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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
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
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
User Rating: 
9/10
So many features
Pros: It can do A LOT
Cons: minor things
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
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent performance
Pros: Lot of features...easy to setup
Cons: still evaluating
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
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.
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?
User Rating: 8/10
Stellar performance and awesome price!
Pros: Great sound. No distortion. Great Features
Cons: No HDMI. No ethernet
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
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!
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
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
User Rating: 9/10
Great Price, Great sound, Major Improvement
Pros: Ease of set up, Clarity of Sound
Cons: Lack of turntable interface.
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
We purchased it at best buy for 425.00 and bought a 4yr warranty
also upgraded to 14ga speaker wire.wow what a difference
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
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
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
