Pioneer VSX-1020K Receiver Review

VSX-1020K Technology

The Pioneer VSX-1020K mid-range receiver is jam packed with advanced features and simply delivers amazing home theater performance in a sleek and sophisticated package.

Let’s take a look at some of the key features:

• The latest HDMI technology with built-in 3-D capability
• DTS-HD, Dolby TrueHD high-definition audio and new Dolby Pro Logic IIz
• Multi-channel acoustic calibration system (MCACC)
• Advanced sound retriever
• Multi-zone configuration
• 1080p upscaling from any source
• Full-color GUI
• Bluetooth ready
• “Works with iPhone” Certification
• See all the great features of this Pioneer on the Helpful Video Review page.

The technology under the hood is truly remarkable.  Pioneer’s Anchor Bay and PureCinema video processing allows for 1080p upscaling from most sources; including analog.  This receiver, as well as others in the VSX series, also supports the latest HDMI specifications.  So not only does it cover existing video and audio formats but it will also support the next generation of 3-D video content.  The VSX-1020K includes 6 HDMI inputs, including 1 on the front panel.   High-definition audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Audio are also integrated.  Pioneer goes one step further by providing support for Dolby Pro Logic IIz which adds a “height” channel for an even more immersive experience.

The VSX-1020K gives you full control to customize your listening environment.  Pioneer’s Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC) provides a near studio-quality, multi-channel listening experience. The VSX-1020K’s advanced version of MCACC will calibrate with a 9-band equalizer, auto-crossover settings, and can even send charts of its measurements to your PC via USB.

Compressed audio such as WMA, MP3 and AAC is enhanced thru an Advanced Sound Retriever. The system fills in areas where tiny details were left out during the compression process. The advanced sound retriever technology also enhances the audio quality of SIRIUS Satellite Radio by reaching an upper limit frequency of 20kHz with compressed audio playback. This adds an audio richness and clarity even from “lossy” digital audio sources. The VSX-1020K’s advanced ASR can also restore multi-channel audio.

VSX-1020K Connectivity

The front panel HDMI input provides convenient access to connect high-definition devices HD camcorders, digital cameras or portable media players.  So full HD movies, JPEG slidshows and MP3, WAV or WMA music can be seen and heard on your HDTV through a single source.  In addition to connections for all your home theater components the Pioneer VSX-1020K also has an integrated Sirius satellite radio and internet radio.

For wireless connectivity, you can add a Pioneer AS-BT100 Bluetooth adapter to stream music from your iPhone, Blackberry, or Android smartphone as well as other Bluetooth-enabled sources like laptops. Assuming your music is managed through iTunes consider buying an Apple Airport Express instead. It lets you stream music from your computer to the receiver over WiFi and control what’s playing via iTunes or Apple’s robust “Remote” iPhone app.

VSX-1020K Integrated “Works with iPhone” Certification

With the VSX-1020K’s “Works with iPhone” certification and your iPhone or iPod it doesn’t get much more plug-and-play than this. The USB/composite video cable makes connecting your iPhone/iPod pretty simple–and your iPhone/iPod charges automatically when connected. So there’s no need to buy a separate dock to connect your iPhone or iPod with your home theater sytem.

If you want to buy the Pioneer VSX-1020K, the best price online is through Amazon.com HERE. They offer special discount price and reliable shipping service.

Let me show you what current owners have to say about it:

“…Its predecessor, the 1019, was CNET’s and Gizmodo’s top mid-range receiver. Both reviewers had just as high hopes for the 1020, and Gizmodo already called it the best receiver $550 can buy, saying the 1020 “hit the sweet spot” that gave the most bang for buyer’s buck.

The critics I read all raved about the excellent sound quality, but the 1020 brings some new offerings to the table for a mid-range receiver.

In short, the most valuable features you get with this model that you don’t get with the next step down are:

1. A fifth HDMI port in back, an extra sixth in front (for digital cameras, computers, etc.).
2. Analog video upscaling (which I don’t care too much about since most of my content is HD already or played through an upscaling player).
3. The iContolAV iPhone app. Very cool for controlling volume and switching inputs. Works simply by having your receiver connected to ethernet and your iPhone connected to the network via WiFi. A few times the app has had trouble properly connecting, but it usually works well.
4. Internet radio with programmable stations, which is cool, though you can’t currently control the station selections from the iPhone App, unfortunately.
5. A color configuration interface output to your TV via the HDMI output. I can’t imagine trying to configure all my speakers without seeing a graphical representation of their location on screen.

That last feature feature, the HDMI 1.4 ports that support 3D, the 7.1 surround capabilities, excellent sound quality and the iPhone App are what made the VSX-1020 the clear choice for me. I also appreciated the automatic calibration with the included microphone and the included iPod cable/compatibility, but those weren’t as strong of selling points…”

-P. McGraw

This is an excellent customer review on the Pioneer VSX-1020K!  I highly suggest you take a look at the rest of his review on the Pioneer VSX-1020K as well as other reviews on Amazon here.

Here is why the Pioneer VSX-1020K is worth buying:

Where to Find the Pioneer VSX-1020K

This Pioneer VSX-1020K can be ordered directly from Amazon.com today. CLICK HERE for the best price and get your Pioneer VSX-1020K today! They are 100% secure site so you can be rest assured that your details are protected when ordering.