Description
Pioneer VSP-200 AV Surround Processor/Amplifier Features This was a bit of an oddity: a Dolby Pro-Logic 5.1 surround processor with only a 3 channel amplifier. Why? What was the point? Consider how things were when surround sound for the home began: You might have had a perfectly good hi-fi with stereo amplifier and speakers. In those days, amplifiers would have had inputs for phono, tuner, tape and aux, perhaps a CD player if you were lucky. Televisions were mostly with cathode ray tubes. Inputs were all analogue, perhaps a SCART for a VCR, composite video for a camcorder or games console, and that was it. As new inventions appeared, not just video cassette recorders, but laser-discs (remember those?) and the first cable and satellite decoders, there werent enough sockets to plug them into. The first benefit of the Pioneer VSP-200 was as an AV switch box. You plugged all your video equipment into that: which might have been a BSkyB satellite receiver, an NTL or Telewest Blueyonder cable TV box, VHS (better still: Betamax) VCR, and whatever else you had. A single video output went to the TV, and L/R outputs to the aux input on your stereo amplifier. At a stroke, there was no need for any more contortions around the back of the TV and hi-fi to swap leads. The Pioneer did it for you! Brilliant! If the L/R analogue audio input carried Dolby Pro-Logic Surround encoding, the VSP-200 would process that into separate channels. This is where it really shone. With reference to the diagram included in the photogarphs: the left and right front speakers were directed to the left and right channels of your stereo amplifier [2]. Three integrated amplifier channels within the VSP-200 supplied power to a centre speaker (dialogue channel) [4] and two rear speakers (surround and ambient effects) [5][6]. There was also a pre-amp output for a sub-woofer [3]. The disadvantage today is that all these inputs and outputs were via analogue RCA sockets. The supported video signal was standard definition analogue composite video, or 576i. HDMI hadnt been invented. It didnt worry us at the time. VHS video was only 200 lines (and Betamax 250 lines). This receiver is suitable for UK 240V 50Hz mains supply only. There is no voltage selector to change input voltage on this particular model. History I bought this new in 1997. My priority was stereo music first, surround effects second. I auditioned several AV Receivers. They were good at explosions but rubbish at just about everything else. Musically, my existing hi-fi amp was in a different league. Several h-fi magazines liked this Pioneer VSP-200. It was cheap, only £200 or so, yet it decoded Dolby Pro Logic. The rear channels had 20W, but the centre channel had 50W, and reviews thought it had better quality than many of the centre channels in AV Receivers for £300-£500 at the time. It solved my problem. I could keep my existing hi-fi for music and also benefit from surround sound when I wanted it. My system was a Cambridge P40, Monitor Audio MA-252 front speakers, NAD 808-CC centre speaker, and NAD bookshelf rear speakers. Most of these are also for sale in my other auctions. It all worked really well. By 2002, things had moved on. I replaced the whole kit and caboodle with a single Linn Classik Movie. The Pioneer VSP-200 was put back into its original box and stowed in the attic, in case it ever came in useful again. Cosmetic Condition Its pretty good. It was set up in one place in 1997 and not moved again until it was packed away five years later. There are some fine scratches on the lid, almost certainly as a result of struggling to plug in leads at the back with rather tight access to everything. The front fascia, even the acrylic on the LCD display, is in near-perfect condition. Functional Condition I have listed it as For spares or repair because I dont know. I have nothing to test it with any more. All my equipment now uses HDMI or other digital connections. Everything else has gone. Unfortunately, so too has the Pioneer remote and the user manual. They are here, somewhere, but if you saw how much stuff there is in the attic, youd realise its about as useful as saying its in London, somewhere. If I ever find it, I promise to post it on, free (but I cant say the chances are very good). As things stand, all I can say is I plugged it in, it didnt blow up, there were no nasty smells, or whisps of smoke. Little red LEDs lit up, and the digital display, just as I remembered. Pushing buttons made the display respond with different inputs and different modes. It seemed quite happy. Reason for Sale The attic floor is groaning under the weight of stuff kept in case it came in useful again. Im having a clear out. Apart from a cosmetic scratch on the lid, its in good condition and might even be working. For someone who still has lots of movies on VHS, or a VCR with only analogue outputs, it might be just the thing. If it doesnt sell in a week or two, Ill dispose of it at Townmead Recycling Centre. Bids starting at One New Pence! Go on! Save a thing! Collect in person and you wont even have to pay for post! International Post To any international buyers: first, I mean: youre mad, because youre going to spend more in post than this thing is worth. Otherwise I am relying on eBays Global Shipping Program for international post. This is where I simply post it to a UK warehouse and eBay take responsibility for the entire shipment from that point on: customs declaration, customs fees, shipping and delivery. I dont get to see or calculate those prices or delivery dates, but you do. I will simply promise to despatch it within 2 days of receiving payment in full.
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