Pioneer VSX-521 Entry-Level Home Theater Receiver - Product Profile

The VSX-521 is the least expensive entry in Pioneer's non-elite "21" home theater receiver line, but still offers a lot for the consumer, including 3D and Audio Return Channel compatibility over HDMI, iPod connectivity via either analog audio or wireless bluetooth connection options, and in addition on an onboard amplifier configuration for 5 channels, does provide expansion for up to 7 channels via the addition of an external 2-channel amplifier. However, as well all budget-priced home theater receivers, you may not find everything you would like. For more details, read my product profile of the Pioneer VSX-521.

The Pioneer VSX-521 offers Four 3D-enabled HDMI inputs and one 3D and Audio Return Channel-enabled HDMI output, as well as two Component inputs and one output. There are four Composite Video and two additional analog audio-only inputs, plus a front panel A/V input for connection of an additional source, such as a camcorder. The Pioneer VSX-521 features a VCR/DVR/DVD Recorder connection loop.

The receiver has one digital coaxial and two optical audio inputs, two dedicated Analog stereo audio inputs for a CD player and CD or Cassette audio recorder, and a subwoofer preamplifier output.

The Pioneer VSX-521 features extensive Dolby and DTS surround sound decoding and processing options, including: DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD. In addition, 7.1 channel Dolby Prologic IIx and Dolby Prologic IIz processing is also incorporated, but in order to access these function, you must connect an external two channel amplifier. A set of preamp outputs is provided for connected to an external two-channel amplier.

Another audio processing feature that is included is Front Stage Surround. This options produces a surround sound effect using just the front speakers and subwoofer. This is an option if you do not have separate surround speakers.

The Pioneer VSX-521 is rated at 80 Watts-per-channel into 8-Ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz at .08 THD, measured with two channels driven. When in full operation, power output across all five internally powered channels will be lower.

Speaker connections consist of banana-plug-compatible multi-way speaker binding posts for the left front and right channels, and clip connections for the center and surround channels.

The Pioneer VSX-521 features 2D and 3D HDMI pass through of high definition signals up to 1080p. However, analog to HDMI video conversion and upscaling is not provided. In other words, if you have HDMI, component, and composite video sources routed through the receiver, you must connect the corresponding output to your TV or video projector.

On the other hand, the VSX-521 features standby HDMI pass-through. This allows audio and video signals routed through the receiver using HDMI connections to pass-through to your TV even if the VSX-521 is not in operating mode - however, the receiver must be plugged and in standby mode. This feature is very convenient for those times when all you want to do is watch TV do not need to listen to surround sound.

The fluorescent front panel display and Onscreen menu system make setup and operation of the receiver easy and fast. However, the onscreen menu can only be displayed on a TV or video projector via the composite video output. Also, the crossover frequency between the speakers and the Subwoofer LFE (Low Frequency Effects) can be set during the speaker setup procedure.

The Pioneer VSX-521 also features an automated speaker setup function called MCACC. By connecting the provided microphone to the Pioneer VSX-521 and following the instructions outlined in the user manual. The MCACC uses a series of test tones to determine the proper speaker levels, based on how it reads the speaker placement in relation to the acoustical properties of your room. However, keep in mind that you may still have to some minor adjustments manually after the automatic set up is completed in order to conform to you own listening tastes.

The Pioneer VSX-521 has a standard AM/FM tuner with 30 assignable station presets as well as a wireless Infrared Pre-Programmed Remote Control.

Additional Features - Bluetooth and Sound Delay:

When the Pioneer AS-BT200 Bluetooth Adapter is connected to the rear adapter port, users are able to wireless access music content from any A2DP compliant Bluetooth devices, including iPod/iPhone/iPD, as well as some Android phones and laptop/desktop PCs. In addition, you can connect an iPod or other MP3 player to the VSX-521 via the front panel 3.5mm mini audio input jack. Another practical feature is the inclusion of a headphone surround sound listening option. You can use any pair of headphones to access this feature. .

In addition, the incorporation of Lip-Synch (Sound Delay) adjustment on the Pioneer VSX-521 allows the user to compensate for audio/video time discrepancies that may be encountered from various sources.

OK, now that you have a pretty good idea what the Pioneer VSX-521 has to offer, is it right for you?

The VSX-521 definitely offers a lot for the price, including HDMI connection and control features, advanced audio processing, and wireless iPod/iPhone access via Bluetooth. However, there are some things to be aware of that you won't be getting with this receiver at this price level.

On the audio side, you won't be getting multi-channel analog inputs or a phono input.

This may be important if you have an older SACD or DVD-Audio player that requires the ability to connect independent analog audio inputs for each channel. Also, if you have a phono turntable, you will have to either add an external phono preamp between the turntable and one of the analog stereo input sets on the VSX-521, or purchase a new turntable that has a built-in phono preamp. On the other hand, it must be pointed out that even many higher-end home theater receivers no longer include these connection options.

In addition, one feature option that I think is kind of odd is the need for adding a second two-channel amplifier for access seven channel audio processing, such as Dolby Prologic IIx or Dolby Prologic IIz. Unless you have an old stereo amplifier or receiver laying around the house that you can recycle for this function, the cost of purchasing a two channel amplifier to add to the VSX-521 would cost more than the VSX-521. You would be better of purchasing the Pioneer VSX-921 or 1021 if you really desire the capability of seven channel speaker setup.

On the video side, there are no S-Video inputs on the VSX-521, so if you have an S-VHS VCR, Hi8 camcorder, or set-top box that utilizes S-video connections for the best available video quality, you are out of luck - you will have to use the available composite video connections instead.

Also, if you were expecting the VSX-521 to perform video processing functions, such as analog-to-HDMI conversion or 1080p upscaling, you should consider another receiver option, such as Pioneer's VSX-921 (Compare Prices) or 1021 (compare prices).

The Pioneer VSX-521 is a great buy if you want something basic that sounds good and provides enough connection flexibility for the new generation of digital devices, such as Blu-ray and Bluetooth. This receiver is definitely an upgrade for that old stereo receiver or home theater-in-a-box system. On the other hand, if you have a lot of older "legacy" components, or desire the ability of the receiver to perform extensive video processing functions, then you should plan your budget for something in a slightly higher price range that will provide the features and connectivity you actually need.

The Pioneer VSX-521 has a suggested retail price of $249. Compare Prices

Also, for additional home theater receiver suggestions, check out my listing of Home Theater Receivers Priced at $399 or Less and Home Theater Receivers in the $400 to $1,299 Price Range.