PIONEER VSX-321-K-P (01) PDF Document

For the PIONEER VSX-321-K-P, proper ventilation is crucial for reliable operation and to prevent overheating.

Ventilation: When installing the unit, leave space around it to improve heat radiation. Allow at least 20 cm (8 inches) at the top, 10 cm (4 inches) at the rear, and 10 cm (4 inches) on each side. The slots and openings in the cabinet are for ventilation and should never be blocked or covered with items like newspapers, tablecloths, or curtains. Do not operate the equipment on a thick carpet or a bed.

Operating Environment:

Temperature and Humidity: The operating environment should be between +5 °C to +35 °C (+41 °F to +95 °F) with less than 85% relative humidity (cooling vents not blocked).

Installation Location: Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or strong artificial light).

When you unbox your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P, please check that you have received the following supplied accessories:

• Remote control

• AAA size IEC R03 dry cell batteries (x2)

• AM loop antenna

• FM wire antenna

• These operating instructions

To set up your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P AV receiver, follow this flow of settings:

Step 1: Connecting the speakers (Required)

The placement of your speakers significantly affects the sound. First, place the speakers in their desired locations, and then connect them to the receiver.

Step 2: Connecting the components (Required)

For optimal surround sound, use a digital connection from your Blu-ray Disc/DVD player to the receiver. Connect your TV, other playback components, and antennas.

Step 3: Power On (Required)

Plug in the receiver. Ensure your TV’s video input is set to the one connected to the receiver.

Step 4: The FL Demo Mode menu (As necessary)

If you do not want the demo display to show on the front panel, you can turn it off in the FL Demo Mode menu.

Step 5: Playing a source (Required)

Select the source you wish to play, choose the appropriate audio input signal, and select a listening mode.

Step 6: Adjusting the sound (As necessary)

Fine-tune the audio using features like Sound Retriever, Phase Control, surround back channel processing, the Up Mix function, and other audio options in the Speaker Setup menu.

The front panel of the PIONEER VSX-321-K-P provides access to essential functions and displays system status.

Controls:

1. INPUT SELECTOR dial: Selects an input source.

2. Receiver control buttons:

• SPEAKERS: Turns the speaker system on or off. When SP OFF is selected, no sound is output from the speakers.

• DIMMER: Dims or brightens the display in four steps.

• DISPLAY: Switches the information shown on the display (listening mode, volume, input name).

3. Tuner control buttons:

• BAND: Switches between AM, FM ST (stereo), and FM MONO radio bands.

• TUNER EDIT: Used with TUNE and PRESET buttons to memorize and name stations.

• TUNE ↑/↓: Used to find radio frequencies.

• PRESET ◀/▶: Used to select preset radio stations.

4. Remote sensor: Receives signals from the remote control.

5. HDMI indicator: Blinks when connecting an HDMI component; lights when connected.

6. MASTER VOLUME dial: Adjusts the main volume level.

7. STANDBY/ON: Switches the unit on or to standby.

8. PHONES jack: For connecting headphones. Sound from speakers is muted when headphones are plugged in.

9. Listening mode buttons:

• AUTO SURROUND/STREAM DIRECT: Switches between Auto surround and Stream Direct playback.

• ALC/STANDARD SURR: Switches between standard decoding modes like Pro Logic II, Pro Logic IIx, NEO:6, and Auto level control stereo mode.

• ADVANCED SURROUND: Switches between various surround modes.

• STEREO: Selects stereo playback.

10. SOUND RETRIEVER: Restores CD-quality sound to compressed audio sources.

Display Indicators:

• PHASE: Lights when Phase Control is on.

• AUTO: Lights when Auto Surround is on.

• Tuner indicators (ST, TUNE, PRESET, MEM, kHz/MHz): Show status of radio reception and presets.

• Speaker indicators (SP A, SP): Show if the speaker system is on or off.

• Sleep timer indicator: Lights when the sleep timer is active.

• DTS indicators (DTS, HD, ES, 96/24, NEO:6): Indicate detection and decoding of various DTS audio formats.

• Dolby Digital indicators (D, D+, D HD, EX, D PLII(x)): Indicate detection and decoding of various Dolby Digital audio formats.

• ADV.S.: Lights when an Advanced Surround mode is selected.

• SIGNAL SELECT indicators (DIGITAL, HDMI): Show the type of audio signal selected.

• Up Mix/DIMMER indicator: Lights when the Up Mix function is ON or when the dimmer is set to off.

• DIR.: Lights when DIRECT or PURE DIRECT mode is on.

The remote control for the PIONEER VSX-321-K-P allows you to access a wide range of functions for the receiver and other compatible components.

Basic Receiver Control:

• RECEIVER (Power): Switches the receiver between standby and on.

• RECEIVER (Mode): Switches the remote to control the receiver. Press this before using buttons with white text labels like MIDNIGHT.

• SLEEP: Sets the sleep timer (30 min – 60 min – 90 min – Off).

• INPUT SELECT ∧/∨: Selects the input source.

• Input function buttons (BD, DVD, etc.): Selects a specific input source and allows control of that component.

• MASTER VOLUME +/-: Adjusts the listening volume.

• MUTE: Mutes or unmutes the sound.

Audio & Listening Mode Control:

• PHASE: Toggles Phase Control on/off.

• S.RETRIEVER: Toggles the Sound Retriever function for compressed audio.

• SIGNAL SEL: Selects the audio input signal (HDMI, Digital, Analog) for the current source.

• Listening Mode Buttons (AUTO/DIRECT, STEREO, ALC/STANDARD, ADV SURR): Select various listening modes.

• BASS -/+, TRE -/+: Adjusts Bass or Treble levels.

• MIDNIGHT: Switches to Midnight or Loudness listening modes.

Menu and Navigation:

• AUDIO PARAMETER: Accesses the Audio options menu.

• SETUP: Accesses the System Setup menu.

• Arrow Buttons (∧/∨/◀/▶) & ENTER: Navigate menus and confirm selections.

• RETURN: Confirms and exits the current menu screen.

Tuner Control (Press TUNER first):

• TUNER EDIT: Memorizes and names stations.

• BAND: Switches between AM and FM bands.

• TUNE ↑/↓: Finds radio frequencies.

• PRESET ◀/▶: Selects preset radio stations.

Component Control:

• To control other components like a Blu-ray player, first press the corresponding input button (e.g., BD). You can then use buttons like TOP MENU, HOME MENU, playback controls (▶, ❚❚, ■, etc.), and the arrow buttons.

Loading the Batteries:

To load the two supplied AAA batteries, open the battery compartment on the back of the remote. Insert the batteries, making sure to match the plus (+) and minus (-) symbols on the batteries with the markings inside the compartment. Then, close the cover.

Operating Range:

The remote control for the PIONEER VSX-321-K-P should be pointed at the receiver’s remote sensor on the front panel. It will function reliably within a distance of approximately 7 meters (23 feet) and within a 30-degree angle to the left and right of the sensor.

The remote control may not work properly if:

• There are obstacles between the remote and the receiver’s sensor.

• Direct sunlight or fluorescent light is shining on the sensor.

• The receiver is near a device emitting infrared rays.

• The receiver is operated simultaneously with another infrared remote.

Proper speaker placement is key to achieving high-quality sound with your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P. Here are some guidelines:

• General Height: Ideally, all speakers except the subwoofer should be at about ear-level when you are seated. Avoid placing them on the floor or mounting them very high on a wall.

• Front Speakers (L/R): For the best stereo effect, place the front left and right speakers 2 to 3 meters (6 to 9 ft.) apart, at an equal distance from the TV.

• Center Speaker (C): Place the center speaker directly above or below the TV screen so the dialogue sounds like it’s coming from the screen. Ensure it doesn’t block the line of sight to the front speakers.

• Subwoofer (SW): The subwoofer can be placed on the floor in a convenient location, as low-frequency sounds are less directional.

• Surround Speakers (SL/SR): In a 5.1 or 7.1 channel system, these should be positioned to the sides of the listening position, about 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) higher than your ears, and tilted slightly downward. They should not face each other.

• Surround Back Speakers (SBL/SBR): In a 6.1 or 7.1 channel system, these should be placed behind the listening position, also 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) higher than your ears.

• Angle: It is best to angle the speakers towards the main listening position. Use a smaller angle for larger rooms.

• Distance: Try not to place the surround speakers farther from the listening position than the front and center speakers, as this can weaken the surround effect.

To connect speakers using bare speaker wire to your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P, follow these steps. Be sure to complete all connections before plugging the receiver into an AC power outlet.

Step 1. Push open the spring-clip tab on the speaker terminal.

Step 2. Insert the exposed, bare end of the speaker wire fully into the terminal opening.

Step 3. Release the tab to lock the wire in place.

Ensure you connect the right speaker to the right (R) terminals and the left speaker to the left (L) terminals. Also, match the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the receiver to the corresponding terminals on your speakers.

You can connect various audio and video components to your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P using different types of cables.

Using HDMI Cables:

For components like a Blu-ray Disc player, use a High Speed HDMI® cable to connect the component’s HDMI OUT to one of the HDMI IN ports on the receiver. Then, connect the receiver’s HDMI OUT to an HDMI IN port on your TV. This single cable carries both high-definition video and digital audio.

Using Digital Audio Cables (Optical/Coaxial):

If your component lacks HDMI but has a digital audio output, use either an optical or coaxial digital audio cable. Connect the component’s digital out to the corresponding COAXIAL or OPTICAL input on the receiver. You will need a separate video cable (composite) to connect the video signal.

Using Analog Audio Cables (RCA):

For components with analog stereo outputs, use RCA phono cables. Connect the red plug to the R (right) terminal and the white plug to the L (left) terminal on both the component and the receiver’s corresponding input jacks.

Video Output Connection Note:

This receiver does not convert video signals. If you connect a source using a composite video cable, you must connect the receiver to the TV using a composite video cable. The signal will not be output through the HDMI OUT port. Similarly, HDMI video input is only output through the HDMI OUT port.

To listen to the radio on your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P, connect the included AM and FM antennas.

Connecting the AM Loop Antenna:

Step 1. Push open the spring-clip tabs for the AM LOOP antenna terminals.

Step 2. Insert one wire fully into each terminal, then release the tabs to secure the wires.

Step 3. Fix the AM loop antenna to the attached stand.

Step 4. Place the AM antenna on a flat surface and orient it for the best reception.

Connecting the FM Wire Antenna:

Step 1. Plug the FM wire antenna into the FM UNBAL 75 Ω antenna socket.

Step 2. For best results, fully extend the antenna and fix it to a wall or door frame. Do not leave it coiled up.

For improved reception, you can connect external AM or FM antennas to the respective terminals.

To play a source like a DVD player through your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P, follow these steps:

Step 1. Switch on your playback component (e.g., DVD player), your TV, and then the receiver by pressing RECEIVER (power button).

Step 2. Switch your TV’s input to the one connected to the receiver (e.g., HDMI 1, VIDEO 1).

Step 3. On the receiver’s remote, press the input function button for the source you want to play (e.g., DVD).

Step 4. Press the AUTO/DIRECT button on the remote to select ‘AUTO SURROUND’ and start playback on your source component. The receiver will automatically detect the audio format (e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS) and play it back appropriately.

Step 5. Use the MASTER VOLUME dial on the receiver or the volume buttons on the remote to adjust the sound level. It’s recommended to turn down your TV’s volume so all sound comes from the receiver’s speakers.

You can listen to AM and FM radio stations and save your favorites as presets on the PIONEER VSX-321-K-P.

Listening to the Radio:

Step 1. Press TUNER on the remote to select the tuner input.

Step 2. Press BAND to switch between FM (stereo or mono) and AM bands.

Step 3. Tune to a station. You can do this by:

• Automatic tuning: Press and hold TUNE ↑/↓ for about a second to scan for the next station.

• Manual tuning: Press TUNE ↑/↓ repeatedly to change the frequency one step at a time.

If an FM station’s signal is weak, press BAND to select FM MONO to improve sound quality.

Saving Station Presets:

Step 1. Tune to the station you want to save.

Step 2. Press TUNER EDIT on the remote. PRESET and a blinking MEM will appear on the display.

Step 3. Press PRESET ◀/▶ to select a preset number (up to 30).

Step 4. Press ENTER to store the station. The preset number will stop blinking.

Listening to Presets:

Press PRESET ◀/▶ on the remote to cycle through your saved stations.

Naming Presets:

Step 1. Select the preset you want to name.

Step 2. Press TUNER EDIT twice. A blinking cursor will appear.

Step 3. Use PRESET ◀/▶ to move the cursor and TUNE ↑/↓ to select characters to create a name (up to 8 characters). Press ENTER to save the name.

You can record audio from the built-in tuner or from a source connected to the analog audio inputs of your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P. Note that signals input via HDMI or digital (optical/coaxial) cables cannot be recorded.

Step 1. On the remote, press the input function button for the source you want to record (e.g., CD, TUNER).

Step 2. If necessary, press SIGNAL SEL to select the analog inputs (A) for the source component.

Step 3. Prepare the source you want to record (e.g., tune to a radio station, load a CD).

Step 4. Prepare your recording device (e.g., insert a blank tape or MD) and set its recording levels.

Step 5. Start recording on your recording device, then start playback of the source component.

The PIONEER VSX-321-K-P offers various listening modes to suit different audio sources and speaker setups. You can select them using the listening mode buttons on the remote or front panel (AUTO/DIRECT, ALC/STANDARD, ADV SURR, STEREO).

Two Channel Source Modes:

Multichannel Source Modes:

Advanced Surround Modes: These create a variety of surround effects for different content types.

The PIONEER VSX-321-K-P includes several features to improve your listening experience.

Using the Sound Retriever:

This feature restores CD-quality sound to compressed 2-channel audio sources (like MP3s) by restoring sound pressure and smoothing artifacts. Press the S.RETRIEVER button on the remote to switch the Sound Retriever (S.RTV) ON or OFF.

Using Phase Control:

This feature uses phase correction to ensure the sound from all speakers arrives at your listening position in phase, preventing distortion and creating an optimal sound image. It is on by default. You can press the PHASE button on the remote to switch Phase Control (P.CTL) ON or OFF.

Using Stream Direct:

These modes provide the truest possible reproduction of a source by bypassing unnecessary signal processing. Press AUTO/DIRECT to cycle through:

• AUTO SURROUND: Automatically detects the source format.

• DIRECT: Sources are heard according to speaker setup settings. Phase Control and other adjustments are available.

• PURE DIRECT: Analog and PCM sources are heard without any digital processing for the purest sound.

You can adjust additional sound settings in the AUDIO PARAMETER menu on your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P. Note that available options depend on the current source and listening mode.

Step 1. On the remote, press RECEIVER, then press the AUDIO PARAMETER button.

Step 2. Use the ∧/∨ arrow buttons to select the setting you want to adjust.

Step 3. Use the ◀/▶ arrow buttons to change the setting.

Step 4. Press RETURN to confirm and exit the menu.

Here are some of the available audio options:

To optimize surround sound performance, you need to configure your speaker settings in the System Setup menu on the PIONEER VSX-321-K-P.

Step 1. Press RECEIVER, then press SETUP on the remote.

Step 2. Use the arrow buttons to navigate to ‘SP SETUP’ and press ENTER.

From here you can access several sub-menus:

SP SET (Speaker Setting):

Here you specify the size and number of speakers connected. Select each speaker group (F, C, S, SB, SW) and choose an option:

• Front (F): Should be set to SMALL.

• Center (C): Select SMALL if you have a center speaker, or NO if you don’t.

• Surround (S): Select SMALL if you have surround speakers, or NO if you don’t.

• Surround Back (SB): Select the number of surround back speakers you have (X1 for one, X2 for two) or NO if you have none.

• Subwoofer (SW): Select YES if you have a subwoofer. Select PLUS if you want the subwoofer to output bass continuously and for deeper bass. Select NO if you don’t have a subwoofer.

X.OVER (Crossover Network):

This setting determines the frequency cutoff point where bass sounds are sent to the subwoofer or LARGE speakers. The default is 200Hz and should not be changed for this system.

CH LEVEL (Channel Level):

This allows you to adjust the volume level of each speaker individually to balance the sound at your listening position. You can use the built-in test tones (T. TONE M for manual or T. TONE A for automatic) to help set the levels.

SP DISTN (Speaker Distance):

Enter the distance of each speaker from your main listening position. This helps the receiver apply the correct delay for effective surround sound.

You can configure the automatic power-off and front panel demo display features on your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P through the System Setup menu.

The Auto Power Down (APD) Menu:

This feature automatically turns the receiver off after a specified period of inactivity.

Step 1. Press RECEIVER, then press SETUP on the remote.

Step 2. Use the arrow buttons to select ‘APD’ and press ENTER.

Step 3. Use the ◀/▶ buttons to select 2, 4, or 6 hours, or OFF to disable the feature.

Step 4. Press RETURN to exit.

The FL Demo Mode Menu:

This allows you to turn the front panel’s demonstration display on or off.

Step 1. Press RECEIVER, then press SETUP on the remote.

Step 2. Use the arrow buttons to select ‘FL DEMO’ and press ENTER.

Step 3. Use the ◀/▶ buttons to choose ON or OFF for the demo display.

Step 4. Press RETURN to exit.

To reset all settings on your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P to the factory defaults, use the controls on the front panel of the unit.

Step 1. Switch the receiver into standby mode.

Step 2. While holding down the BAND button, press and hold the STANDBY/ON button for about two seconds.

Step 3. When ‘RESET?’ appears on the display, press the AUTO SURROUND/STREAM DIRECT button. ‘OK?’ will show on the display.

Step 4. Press the ALC/STANDARD SURR button to confirm. ‘OK’ will appear on the display, indicating the receiver has been reset.

To clean the exterior of your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P, follow these guidelines:

• For general cleaning, use a polishing cloth or a dry cloth to wipe off dust and dirt.

• If the surface is dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth that has been dipped in a solution of mild neutral cleanser diluted five or six times with water and then wrung out well. Afterwards, wipe it again with a dry cloth.

• Never use thinners, benzine, insecticide sprays, furniture wax, cleansers, or other chemicals on or near the unit, as these can corrode the surface.

If you encounter issues with your PIONEER VSX-321-K-P, please check the following troubleshooting points before seeking service.

Power Issues

• The power does not turn on: Disconnect and reconnect the power plug. Ensure no loose speaker wire strands are touching the rear panel.

• The receiver suddenly switches off: The Auto Power Down feature may be active. Check its setting. If it switches off again after turning back on, contact service.

No Sound

• Check that MASTER VOLUME is turned up and MUTE is off.

• Ensure the correct input signal is selected (HDMI, Digital, or Analog) via the SIGNAL SEL button.

• Verify that all components and speakers are connected correctly.

• Check the audio output settings on your source component.

• No sound from subwoofer: Ensure the source has an LFE channel. In Speaker Settings, set the subwoofer to YES or PLUS.

• No sound from surround/center speakers: Check speaker connections and settings in the Speaker Setting menu.

No Image

• Verify all component and TV connections are correct.

• Remember that this receiver does not convert video signals. Use the same type of video cable (e.g., HDMI) for both input and output.

• Ensure the correct video input is selected on your TV.

Remote Control Issues

• Can’t operate the remote: Replace the batteries. Ensure you are within 7m (23 ft) and a 30° angle of the sensor, with no obstructions. Avoid direct light on the sensor.

Display Issues

• The display is dark or off: Press the DIMMER button repeatedly.

• Display changes for no reason: The demo display is active. Turn it off in the FL DEMO menu.

• ‘TEMP’ shows in the display: The unit is overheating. Move it to a location with better ventilation and lower the volume.

Radio Issues

• Considerable noise in broadcasts: Adjust the antenna position. Move antennas away from other cables and equipment causing interference.

Audio Section

Video Section

Tuner Section

Digital In/Out Section

Miscellaneous