76
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K
$599.00
Released June, 2008
The Pros:7.1 channel pre-outs. Video upconversion to 1080p. Front panel USB port for connecting mp3 player.
The Cons:No switched AC outlet. Only 96KHz/24bit audio over HDMI. (see manual, bottom of pg 33). No S-Video inputs.
The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K (previously known as the VSX-1018TXH-K) is a new 7.1 a/v receiver released in June 2008 with an MSRP of $600. It features 130 Watts / channel of power and 3 x HDMI inputs. It can decode high-definition audio formats including Dolby TrueHD and dts HD-MA.
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The VSX-1018AH-K features what Pioneer calls an Advanced Direct Energy power amplifier, which they claim high power output, wide frequency response for the new HD audio formats, and superior heat management. It also features Pioneer Hybrid Amplifier Technology (P.H.A.T.) power module found in VSX-518-K, VSX-818V-K, VSX-918V-K receivers, that Pioneer also claims improves audio performance.
Features
- Direct Energy Amplifier
- 110 watts x 7 amplification (8 Ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kHz continuous power)
- Pure Direct mode
- Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration w/ microphone
- Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio
- Video Conversion to HDMI
- 1080p HDMI 1.3 inputs - 3 in
- 1080p Component inputs - 3 in, 1 out
- Digital inputs/outputs - 6/1
- iPod Digital, Auto Level Control (ALC), XM Satellite Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio
- Price: $599 US
- Release date: June 2008
User Reviews (26)
Pros & Cons
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13
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12
Video upconversion to 1080p
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11
Front panel USB port for connecting mp3 player
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7
110 Watts of continuous power output (NOT 130 W)
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6
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6
Auto setup by microphone. Auto set the speaker timings and volumes, that really improves the sound. Better placement, more dept. Deeper basses.
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6
Suports HD Audio Formats Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution
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5
High power output @ 130 Watts / channel
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5
Hibit. Upsamples digital audio (mp3, wma) to hi-resolution sound. Sounds more clear. A 128bit sounds like a 160 bit.
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4
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3
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1
You can switch the impedance between 6-8 ohms
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-1
limited information on the video configuration for upconversion to 1080p
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8
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3
Only 96KHz/24bit audio over HDMI. (see manual, bottom of pg 33)
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-1
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-1
No switchable impedance for speakers
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-4
No Composite to HDMI conversion?
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-8
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Comments (12)
GR92-FR:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k This is a good A/V receiver, I've been using it for two months now combined with a polk VM 7.1 set of bookshelf speakers. Incredible sound, and the improvement of MP3's to "almost" CD quality is marvelous. Some reviews claim its design to be a bit old'ish, but I personally like it and it fits perfect on my living... If a firmware update would ever bring an improvement of the ODS ergonomics, that would always be a plus!
The only thing I have a doubt is in it's video performance, I've seen a lot on the reviews that it can perform Video upconversion to 1080p from analog to digital through the HDMI interface, nevertheless I have not been able to set it to do so. I'm connecting my set-top box via it's analog S-Video + digital optical audio, and my 1080p flat tv tells me it is getting a 540p input signal, does anybody knows how to set the output to 1080p? ... that piece of information is missing in all the reviews and even in the user's manual ...
Jun 25, 09
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robohood326:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k I think it's hilarious that the elite VSX-01 get a 90 score when these are the same unit internally... This receiver is plenty for the audio enthusiast. Great audio quality and plenty of tweaks for those who like to "play".
Jun 2, 09
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Falcon01:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k exanim8r, I just checked the manual and it indeed does have 192Khz/24bit audio DACs.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=109812&d=1210272967
Dec 3, 08
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exanim8r:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k Watch out for the audio limitations over HDMI. Page 33 in the manual (fine print) states that only up to 96KHz/24bit are supported. While this is enough for most users, there are 192KHz/24bit DVD/BD-audio discs and Super Audio CD's commercially available.
Aug 28, 08
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jbelum:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k Check the user manual for the power rating. pg 93
Continuous Power Output (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 8 ?, 0.09 %)
Front. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W + 110 W
Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W
Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W + 110 W
Surround back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 W + 110 W
Jul 2, 08
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Erik:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k People are starting to get their hands on this highly anticipated receiver. See the above owner's thread on AVS Forum. The power rating is 110 Watts (not the 130 Watts that was speculated), and there are in fact 3 HDMI inputs. The owner's seem pretty happy so far.
Jun 24, 08
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Erik:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k Interesting. I think they've rebranded this receiver as the VSX-1018AH-K from 1018TXH-K (the "K" refers to the black color). I don't think it ever was reported to have THX certification. I'm going to rename this product report to reflect the new model # convention.
Jun 11, 08
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EJR:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k If anyone cares to visit Pioneer's site, the receiver released for 599.00 is: VSX-1018AH-K; not the VSX-1018THX-K?
Apparently, there is some confusion? The receiver on the site is minus THX certification?
I sent Pioneer an email asking them about this descripancy.
Jun 11, 08
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Erik:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k I'm going to give the Pioneer 1018 a tentative edge over it's competition. One of the main selling points is Pioneer's reputation for build quality and audio components. I've heard enough bad stuff about the previous gen Onkyo 605, to be wary of the 606. I'll adjust my vote later if there are any surprises when the 1018 is actually available for sale.
You may want to consider an upgrade to the Elite series VSX-01TXH for $750 when it comes out. It features a Class D "ICEPower" amplifier. There is even less information about the VSX-01TXH on the web, however.
May 15, 08
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Erik:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k I know what you mean. It seems like an odd omission. Personally, I would think this receiver rivals the Onkyo TX-SR606 at this price point, but the lack of S-Video is just plain weird. Seems like an easy/obvious thing to have.
@Pioneer engineers: Are you listening?
May 14, 08
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mayo2222:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k I really hope they do ad S-Video inputs. I was going to add this to my list of receivers to get, but decided to remove it after finding out this piece of information.
May 14, 08
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Erik:
#pioneer_vsx_1018ah_k This receiver is highly anticipated, but also somewhat of a mystery. Pioneer used to have a product page and a manual for the 1018, but they removed it. There is also speculation about 1) will there be a 12V trigger, 2) 1080p video upconversiont, 3) S-Video inputs. Maybe they're tweaking the specs at the last minute..
May 13, 08
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