It hasn't taken long for iTunes and iPods to worm their way into our car and living room stereos, but it's been a bumpy ride along the way. Mixing and matching traditional stereo components with newfangled computer software and devices is too often a prescription for a troubleshooting headache and frazzled nerves.
Pioneer aims to make this analog-digital marriage a smoother ride with the VSX-1021-K, a 7.1-channel AV receiver with a booming 90 watts per channel. It's an affordable, network-savvy receiver that plays nice with Apple's iTunes and iGadgets, and it doesn't require an IT administrator or a bottle of Advil to get the ball rolling.
For a receiver packed to the gills with goodies, the 1021's design is understated. Two large knobs on either side control volume and inputs, and small buttons across the face give you access to various features and audio settings. The overall build quality seems OK — plastic face, plastic knobs, lightweight — and about par for a midlevel component these days.
The remote has 64 buttons. Yes, I counted. Almost all of them look alike (tiny rectangles), with the volume only slightly larger than the rest. Industrial design has come so far, but it seems remote controls have most missed the boat — too many functions are crammed into tight quarters, with tiny text printed next to each button. Fortunately, there are now some great alternatives to using a supplied remote, and that's where the fun really begins with the receiver.
Pioneer means to impress with its slick integration with Apple products, and it starts with two free apps that let you control the receiver using an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Using Apple's AirPlay technology, you can stream CD-quality music from your iTunes collection – hosted on any networked computer – to the stereo.
To start the setup, you need to hook an ethernet cable into the back of the VSX-1021-K. There is an optional wireless adapter you can buy from Pioneer, but you have to fork over $150 for the privilege of life without wires.
Once connected, the iControl AV2 app lets you browse and access your iTunes library using your preferred Apple gizmo. The app's interface on the iPad is polished, and a huge upgrade from the physical remote.
There's a big volume knob front and center, where it belongs, and a collection of source icons below. On the side are menus where you can go and dial in the sound to suit your room and system.
My iTunes and other music libraries on my laptop popped right up when I started the iControl app, and I was off and running. When I pulled up long lists of albums and artists (50 GB or so), the scroll had a lag that was slightly bothersome, but the names slowly appear as it communicates over Wi-Fi.
Over the course of a week using the 1021, I experienced occasional delays using the iControl app, and it lost its connection to my router on several occasions, but recovered quickly. All in all, though, it's a slick app that allows for quick, easy access to multiple music sources, and gives you a glimpse into the world of high-end, multiroom AV systems and their customized visual remotes. So go ahead, pretend you're Puffy for a day.
