Pioneer VSX-1120-K Receiver Preview

Pioneer's new line of Pioneer-branded receivers have already impressed us. They are packing a lot of features and technology for their price. But the VSX-1120-K offers the pinnacle of the Pioneer-branded line. After that, you'll have to bump up to the Elite-branded series. Since they just released new Elite receivers not too long ago, you'll have to wait a few more months before you get a gander at one of those. So if you want the latest (if not greatest) from Pioneer, the VSX-1120-K is it.

Check out AV Rant for an interview with Dave Bales of Pioneer Electronics about their new line of receivers.

As we mentioned in the First Look of the VSX-1020-K, we felt that it was at a sweet spot of price and features. This doesn't mean that the VSX-1120-K is any slouch - it isn't. We feel that the VSX-1120-K will have more of an appeal to the hardcore enthusiast with specific performance and integration needs and desires. The VSX-1120-K commands a $200 premium over the VSX-1020-K meaning that you'll have to shell out about $750 for the unit. So, what do you get for your extra $200? Some very specific upgrades.

First let's start of with the similarities. The VSX-1120-K sports all the features of the VSX-1020-K including 7x100 watts of amplification, iPhone Certification with on-screen album art and iPhone app control, six 3D ready HDMI 1.4 ports including one on the front plate, Bluetooth readiness, assignable amps for Dolby ProLogic IIz height channels or Zone 2, graphical GUI, Ethernet jack for Internet radio, Sound Retriever AIR, 1080p video upconversion, and advanced MCACC auto setup and calibration. That sounds like a lot - and it is. But remember, these are all features that are shared with the VSX-1020-K.

The first, and most minor, of upgrades is in the assignable Zone 2/height channel binding posts. Up until the VSX-1120-K these have been either absent (lower models) or use spring-type clips. As Audioholics, we are opposed to spring-type binding posts in general but especially at this price point. Pioneer anticipated this and upgraded them to the more traditional five-way binding posts.

The next addition to the feature set of the VSX-1120-K is a RS-232 port. While this might not matter to many home enthusiasts, it makes a big difference for custom installers. This gives the custom installer much more flexibility in integrating the VSX-1120-K into a control system. The RS-232 port is used for direct control of higher-end home automation systems. Also included with the VSX-1120-K is direct PC control. As long as you have your receiver connected to a router via the Ethernet port, you can access and control it with any PC or Mac on the network. For some features (such as setting up Internet radio presets and renaming inputs), PC control is invaluable.

The last two upgrades speak directly to the audio and video performance enthusiast. On the audio side you have multichannel PQLS. Pioneer's Precision Quartz Lock System allows compatible Pioneer Blu-ray players to use the internal clock of the receiver to eliminate jitter. This feature was introduced with the VSX-920-K and carried through the VSX-1020-K but only with two-channel support. The VSX-1120-K introduces full multichannel support so you can have a jitter-free surround sound experience.

Lastly, Pioneer has upgraded their video upconversion system from the Anchor Bay ABT1015 chipset to Marvel. The Marvel chipset upconverts everything including digital HDMI signals to 1080p. Pioneer also has implemented their PureCinema processing which includes 3D noise reduction and Y/C color separation. For those looking for the best video processing in the Pioneer-branded line - the VSX-1120-K is it.

Conclusion

While we saw the VSX-1020-K as a value leader at $550 in the new Pioneer lineup, the VSX-1120-K is a worthy addition. Many of the upgrades will appeal to those that are looking for the best possible audio and video performance matched with an ease of use and system integration unparalleled in the Pioneer-branded line. Will the VSX-1120-K be for everyone? No. But those that don't mind paying a premium for extra convenience and performance are going to be very tempted.

For more information, please visit www.pioneerelectronics.com or check out testfreaks.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.