The Pioneer VSX-920-K, VSX-1020-K, & VSX-1120 Receiver Thread

[browndk26]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

The speakers I'm using ARE from my old Sony HTiB, with the exception of the subwoofer, because you can't use a passive sub with the Pioneer. Those speakers are definitely 6 ohms, and I've always wondered about using the HTiB with my new receiver. I want to replace all of them with some new speakers, it's just a matter of time. I think that if I don't crank my receiver too much then I should be safe. What do you think?

Did you set the AVR for 6 ohm speakers?

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by browndk26

Did you set the AVR for 6 ohm speakers?

No. And quite honestly I didn't know I could. I haven't messed with any adjustments except for the initial Auto MCACC. Where do I go to set it to 6 ohms?

[Finallyblu]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

Those speakers are definitely 6 ohms, and I've always wondered about using the HTiB with my new receiver. I think that if I don't crank my receiver too much then I should be safe. What do you think?

You should be safe with 6-ohm speakers. I don't have Pioneer but my Yamaha has the option to select 6 or 8 ohms. You might want to check into that.

[Booyotch]

I was ready to pull the trigger on the 1020, but I think I'm just going to get the 920. the things the 920 lacks are things I personally just don't need. I'd like to be able to use my iPhone to adjust things, but really I'm only going to calibrate once, and i like to use an SPL and do it myself. Plus the savings can go towards other things. I've been holding off on Private Ryan till I upgrade, I can't wait to give DTS-HD a try...

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by Booyotch

I was ready to pull the trigger on the 1020, but I think I'm just going to get the 920. the things the 920 lacks are things I personally just don't need. I'd like to be able to use my iPhone to adjust things, but really I'm only going to calibrate once, and i like to use an SPL and do it myself. Plus the savings can go towards other things. I've been holding off on Private Ryan till I upgrade, I can't wait to give DTS-HD a try...

My 920 is being delivered today. I managed to get it at $312...hopefully it'll end up being a steal at that price. Can't wait to hook it all up.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

No. And quite honestly I didn't know I could. I haven't messed with any adjustments except for the initial Auto MCACC. Where do I go to set it to 6 ohms?

Changing the setting is not really necessary, and it will actually limit your output considerably. Like I said, I personally wouldn't use those speakers and not just because they are 6ohms. My old Pioneer HTIB had 6ohm speakers, but the speakers had circuitry designed to only be used with the receiver that came in the package. From what the manual stated these speakers could damage any other receiver not designed to be used with them. Fire was highly likely as well.

I can't say that Sony used such a proprietary design, but I would review the manual if I were you to be sure that they are just standard 6ohm speakers. You should also be sure to change your speakers from large to small in the speaker menu. Sound should be much louder after that. Also, don't crank up the volume too much while using those speakers because you can cause the receiver to run too hot and damage it.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

Changing the setting is not really necessary, and it will actually limit your output considerably. Like I said, I personally wouldn't use those speakers and not just because they are 6ohms. My old Pioneer HTIB had 6ohm speakers, but the speakers had circuitry designed to only be used with the receiver that came in the package. From what the manual stated these speakers could damage any other receiver not designed to be used with them. Fire was highly likely as well.

I can't say that Sony used such a proprietary design, but I would review the manual if I were you to be sure that they are just standard 6ohm speakers. You should also be sure to change your speakers from large to small in the speaker menu. Sound should be much louder after that. Also, don't crank up the volume too much while using those speakers because you can cause the receiver to run too hot and damage it.

I've actually read that on avs forum about not needing to change the setting. But the truth is, I can't even find the option to change the ohms! Oh well. But I read through the Sony HTiB manual and didn't see anything that you described. So I'm assuming I can use these speakers without worrying about causing a fire.

I've never had the speakers set to large, they've been set to small since day one with the 1020. Thanks for the heads up though. And yeah, I'll try not to crank the volume too much with these speakers, because yes, the receiver has gotten a little hot when I demoed that Terminator Salvation scene.

i just need to save some money for upgrading all 5 speakers. Any brand suggestions?

[acritzer]

Well I got it hooked up and just barely set up. Couple questions. What should
my blu Ray player be set to PCM or bitstream? Never had a receiver that could decode the new stuff. Also...the 920 goes from 0-80 on volume. What would Number should
ideally hit the reference level of 75 decibals?

More later probably.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

I've actually read that on avs forum about not needing to change the setting. But the truth is, I can't even find the option to change the ohms! Oh well. But I read through the Sony HTiB manual and didn't see anything that you described. So I'm assuming I can use these speakers without worrying about causing a fire.

I've never had the speakers set to large, they've been set to small since day one with the 1020. Thanks for the heads up though. And yeah, I'll try not to crank the volume too much with these speakers, because yes, the receiver has gotten a little hot when I demoed that Terminator Salvation scene.

i just need to save some money for upgrading all 5 speakers. Any brand suggestions?

The best thing you can do is to go out an audition speakers to find out what you like. Make sure you listen to them on a Pioneer receiver so you'll know what to expect at home. Work out a reasonable budget. If what you want is pricey then look at getting the front speakers first. You can always get the surrounds later. The sub should be the last thing to look at since you have a decent sub to hold you down until you decide you want to make an investment in something much better.

[acritzer]

OK. Another question already. When using mcacc do you guys generally find that the surrounds are too low? I used my spl after and it looked like I needed to bump the surrounds a few decibals.

Never used an auto calibration before, so I'm just interested in impressions. Also it assumed my sub was a couple feet further away than it really is.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by acritzer

Well I got it hooked up and just barely set up. Couple questions. What should
my blu Ray player be set to PCM or bitstream? Never had a receiver that could decode the new stuff. Also...the 920 goes from 0-80 on volume. What would Number should
ideally hit the reference level of 75 decibals?

More later probably.

You can set it to either. It doesn't really matter. PCM will allow your player to do the decoding while bitstream will allow your receiver to do it and you will see the cool logos light up on the receiver. The end result is the same though. I myself listen to my receiver at anywhere from -40db to -25db on the dial. Room size and speakers will make it different for each listener. Some people just like it insanely loud and I've read that some people set the dial around -10db and even -5db which is just ridiculous to me, but then again it may be necessary in a large room.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by acritzer

OK. Another question already. When using mcacc do you guys generally find that the surrounds are too low? I used my spl after and it looked like I needed to bump the surrounds a few decibals.

Never used an auto calibration before, so I'm just interested in impressions. Also it assumed my sub was a couple feet further away than it really is.

The MCACC works pretty well, but I found that it was really more of a starting point for me. I bumped up the fronts a little...the center channel more so than the right and left for better vocals, and I upped the sub as well since it seemed a little lower than I like. The surrounds were fine for me though.

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

You can set it to either. It doesn't really matter. PCM will allow your player to do the decoding while bitstream will allow your receiver to do it and you will see the cool logos light up on the receiver. The end result is the same though. I myself listen to my receiver at anywhere from -40db to -25db on the dial. Room size and speakers will make it different for each listener. Some people just like it insanely loud and I've read that some people set the dial around -10db and even -5db which is just ridiculous to me, but then again it may be necessary in a large room.

How come the 920 runs volume from 0 to positive numbers, while I always see people discussing negatives. Is there a way to change the way it's shown on screen?

[acritzer]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

The MCACC works pretty well, but I found that it was really more of a starting point for me. I bumped up the fronts a little...the center channel more so than the right and left for better vocals, and I upped the sub as well since it seemed a little lower than I like. The surrounds were fine for me though.

One more...then I'll relax a bit. After you run the MCACC, do you leave the EQ setting on all the time? Looks like it defaults to on, but I have gone in and made adjustments manually as well. The stinking manual is NOT very clear about this area.

[browndk26]

Originally Posted by volcomsocal

No. And quite honestly I didn't know I could. I haven't messed with any adjustments except for the initial Auto MCACC. Where do I go to set it to 6 ohms?

My VSX 517 allows me to set 6 or 8 ohm speakers. After looking through the 920 owners manual online, it appears you cannot change the impedance. The manual says 6-16 ohm speakers can be used.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by acritzer

How come the 920 runs volume from 0 to positive numbers, while I always see people discussing negatives. Is there a way to change the way it's shown on screen?

Mine didn't default that way, but there should be a setting in the menu to change it if you like. It doesn't really make a difference though. Its just a preference.

Originally Posted by acritzer

One more...then I'll relax a bit. After you run the MCACC, do you leave the EQ setting on all the time? Looks like it defaults to on, but I have gone in and made adjustments manually as well. The stinking manual is NOT very clear about this area.

I leave it on at all times myself. I do utilize the listening modes when using my computer based on what I'm doing. I use PLIIx Music and PLIIx Movie modes. My PS3 outputs PCM so listening modes don't work and aren't needed, and my Xbox 360 outputs Dolby Digital so I don't change anything there either.

[acritzer]

Been looking, and I can't find a way to change the setting. Hmmmm, I'll keep looking.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by acritzer

OK. Another question already. When using mcacc do you guys generally find that the surrounds are too low? I used my spl after and it looked like I needed to bump the surrounds a few decibals.

Never used an auto calibration before, so I'm just interested in impressions. Also it assumed my sub was a couple feet further away than it really is.

No, my surrounds sounded fine. When you do the Auto MCACC, make sure the microphone is set in the middle of the room or where your ears would be when using your home theater. But it never hurts to go into manual mode and adjust the volume levels accordingly. I raised the volume of my center and sub a few notches for personal preference.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by acritzer

How come the 920 runs volume from 0 to positive numbers, while I always see people discussing negatives. Is there a way to change the way it's shown on screen?

I have no idea if you change that. I have a 1020 and it displays -xxdb to +xxdb. I know that cheaper receivers (like my old Sony HTiB receiver) use 0-70 or 0-80 volume, instead of -+db. It's probably not a big deal, but if you can find a way to change it to db, then that's cool.

[volcomsocal]

Originally Posted by browndk26

My VSX 517 allows me to set 6 or 8 ohm speakers. After looking through the 920 owners manual online, it appears you cannot change the impedance. The manual says 6-16 ohm speakers can be used.

I don't have the 920, I have the 1020. But I think the same can be said for both receivers.