THX Ultra2 means enjoying exciting eight-channel playback performances from any multi-
channel programme over the widest possible seating area. Pioneer was the first to
introduce THX Ultra2 certification with the original masterpiece, VSA-AX10. With THX
Ultra2 certification, the VSA-AX10Ai-S has set the pace for the next generation. Whereas
original THX Ultra was intended for Dolby Pro Logic sources, THX Ultra2 is entirely adapted to recent high-
quality digital formats such as DTS and Dolby Digital. A true breakthrough in home entertainment
technology, THX Ultra2 ensures optimal multi-channel music and film enjoyment. In addition to THX Cinema
and THX Surround EX, THX Ultra2 technology includes two new modes featuring THX exclusive technology,
ASA (Advanced Speaker Array). THX Ultra2 Cinema allows non-Surround EX-encoded, Dolby Digital 5.1 and
DTS 5.1 material to be played on a seven-speaker configuration. For music playback, THX Music Mode can
handle all types of music formats, including high resolution DVD-Audio and SACD multi-channel music
recordings.
Some of the most talented sound engineers from one of the world’s leading recording
studios, AIR Studios in London, contributed an unquestionable amount of expertise to
this revolutionary multi-channel stereophonic amplifier, to replicate a professional sound
studio at your home. AIR Studios was founded by Sir George Martin, the legendary
Beatles producer and an Academy Award®-nominated composer. Established in 1969,
AIR Studios is now a state-of-the-art recording complex with matchless facilities for film scoring, rock,
pop, classical and orchestral work, post-production and live events. Many popular and renowned musical
talents, like Madonna, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Oasis and Coldplay have worked in
this unique and inspirational recording environment. It has also served as the soundstage for movies
such as
Harry Potter, Fantasia, Star Wars: Shadow of the Empire, Lord of the Rings
and David Arnold’s
scores for contemporary James Bond blockbusters.
Heir to the VSA-AX10’s world-first 96 kHz/24-bit decoder, the VSA-AX10Ai-S reproduces high-quality sound, exactly as
recorded on 96 kHz, 24-bit master tapes in the studio. The latest audio format by DTS — the multi-platform DTS 96/24
— was the first compressed surround format technology to support 96 kHz and 24-bit sound resolution and multi-
channel capabilities. With its super low audio compression rate, all your discs with DTS-encoded audio soundtracks will sound rich and
sophisticated. Backwards compatible with existing DTS decoders, you’ll also be able to enjoy traditional DTS discs.
THX Surround EX/Dolby Digital EX
DTS Extended Surround Discrete 6.1 is a true 6.1-channel format where an additional Surround Back audio channel is
discretely encoded into the DTS bit stream offering enhanced spatialisation over the surround channels for complete
360-degree sound localisation and surround panoramas. The VSA-AX10Ai-S features a DTS ES decoder that will allow
you to play back discrete 6.1-channel content from DVDs. You will also welcome full compatibility with any DTS ES or
5.1-channel recording.
DTS ES Matrix 6.1 is where the additional Surround Back audio channel is ‘matrixed’ into the rear left and right surround channels in the
DTS data stream. The DTS ES decoder then extracts the Surround Back channel that is placed behind you and puts you right in the middle
of the action.
DTS NEO:6 modes apply conventional 2-channel signals to the high-precision
digital matrix decoder and achieves 6.1-channel surround playback. High-
precision input signal detection and matrix processing enable a full band
reproduction for all 6.1 channels. It also improves the separation between the different channels to almost
the same level as that of a digital discrete system. DTS NEO:6 Cinema Mode decodes with an emphasis on
separation performance to achieve the same atmosphere with 2-channel sources recorded in conventional
surround formats as it does with 6.1-channel sources. The original 2-channel signal is distributed into
6 channels thanks to the sophisticated DTS matrix decoding technology. Meanwhile, the effect of the
surround signal output from the centre and surround channels adds a natural sense of expansion to the
sound field. In DTS NEO:6 Music Mode the front channel signals bypass the decoder and are played directly,
so accurate music reproduction is achieved.
STEP 3
Professional expertise
The final step to high fidelity reproduction according to Pioneer’s Advanced Multi-Channel Stereophonic Philosophy is reproducing the art in sound. Pioneer pulls it all together with professional
expertise from two sources: a finely tuned product design with professional sound recording studio input from AIR Studios, and Pioneer experience and knowledge regarding surround sound formats
and technology. You can be sure that this THX Ultra2-certified amplifier is packed with the latest sound format technology including Dolby Pro Logic IIx, DTS 96/24 as well as THX Surround EX, Dolby
Digital EX, DTS ES and DTS NEO:6, delivering sound with the same passion and emotion as the original artist intended.
THX Ultra2 processing and certification
AIR Studios sound tuning
AIR Studios control room
DTS 96/24 decoding
THX Surround EX/Dolby Digital EX is a joint development of Dolby
Laboratories and THX. EX technology creates an extra ‘Surround Back’
channel, which may have been added when the programme was mixed.
By decoding the surround back channel from the left and right surround channels of 5.1 soundtracks, this
additional surround back channel allows more detailed imaging behind the listener and brings more depth
and better sound localisation than ever before, to give you the feel of 6.1 channels. THX Surround EX/Dolby
Digital EX is compatible with existing Dolby Digital 5.1 so that a Dolby Digital decoder can decode signals
of Surround EX as normal 5.1 signals.
DTS ES Decoding
DTS NEO:6
8
