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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. 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.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
8 people have already voted. Do you agree?

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7.1 channel pre-outs
+6agreedisagree

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Video upconversion to 1080p
+6agreedisagree

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Front panel USB port for connecting mp3 player
+5agreedisagree

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3 HDMI inputs
+3agreedisagree

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110 Watts of continuous power output (NOT 130 W)
+3agreedisagree

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High power output @ 130 Watts / channel
+1agreedisagree

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Energy Star Certified
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?

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No switched AC outlet
+5agreedisagree

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No S-Video inputs
+1agreedisagree

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Only 96KHz/24bit audio over HDMI. (see manual, bottom of pg 33)
+1agreedisagree

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No phono input
-1agreedisagree

Competing products

Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K is ranked 3rd.  See the top picks in A/V Receivers

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More information

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

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9 comments about Pioneer VSX 1018 AH K

1.  avatar Erik  May 13, 2008 6:36pm

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..
2.  avatar mayo2222  May 14, 2008 10:23am

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.
3.  avatar Erik  May 14, 2008 10:24pm

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?
4.  avatar Erik  May 15, 2008 10:30am

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.

5.  avatar EJR  Jun 11, 2008 1:47pm

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.
6.  avatar Erik  Jun 11, 2008 2:14pm

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.
7.  avatar Erik  Jun 24, 2008 4:46pm

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.
8.  avatar jbelum  Jul 02, 2008 3:44pm

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
9.  avatar exanim8r  Aug 28, 2008 11:56pm

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.
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    Key Features:

    Audio Inputs HDMI, iPod, XM, Sirius, optical, coaxial, analog
    Manufacturer Pioneer
    MSRP $599.00
    Number of Channels 7.1, 6.1, 5.1, Stereo
    Release Date Jun. 1, 2008
    Video Inputs Component, HDMI, RCA
    Watts per Channel 110 W

    Sponsors

    Product page stats

    13064 views and 137 edits (see all)
    Created: 05/13/2008 - 18:05
    Modified: 10/06/2008 - 22:01
    Model # variations:

    VSX, 1018, AH, K, VSX1018, 1018AH, AHK, VSX1018AH, 1018AHK, VSX1018AHK