Pioneer VSX-520-K 5.1 - A Good Entry Level Surround Sound Receiver

As technology continues to evolve, so does the home theater receiver market. Leave it to Pioneer to not follow the latest trends, but lead them. With 3D A/V taking center stage as the latest technology, Pioneer is one of the first to integrate it fully into their entire line of A/V receivers.

Pioneer's vsx-520-k is the entry-level receiver in their A/V receiver line. It contains much of the same raw technology integrated into the higher-level models, such as the 820, 920, 1020, and 1120. Pioneer ups the power output and packs more features into these upper models. If you're in the market for an A/V receiver and don't need all the extras, the vsx-520-k is an excellent selection that won't break your budget.

The vsx-520-k is a 3D-ready, 5.1-channel, A/V receiver that provides a full 20 Hz to 20 KHz audio output with a nominal.08% total harmonic distortion. Power output is 110 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. It contains the full suite of Dolby CODECs to provide a wide range of audio processing formats. A five-band EQ and automatic surround sound add additional processing control. The vsx-520-k accepts all video modes, including 1080p. Digital audio formats include JPEG, MP3, WAV, and WMA. A full-feature remote is provided and it's backed by a one-year warranty.

Pioneer VSX-520-K 5.1 - A Good Entry Level Surround Sound Receiver

Connections include support for the latest HD-audio formats, including 3D audio. Bluetooth is available as an option, although the AS-BT100 adapter must be purchased separately to utilize the Bluetooth feature. The receiver offers a Bluetooth adapter port, three HDMI inputs and one output, two component video inputs, plus four composite inputs and one output, two analog audio inputs and one output, and three digital inputs. A 2.1-channel pre-amp output is also offered.

Pioneer packed the vsx-520-k with a number of features, but it does not have some features that come standard with upper-level models. Pioneer recognizes that not all consumers have need for some of these extras. These include USB/iPhone support, Internet radio, PC control, and an on-screen display. If these are not of interest to you, the vsx-520-k gets you into the Pioneer line at a fraction of the price of the higher-end models.

Note: Being an entry-level receiver, the vsx-520-k does not support iPhone, Internet radio, or PC control. Pioneer AS-BT100 Bluetooth adapter sold separately. See complete product review below for details.

Note: The vsx-520-k includes a 5.1 speaker system that is perfectly matched for the receiver which is also sold separately. See complete product review below for details.

When considering which receiver to purchase, it's important to watch the trend of technology and select a receiver that has the latest formats. With 3D television, 1080p, and HDMI leading the way, the vsx-520-k is an excellent choice for those budget-minded individuals who don't want to sacrifice quality and features at the expense of technology. If you don't need some of the extra features, yet need support for the latest technologies, the vsx-520-k is a perfect solution.

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