PIONEERVSX521Black AV Receiver

The Pioneer VSX-521 has all the quality you'd expect from Pioneer and now has a great range of extra features to make it even more appealing.

The key to the new VSX521's appeal is in its flexible HDMI sockets. Not only is there now an extra HDMI input, taking the total to four, but the sockets now also allow for 3D transmission and ARC. ARC (Audio Return Channel) cuts down on the cabling required as a single HDMI connection between your TV and AV receiver carries both the video image to the TV and the TV's audio back to the receiver. As before, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and Pro Logic IIz decoders are all provided to get the best from DVD and TV sources. Added to this you'll find nine surround modes plus one designed specifically for stereo music. New to the VSX521 is "phones surround sound" effect designed to give a cinema feel when wearing headphones. For optimum quality, the discrete amplifier and Texas Instruments Aureus DSP (Digital Signal Processor) provides excellent sound quality from this highly respected audio brand.

Pioneer have fitted the VSX521 with their Front Stage Surround Advance system. Simply place all the speakers by the TV, and let the Pioneer do the rest. Better still, Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever system enhances the typically compressed music from MP3/AAC systems and returns the sound to CD quality. Going further still, the VSX521 also comes with the optional extra of Bluetooth streaming capability and sound enhancement. When fitted with the optional AS-BT200 adaptor you can connect up your laptop, phone or other Bluetooth device and stream your music across. The Sound Retriever AIR restores sound quality after transmission, making it sound much better than similar wireless transmission systems.

In terms of sockets, the Pioneer VSX521 has everything you need for a comprehensive home cinema system. Four HDMI sockets let you loop through HD sources and are particularly useful if your TV has only one HDMI input. In addition to these, the VSX521 now comes with a front-mounted mini jack that's perfect for connecting your portable MP3/iPod or other device. Added to this you'll find a wide collection of component, composite and digital connections.

Although not quite as feature packed as more expensive Pioneer AV receivers, the style is every bit a match for the pricier, gloss black models. It's also just as easy to set-up. Thanks to MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic calibration System), you can get fine-tuned system tuning at the touch of a button. Created in conjunction with the professional sound engineers at AIR studios in London, MCACC is unique to Pioneer AV receivers and one of the best of its type.

If you care more about ultimate sound quality than features, but still want more than just the basics, the Pioneer VSX521 creates the perfect blend. A sound choice!