Pioneer VSX-1021-K

Pioneer VSX-1021-K Review

When we visited with Pioneer at the CEDIA 2011 expo, our primary goal was to learn more about its new partnership with Sharp, its recent decision to license out the Elite brand name and have a look at the new Elite displays. But, as beautiful as the new Elite TVs were, we just couldn’t help but be distracted by Pioneer’s line-up of A/V receivers; especially the new Elite SC-57 and it’s fancy new digital amplification (which we will be reviewing soon). The Elite receivers weren’t all that caught our eye, though. Pioneer’s standard line is now supporting some network features and iPod/iPhone/iPad integration that include-and go beyond Apple’s AirPlay - all at a nicely competitive price point. To us, that’s an indication that Pioneer is dedicated to keeping up with the times by providing advanced functionality in a receiver most folks can afford. We had to wonder though: Did Pioneer have to skimp on sound quality to bring in all these new features while still keeping the sticker price low? We have our review of the Pioneer VSX-1021-K A/V receiver which, while not at the top of Pioneer’s standard line, is still loaded with features and what appears to be ample power, too. Does it deliver the goods? Read on to find out.