From the Manufacturer
A receiver built for the home theater enthusiast.
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The receiver that’s ready for tomorrow is here today. Introducing the Pioneer 7.1-Channel VSX-1021-K AV Receiver
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- Compatible with your iPhone, iPod and iPad (USB/video cable included)
- AirPlay streams your iTunes library direct to the VSX-1021-K
- Compatible with free Pioneer-exclusive apps for your Apple devices
- Bluetooth-ready (with optional AS-BT200 adapter, sold separately)
- Network-ready for AirPlay, vTuner Internet Radio, Firmware updates, etc...
- Support for the latest HDMI spec (3D, Audio Return Channel), plus high-definition audio support including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
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Easily connect your Apple device with the included cable - no need for a separate dock
The Pioneer AS-BT200 let's you play music wirelessly from your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
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The new Pioneer VSX-1021-K receiver is the answer to a home theater enthusiast’s prayers. Delivering remarkable performance in an elegant package, it’s a receiver designed with advanced technology that performs exquisitely in the moment, while at the same time never taking its eyes off the future. Its state-of-the-art, forward looking features get you closer to exactly what the artist intended in a way that has never been possible. Until now.
AirPlay®
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
One of the most exciting new features of the VSX-1021-K is AirPlay. With AirPlay you can stream music from iTunes to the VSX-1021-K and play it through your home theater system. Simply connect the receiver to your home network via Ethernet or Pioneer's optional wireless adapter (AS-WL300) and it instantly becomes the hub for playback of your iTunes music from your connected Apple device or networked computer.
You can even use the receiver to view metadata including song title, artist as well as album art on a connected display. Download Apple's free "Remote" application and use your Apple device as a remote control. With AirPlay, there’s really no reason why your iTunes music has to be restricted to your computer!
Made for you. And your iPad®, iPhone® and iPod®
Unlike other receiver lines, thanks to Apple® compatibility for iPod, iPhone, and now iPad, most generations of Apple portable devices are easily connected with the included USB/video cable - so there's no need to buy a separate dock to access all your music, videos, streaming content, and photos stored on your Apple portable devices.
Plus, since your iPhone iPod and now your iPad charges automatically when connected, it's the ultimate plug-and-play integration with your home theater. You can enjoy music with iTunes® album art, share videos and movies, downloaded TV shows from iTunes, photos, web content such as YouTube® and much more. And because the iPhone device's network features remain fully functional, you can still take that call. Music and movies simply mute and you're good to go. And you've got lots of control options--use the iPhone directly, or push a single button on the VSX-1021-K's front panel to switch control to the included preset remote and an intuitive, full-color GUI.
The iControlAV2 app turns your Apple device into a powerful remote.
View More iControlAV2 App Screenshots
Transform your Apple Device into a Powerful Remote Control
Communicating with the VSX-1021-K wirelessly through your home network, Pioneer's free app turns your iPhone, iPod touch and now your iPad into a powerful remote control for your receiver. The all new iControlAV2 app is fully redesigned and incorporates everything from basic volume and input selection to advanced features like EQ adjustments and Internet Radio control. iControlAV2 for iPad includes enhanced features like vertical and horizontal orientation, intuitive control of music from networked PCs as well as internet radio control, and a super-cool finger EQ adjust screen; simply draw the EQ curve to your desired sound preference.
Unleash your Smartphone's Music with Bluetooth®.
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
The VSX-1021-K is fully ready for wireless connectivity with Bluetooth audio from your iPhone®, Blackberry®, or Android® smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled sources like laptops. With the Pioneer AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter, you can untether yourself from headphones, cables and inputs. And you'll enjoy near cd-quality with Sound Retriever AIR technology, created specifically to enhance Bluetooth audio.
Air Jam
Available as a free download for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices, Pioneer's exclusive Air Jam application is revolutionizing the way you share your music. Used in conjunction with the VSX-1021-K receiver (optional AS-BT200 Bluetooth adapter required), up to 4 Apple devices can be paired via Bluetooth to share music and create playlists.
Once connected wirelessly, you can choose songs from your device to add to a group playlist to play back on the VSX-1021-K. You can view the playlist on each device. Like the songs one of your friends added to the playlist? Select it and you've got the option to purchase it from iTunes or watch the music video on YouTube.
Connect to your PC Music Files or Internet Radio
The VSX-1021-K's networking ability opens up an entirely new world of possibilities. A rear panel Ethernet port allows full integration into your home network. With DLNA 1.5 certification, a whole new level of entertainment options are at your fingertips. Stream your MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, or even FLAC music files from your PC, laptop or smartphone to your home theater system.
The Pioneer VSX-1021-K receiver also supports Internet Radio with vTuner, so you can enjoy 1000's of internet radio stations from around the world .Controlled by Pioneer's iControlAv2 app, it accesses tens of thousands of web-based radio stations worldwide, making it easy for you to find the ones you want and listen to them directly on your receiver - no antenna required.
So Many Ways to Listen
With up to 192kHz / 24-bit LPCM and even FLAC file compatibility, Network streaming audio playback is now ready for the true audiophile. An optional AS-WL300 wireless adapter is also available for wireless network convenience. For on-the-go easy access, a front USB port lets you connect your portable media player to display a slideshow of JPEG photos on your HDTV, or play music files with album art support. And your options don't stop with your portable devices. The Pioneer VSX-1021-K is your portal for SIRIUS satellite radio (subscription required) and thousands of free Internet radio stations --all just a few clicks of the remote.
Pioneer's AV Navigator is an interactive owner's manual to help you set up your receiver.
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Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
Know How and Show How with AV Navigator
Imagine an owners manual that actually communicates with your receiver. Imagine an owners manual that asks you what sources you’d like to connect and how you'd like to configure your speakers - and walks you through the process as you do it.
Ultimate Sound Control
Of course all the latest Pioneer receivers support the high-definition audio formats, Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD® Master Audio to give your Blu-ray Disc® soundtracks unsurpassed audio quality. But Pioneer also includes all of the Dolby and DTS surround formats best suited for the wide variety of entertainment sources, including the newest Dolby Pro Logic IIz height channel.
Pioneer's exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration system (MCACC) provides a near studio-quality, multi-channel listening experience customized specifically to your listening environment. An included microphone measures every speaker's connection, and notes its size, distance from the listening point, sound levels and timbre to calibrate and maximize performance. Just sit back and let MCACC do the work.
Even compressed audio such as WMA, MP3 and AAC is enhanced with another Pioneer exclusive, Advanced Sound Retriever, by filling in areas where minute details were left out during the compression process.
An industry-first, Pioneer's AV Navigator truly is an interactive owners manual that takes all the guesswork out of setting up your receiver. AV Navigator uses your iPad or networked PC to communicate directly with the VSX-1021-K, walking you through speaker set-up, MCACC room calibration, sound optimization, firmware updates and more.
Ready for 3D? You are with the Latest HDMI® Technology
All of Pioneer's newest receivers support the latest HDMI 1.4a specification. So not only do you get the most out of your existing movies and music, with the VSX-1021-K you're prepared for the next generation of 3D video content. With 5 HDMI inputs, you've got plenty of connectivity options for the growing number of high-definition sources available. All Pioneer receivers also offer advanced HDMI conveniences like Audio Return Channel and Power Save HDMI Standby Through.
Advanced Video Processing. Picture Perfect Whatever the Source
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
Drawing on Pioneer's extensive video know-how, the VSX-1021-K provides video conversion from composite and component video to HDMI for a single-wire high-definition audio and video solution as well as up to 1080p video scaling for an exceptional high definition picture, regardless of the source.
A full-color GUI to control your home theater experience. View larger
Full-Color On-Screen Graphical User Interface
All of the VSX-1021-K's advanced control and connectivity options are made even better with a full-color user interface on your connected TV. Effortlessly navigate through the VSX-1021-K's menu and enjoy iTunes album art from a connected Apple device. This is one well-rounded AV receiver.
What's in the Box
- Microphone (for auto MCACC setup)
- Remote Control
- Two (2) AAA Batteries
- AM Loop Antenna
- FM Wire Antenna
- USB/Video Cable for iPod, iPhone, iPad
- CD-ROM (AVNavigator)
- Operating Instructions
Making Your Pioneer VSX-921-K a Complete Home Theater
Premium in-wall speakers create a complete home theater
Looking to complete your ultimate Pioneer home theater? Consider adding these suggested premium Pioneer in-wall and in-ceiling speakers for a rich, immersive home theater experience without taking up a lot of room. Or keep things personal with a pair of Pioneer advanced audiophile over-ear headphones for intense critical listening.
7.1 Speaker Packages for the VSX-921
- The Pioneer S-IC651-LR 6.5" In-ceiling CST Speaker for Front Left and Right
- The Pioneer S-IW551L LCR In-wall CST Speaker for Front Center Channel
- The Pioneer S-IW651-LR In-wall CST Speakers for Surrounds and Surround Backs
- The Pioneer S-W601 12" Powered Subwoofer
Headphones
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
- The Pioneer SE-A1000 Flagship Audiophile/Home Theater Headphones
Power: 110W x 5Technical Specifications
- HDMI Specification: 1.4a, 3D, Deep Color, x.v.Color, Audio Return Channel
- HDMI Ports: 4 in, 1 out
- Audio Codecs Supported: Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Video Modes Supported: 1080p and below
- Digital Formats Supported: WMA, MP3, and AAC
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful.
A bit disappointing
By David Chandler
My Thoughts on the VSX-1021
Up until now I've been living with a limping-along Kenwood Soverign VR-5090. It was definitely showing its age. The lack of HDMI was really getting to be a problem. About a week ago it started completely breaking down and stopped detecting audio properly; instead of detecting digital audio it would default to analog inputs and simply not play anything. Time for a new receiver. I am no audiophile but I can tell the difference between high quality audio and an undersampled MP3. That said, most of my comparisons will be with respect to my old VR-5090 as that's what I was coming from.
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
I settled on the VSX-1021 because the feature set was strong, the 1020 had some pretty impressive reviews, and because after getting burned by the Kenwood Soverign line I wanted some solid tech that didn't really represent being an early adopter again. Yes the 1021 is brand new, but it's very similar to the 1020 which is a fairly well-tested design.
Notes on my setup:
5.1 Home Theater + 2nd Stereo zone
HDMI Set Top Box that plays 720P and 1080i
HTPC with Blu Ray
Handful of video game systems, some HDMI, some Component
Audio
IMO the audio is solid. Certainly strong enough for my home theater system, stays smooth and gets as loud as the wife will let me make it. I wasn't thrilled with the results of MCAAC so I've tweaked calibration by hand... I'm still tweaking to find that perfect balance, but that's not an issue with the receiver.
I've put the system through its paces with a variety of DVDs, CDs, and digital music and I'm well satisfied with the results. Again, I'm no audiophile, but it's certainly on par with the 5090 paid quite a bit more for 10 years ago.
Video
Mixed results. Handles clean signals just fine, but I'm not thrilled with any of the video processing features it is capable of. Every option seems to insert a great deal of noise in solid color/muted or out of focus backgrounds. I've pretty much turned any video processing feature the unit provides off and let my television handle the signals it receives as it sees fit. Even then I swear there's more noise in the signal than my 5090 used to allow. I'm no expert but I'm not as satisfied as I'd like to be here.
Set Up
Let's get this out of the way early: Setup is a bear. The software included is extremely limited, didn't work in Chrome, and I wasn't satisfied with the results once I did have it running. The manual is terrible, not to mention incomplete (I found a separate page floating around in my box explaining Airplay, it wasn't in the manual at all).
The system assumes to know what kind of devices you will connect. Instead of having 'VIDEO 1' 'VIDEO 2' 'VIDEO 3' and 'AUDIO 1' 'AUDIO 2' 'AUDIO 3' inputs it has 'DVD', 'BD', 'DVR' etc. HTPCs and Video Game systems are not considered. This leads to the Navi software to being nearly completely useless as it asks "Do you have a DVD" - no. "Do you have a Blu Ray" - No. Do you have anything else? Yes. Everything I had fell into the 'anything else' category which it only had very generic instructions for.
So the HTPC became the DVD input and the Playstation became the Blu Ray, the Xbox the DVR. You can rename all these inputs in software, but when it comes time to program a Harmony remote you had better have taken notes.
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
Moreover, the inputs are linked. When you switch to DVD the system outputs video from the DVD inputs and audio from the DVD audio inputs. The Kenwood 5090 made no such connection. I could set it to run Video 3 and Audio 2 if I wanted. This made watching TV but playing the radio (something I enjoy for sports games) or playing a video game while listening to digital music much easier. I haven't yet found a way to get all the setups I had in the past to work.
Features
Airplay
Probably the big one most people are interested about. Airplay takes a little getting used to, but I'm convinced that's more Apple's doing than it is the receiver's fault. That said I like it quite a bit. Especially due to the 2 Zone limitations (More on that later). A little info on my setup. I have used DD-WRT to convert a router into a wireless bridge for my home theater setup. Basically this means that I have all of my home theater components wired to a network component that connects to a 2nd wireless router that connects to the cable modem.
The end result is that as far as the 1021 is concerned, it has a wired connection to the network.
With that setup, any computer on my network with the latest version of Itunes is capable of setting the 1021 as one of its speakers. The little airplay button appears in the bottom right corner of itunes. This happens as long as the 1021 is on. It does not have to be in HMG mode, however as soon as music starts the 1021 will switch to HMG mode. Where I have had difficulty is I can't seem to get my remote to control the receiver when it is running airplay. Normal play/pause are treated as receiver commands (Play acts as Phase control for example). If I put the remote in HMG mode commands push it OUT of airplay and to the HMG home screen. Music stops until I stop and restart airplay on the computer. There doesn't seem to be a 'Back to Airplay' function on the remote or HMG screen either. Frustrating but works great if you leave it alone.
iPod/iPad control
I've only played a bit with this as I don't own an iPhone or iPad and borrowed a friends to test the system with. Works very well. No hiccups like I've described elsewhere. I hope Pioneer releases an Android version but I kind of doubt they well. This device has an 'apple exclusive' feel to it.
Zone 2
The Zone 2 support is disappointing. This is primarily because there is no down-conversion from digital sources. Sound that enters the 1021 via HDMI or digital signals (Optical or Co-ax) can not be broadcast to Zone 2. This was something the 5090 did seamlessly and I assumed the 1021 wouldn't have a problem with it either. At minimum I'd expect a setup that reduces both zones to stereo play but at least allows sound to be sent. In effect this means that I can't stream sound from my HTPC to zone 2, unless I use airplay which limits me to only that which iTunes plays. VERY disappointing.
Beyond that, Zone 2 support is decent. The interface is intuitive (something I can NOT say about the 5090) and straight forward. One interesting hiccup though: If I want airplay in zone 2, but not in zone 1 I have to:
Initiate Airplay from a PC
This puts Zone 1 into HMG mode with music playing.
Start Zone 2 and shift it to HMG
Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
If I want Zone 1 to be doing something different I can change it now, but it MUST be in HMG playing Airplay when I set zone 2 to HMG. If Zone 1 is not in HMG and I shift Zone 2 away from HMG, the receiver stops handling the airplay signal. Shifting zone 2 back to HMG will result in no sound. Shifting zone 1 to HMG will display the HMG home screen (which gives me the option of playing internet radio or files from USB).
In other words, if both zones go away from HMG, the receiver drops Airplay and won't pick it back up until you restart Airplay from the computer. The computer thinks it is sending airplay to the receiver, so you actually have to deactivate it, and reactivate it to get music playing again.
HMG
The HMG main screen allows you to listen to music off of connected devices and networked computers. I can't seem to get it to connect to my computers. It sees them, but gives me an 'not authorized' message for each. The manual does not indicate how you give authorization. Frustrating. The internet radio option is nice and well stocked, but I can't seem to add a particular station I'd like to add. Perhaps this is my fault, I could be doing something wrong. Still the Manual is unclear.
Odds and Ends
The system is slow. The receiver takes about 5 seconds to power up before it will respond to commands. Switching between HDMI components can take up to 5 seconds (usually less, but sometimes this long) while the screen is blank but audio plays. Shifting between signals of different resolutions suffers a similar delay. Be careful if your cable box is configured to deliver whatever the station is broadcast at because if you change channels from a 1080i to a 720p source the simple channel change could cost you several blank screen seconds.
Conclusion
So there's my review. I know it probably comes across as heavily negative, but I figure that most 'Reviews' supplied by groups like CNet and other AV web sites are really highly positive feature lists (read: Commercials). I'd like to make sure people know what to expect from both sides. In conclusion the 1021 is a good but not great piece of tech. It does the job nicely, but some of the features feel a bit half-baked and the manual is terrible. Fight through that and it's a good receiver at it's core. Just don't expect all of the wiz-bang features to be as well worked out as you'd like.
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful.
practical, affordable, up-to-date (air play)
By duke
Before purchasing this receiver, I hooked up old school loud speakers on an amazing Yamaha integrated amplifier, also old school. The set up was perfect, and I could not ask more - well... but then I wanted more... I connected Apple Airport Express to the amp, and loved the convenience of not having to leave my seat for changing the music. Then, I wanted even more to it. I wanted to connect my TV to the system, and then Blue-ray, and then Apple TV..., and who knows what I would want next?
Tight integration with Apple product was pretty important to me, and when I started to look around was the time Apple started to license Air Play to the manufactures. While waiting patiently, Marantz claimed the title of the first Air Play certified followed by Denon - but they didn't claim my wallet. So I decided to wait little longer, and Pioneer announced this product with promising specifications - also with affordable price tag. Receiving this product, or perhaps any product, from Amazon was quite fast and pleasing especially with free 2day shipping with Amazon Prime.
Setting up the unit was pretty simple. Connect couple HDMI cables, LAN cable, and optical cable for sound, lastly disconnect and store Apple AirPort Express on the shelf, as I no longer need it. I was expecting minimal configurations on the receiver to make it available on my network, yet the receiver showed up on my iTune right away with no manual setup- perhaps the it was pretty easy as the receiver was connected to the network via a LAN cable.
Streaming Bill Evans to the receiver, and confirming it was working properly I was pretty happy until I noticed the difference in the sound compared to my old setup. It didn't sound as engaging as the old Yamaha. Then I flipped couple pages on the manual, and found about the MCACC function which does automated sound calibration. I connected the provided mic, and followed the instructions on the manual. After few minutes of the acoustic testing (keep in mind it gets loud time to time) the calibration was complete, and believe it or not, it made whole lot of difference in the sound. It felt far more engaging than before running MCACC, and I was quite surprised how much difference it has made - it really woke up the speakers, and I could hear them appreciating it. In next couple weeks, I would like switch the settings back and forth (between old Yamaha and this) to come to more complete conclusion.
But as far as I can tell for people looking for affordable and practical integration with Apple products with pretty good quality, this could be a good choice.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful.
Great receiver with a high "cool factor"
By SF
I have been happy with my VSX-1020, which I purchased last summer, but the new features provided with the VSX-1021 were hard to resist. Thus, the 1020 was demoted from the game room to the living room. The 1021 looks very similar to the 1020, but seems more"substantial". The two main control buttons are larger and the face overall is sleeker and more refined with fewer small buttons. The display has on the 1021 has a few more indicator lights, but is otherwise very similar. The number of configuration options is quite a bit larger than for the 1021, with numerous additional sub-menus where new options can be turned on or off. It also allows for firmware updates. The automated calibration process was similar to the 1020, and upon completion will get rid of the annoying demo messages being rendered continuously on the display when first plugging it in. Needless to say, the sound is excellent. I was very happy with the 1020, which was far superior to the Sony 910 that it replaced, and I do not plan on making a detailed sound comparison. However, the sound from the new receiver does seem to be "fuller", but that could very well be my imagination...
It's when you look at the network-related capabilities that the 1021 really shines. Its internet radio interface allows access to literally thousands of radio stations categorized by a number of criteria, including genre, country, etc. Very impressive. So if you want to listen to your favorite radio station in some obscure European city, chances are you'll easily find it in the list. And although you can use its on-screen capabilities to navigate the seemingly endless list of well organized stations, it's when you use the iControlApp2 with your iPad that the 1021 really comes alive.
The first iControlApp (which can be used with the 1020) was very limited in its capabilities and developed for the iPhone (rather than the iPad). The iControlApp2, on the other hand, is more comprehensive in its feature-set and better suited not only for configuring the receiver, but also for selecting options during play, such as switching internet radio stations.
But as "cool" as the iControlApp2 is, its the "cool factor" of using the iPad and iTunes with this receiver that really blows away the 1020. Not only am I able to play back music stored on my iPad wirelessly through wifi, something that's easy and works very well, but I am also able to share my iTunes library from my iMac on the network, allowing the iPad to access it as a shared library and conveniently select songs for playback on the 1021. The receiver will even turn on automatically after choosing a song to play from the iPad, if it has been configured for network access during standby. Geeky as all of this sounds, it is easy, convenient, and very powerful.
But as impressive as the iControlApp2 currently is, there are lots of opportunities for improvements. Hopefully, Pioneer will refine it further and release future updates. Also, I am having some challenges with control over HDMI using this receiver with my 3D plasma TV. They are the same problems as I had with my 1020, and could very well be an issue with the TV or my 3D Blu-ray player (also from LG).
This receiver is highly recommended - should you spend the extra money and by the 1021 instead of the 1020? Well, if you have an iPad and plan on using it for playback of your iTunes library, or if you plan on listening to a wide variety of internet radio stations, or if you want the ability to easily upgrade your firmware, or if you want to control it through a really "cool" iPad app, the answer is probably "yes".
