hooked up I put in a THX certified movie and was blown away by the clarity and power of the sound! Playing DVD audio disks was a treat for the ears, but even regular CDs played using the Advanced Music surround mode was amazing. No more settling for stereo when you have 5.1 or more speakers available.
I can't say enough good things about this amazing unit!

User Rating: 9/10

This review is tremendously flawed

Pros: Sounds like a great review

Cons: Who doesn't like this receiver?

Review: This review is used all over the internet, and it mistakenly says that the THX certification means it's good for rooms up to 2,000 square feet. This is incorrect. THX Select 2 certification is good for rooms up to 2,000 cubic feet. That's a huge difference, and can mislead people with larger rooms thinking that will work for them.

User Rating: 8/10

Stellar performance and awesome price!

Pros: Great sound. No distortion. Great Features

Cons: No HDMI. No ethernet

Review: Apparently more products are now coming out that have ethernet and wi-fi built into them but are extremely expensive. If you are a high end buyer, then that is the way to go and read no more. If you are a mid-range buyer and are tired of marginal performance then this is going to be your best stop. My sister-in-law freaked out when watching a movie because she thought a bug was flying by her ear- that is how good the sound is on this thing.

The learning remote was awesome. I use one remote for everything I have in my system. My only complaint is my Tivo remote. The enter key at the bottom right does not transmit long enough to save to the Pioneer but that just eliminates flashback.

The systems can rock my house to the ground. I never have to turn the volume up past -45 if I don't want (But often do because it goes to like +20. I have never turned it up past -5 (i almost hurt being that loud. I think I may need new speakers because my JBLs seem like they hold back a little.

Price- Awesome. Features- Awesome. No HDMI- wait and see.

User Rating: 9/10

Extremely capable Home Theater A/V Receiver

Pros: Solid, powerful & capable

Cons: None that I found

Review: I bought the Samsung HL-R5668W (1080p) for the my new home theater and after reading many reviews picked up the Pioneer VSX-1015TX A/V receiver (from ?Comp-U-Plus?, outstanding service & price) and Infinity Primus TP Home Theater Speaker from Circuit City (more great service) to match my floor standing Infinity Speakers and a Yamaha Sub-woofer from a previous system.
The Pioneer and its 7.1 surround-sound hometheater is incredible! There is the slightest hint of lip-synch divergence (sound is not perfectly synched up to the picture) but I need to actually run the DVD connections through the A/V receiver to the TV (another set of component cables) to have that worked out. Currently I have DVD audio via optic cable to the A/V Receiver and DVD video via component cable directly to the HDTV.
The VSX-1015TX is more than I thought. The surround sound set up was auto-detected (after setting up the mic and following the instructions) and easy. It's perfect for odd shaped rooms and non-audiophiles like myself. I just wanted a system capable of handling movie scores, sound effects and good ol' rock & roll via DVD or MP3. (MP3s by the way were easily connected by the front optic port to my IRiver 20 gig MP3 player. Viola! over 5000 digital songs at my finger tips)
The power the Pioneer puts out is staggering! Crisp, clear and no high end warbles, chirps or hisses.
Bang or decibel for the buck, this is hard to beat!

User Rating: 9/10

Fantastic Receiver

Pros: Great sound, upconversion to component video, very very good auto calibration, 5 band equalizer, good power, four digital inputs and a unbeatable price.

Cons: For the price .......None!

Review: I am thankful for all the personal reviews here. They helped convince me to buy this receiver today and I am amazed at the sound and the auto calibrations accuracy. I am still trying to get my DVD player component video to be output through the receivers component output to my TV. Once I do get that and I plan on it this evening when I get home. I cannot imagine getting a better reciever for $380.00! Yes from Best Buy. I printed out and took an on line price into them and they matched it although it was advertised in the store for over $500! Sound is fantastic, very loud for your home theater and very good upconversions. Fantastic auto calibration system to match up all your speakers with the room environment. With each speakers' tone, volumne, size and distance being calibrated. If you are looking for a great sounding, inexpensive and powerful receiver..... Don't pass this Pioneer VSX-1015TX up!

User Rating: 9/10

Great Receiver, great price

Pros: This receiver competes well against others much above it's price. High wattage, clean power and all the bells and whistles

Cons: A bit bulky but very well put together

Review: I've only owned the VSX-1015 for a week to replace a highly outdated Panasonic HTIB system. Bought some new Polk speakers, got the Pioneer AVR on sale at Best Buy for $475, plugged it in, used the autosetup (very user-friendly) and was immediately in love. Basically, I can't wait to come home from work to pop in an old CD (music quality is great) or any of my DVDs. I never thought I would ever watch Top Gun again after Tom Cruise went insane, but after watching/listening to it on the 1015, I was floored . I thought it would have some insane remote and difficult configuration like my Dad's Denon, but I was wrong. The remote and all settings are very easy to use.

Denon and Harman Kardon make similar quality products, but you can't beat this Pioneer receiver on quality of sound, quality of product, looks, power, and price.

User Rating: 9/10

A true bargain

Pros: Easy setup, tremendous performance, THX certification

Cons: No phono input or multi-room capacity

Review: I shopped for a new A/V receiver for months, and I'm thrilled with my decision to get the Pioneer 1015TX. Tons of clean power, easy to set up, it can handle just about any surround sound format you can throw at it, and the price is astonishingly reasonable. I wish there were a phono input, but that's a tiny complaint. This is worth double what I paid for it!

User Rating: 9/10

Great Price, Great sound, Major Improvement

Pros: Ease of set up, Clarity of Sound

Cons: Lack of turntable interface.

Review: I thought it was a great value.

User Rating: 9/10

An incredible reciever that anyone can afford!!

Pros: THX , MCACC,120WX7!!!!MANY LISTENING MODES

Cons: Remote is unlit and can be confusing at first

Review: My wife purchased this reciever for me for Christmas.It is replacing a 65watt per channel onkyo.This reciever gives me sound from my speakers (dynamics)I have never had before. My speakers are cambridge soundworks,mc300 left,right,center,2 mc100surround,and 2 s200surround back.The remote is not a huge issue as the incredible sound this monster belts out makes up for it!Music is also very crisp clear and loud.Having this reciever makes it sound like I bought a whole new system.Time to fire up another movie!!
Updated
We purchased it at best buy for 425.00 and bought a 4yr warranty
Updated
also upgraded to 14ga speaker wire.wow what a difference
Updated
also upgraded to 14ga speaker wire.wow what a difference

User Rating: 10/10

Class Leading Performance!

Pros: Exceptional Surround Processing. Industry leading auto calibration. Very Strong amplifiers.

Cons: Availibility can be limited due to high sales volume

Review: This is an amazing A/V Receiver. Don't think that it's just for entry level duty, as its performance extends into competitiveness with receivers up to $1000. Its almost expected these days to have a receiver that can calibrate itself to your specific room, and the Pioneer 1015 has an industry leading auto setup called Auto MCACC. This uses the included microphone that you set that in your primary listening position and just let the receiver set all the levels and delays and correct for reflections and equalize to your specific environment. The result is a sound that is perfectly optimized with your speakers in your room. The amplifiers that are incorporated in the 1015 are very strong and have the warm, full sound that Pioneers have become known for. All types of music and movies are a total joy to listen to. You'll find yourself digging out all of your old favorites because you want to hear how they sound on the 1015. Inputs are plentiful and connection types are current to the needs of a modern day home theater. In conclusion, you'll love the Pioneer VSX-1015, and you'll find it to totally outclass the competing units. I can't find a single fault.

User Rating: 9/10

Elite quality at a reasonable price

Pros: Great sound, THX, many features, learning remote, auto setup

Cons: non-illuminated remote; no ipod connection

Review: I bought this receiver to upgrade a 7 year old Pioneer receiver, and have been very pleased. It has basically the same "guts" as the much more expensive Pioneer Elite series at a reasonable price. Initial setup is easy and precise ( I have a sound level meter, but didn't need to use it.)

I like the fact that the remote is a learning remote, and it can run all my components, but the keys are small and it is not backlit. But I use a Harmony remote, so this doesn't bother me.

Pioneer could have included an interface for the iPod -- it does on some of its newest Elite receivers. Given the large number of people with iPods, it is definitely a feature I would have appreciated.

User Rating: 8/10

easy set-up, learning remote, and smooth mosfet sound make for an excellent deal

Pros: clear, realistically placed sound puts you in the middle of the action

Cons: could use a bigger transformer with looser regulation for dynamic peaks

Review: beats my previous yahama ($1600) on all counts except dynamic response. much happier with sound placement during movies. using the yahama for the subwoofer amp!

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Pioneer VSX-1015TX specifications

  • General
  • Product Type AV receiver
  • Width 16.6 in
  • Depth 18.3 in
  • Height 6.8 in
  • Weight 33.0 lbs
  • Enclosure Color Black
  • Audio System
  • Sound Output Mode Surround Sound
  • Built-in Decoders Dolby Digital Surround EX , Dolby Pro Logic IIx , DTS-ES decoder , DTS decoder , DTS 96/24 , Dolby Digital , DTS Neo:6
  • THX certified Yes
  • Surround Sound Effects Matrix Surround
  • Sound Effects Bass Boost
  • Equalizer Yes
  • Digital Sound Processor (DSP) Yes
  • Surround System Class 7.1 channel
  • Input Channel Qty 7.0
  • Output Power / Total 1080.0 Watt
  • Input Impedance 8.0 Ohm
  • Amplifier Output Details 120.0 Watt - 7.0 channel(s) ( Surround )
  • Timer Sleep
  • Bass Control Yes
  • Treble Control Yes
  • Built-in Display Fluorescent
  • Display Dimmer Yes
  • Additional Features Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit (MCACC)
  • Signal Processing Features
  • Video Conversion/Scaling S-Video to component video conversion , Composite video to S-Video conversion , Composite video to component video conversion
  • Connectors
  • Headphone Jack Yes
  • Coaxial Digital Input Yes
  • Optical Digital Input Yes
  • Equalizer
  • Equalizer band qty 5 bands
  • Radio
  • Type Radio tuner - AM/FM - Digital
  • Tuning Display Fluorescent display
  • Remote Control
  • Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
  • Remote Control (2nd)
  • Type None
  • Connections
  • Connector Type 1.0 x Component video output ( RCA phono x 6 ) - Rear , 5.0 x Composite video/audio input ( RCA phono x 2 ) - Rear , 3.0 x SPDIF input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 2.0 x 7.1 channel audio line-out ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear , 1.0 x 5.1 channel audio line-in ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Front , 1.0 x SPDIF input ( RCA phono x 8 ) - Rear , 5.0 x Headphones ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Front , 1.0 x S-Video output ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear , 1.0 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear , 5.0 x Composite video/audio input ( Phone stereo 6.25 mm ) - Front , 1.0 x Audio line-in - Rear , 3.0 x S-Video input - Rear
  • Power
  • Power Device Power supply - Internal
  • Miscellaneous
  • AV Furniture None
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