Pioneer Elite VSX-60

    71
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Bluetooth, Ethernet

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    1. Overview

    Pioneer Elite VSX-60 was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 1080/60p and upscales up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 71 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

    Amplifier
    72
    Audio Features
    73
    Video Features
    54
    Connectivity
    78
    Zones
    82
    Radio
    85
    OVERALL
    71

    For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite VSX-60.

    PROs

    •   Front Wide Channel Support
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   Bluetooth
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora

    CONs

    •   No Dolby Atmos
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No DTS:X
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No Dolby Vision
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Spotify
    •   No Tidal

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   Power Output - 90 W
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   RCA Line Inputs
    •   2 Zones

    3. Pioneer 2012 Lineup

    In 2012 Pioneer released 13 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Pioneer 2012 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsVideo Pass.Zones Price
    SC-68 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W9.111.24K4
    SC-67 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W9.111.24K4
    SC-65 Image cannot be found 9.2130 W9.111.24K3
    SC-63 Image cannot be found 7.2125 W7.19.21080p3
    SC-61 Image cannot be found 7.2125 W7.19.21080p3
    VSX-60 Image cannot be found 7.290 W7.11080p2
    VSX-42 Image cannot be found 7.180 W7.11080p2
    SC-1522-K Image cannot be found 9.2130 W9.111.21080p3
    SC-1222-K Image cannot be found 7.2120 W7.19.21080p3
    VSX-1122-K Image cannot be found 7.290 W7.11080p3
    VSX-1022-K Image cannot be found 7.180 W7.11080p1
    VSX-822-K Image cannot be found 5.180 W7.12.11080p1
    VSX-522-K Image cannot be found 5.180 W7.12.11080p1

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-68 vs SC-67 vs SC-65 vs SC-63 vs SC-61 vs VSX-60.

    4. Amplifier

    7 channel Direct Energy Amplifier

    Pioneer Elite VSX-60 features 7 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.2
      Power Output90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignDirect Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp CapabilityFront Channel

      5. Speaker Configurations

      Pioneer Elite VSX-60's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Configurations: Available configurations are:
      • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Front Wide Channel support: Pioneer Elite VSX-60 supports front wide channels. With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels - 7.2.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite VSX-60 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

      6. HDMI

      Pioneer Elite VSX-60 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

      • 1080/60p Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
      • 1080p Upscaling: Pioneer Elite VSX-60 can upscale up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
      • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Pioneer Elite VSX-60 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
      • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite VSX-60 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.


      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 1080p
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)

      7. Room Calibration

      Pioneer Elite VSX-60 comes with Advanced MCACC room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

      • MCACC: Pioneer’s exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) delivers an easy-to-use, automatic sound adjustment system to precision-tune your Pioneer and Pioneer Elite receivers with minimal effort. Every MCACC system comes with a microphone to measure and analyze reverb characteristics. The equalizer optimally adjusts sound parameters to fit the size and shape of your home environment while maintaining the integrity of high-resolution playback without any degradation to the quality of your music.

      8. Multi-zone Playback

      Pioneer Elite VSX-60 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


      Zone 2

      • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
      • Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones 2
      Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output1 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1

      9. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 4 line inputs and 1 line output for analog audio connection.
      • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Inputs: 7 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
        8K Inputs: 0
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Inputs: 4   Outputs: 2
      • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Pioneer Elite VSX-60 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
      • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 1

      Front A/V Inputs

      • HDMI, USB, Composite Video
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      Optical Inputs2
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs2
      RCA Line Inputs4
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs4 (1 front)
      Composite Video Outputs2
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs2
      Component Video Outputs1

      10. Replaced by VSX-70

      In 2013 Pioneer Elite VSX-60 was replaced by Pioneer VSX-70. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer Elite VSX-60 and its successor.

      UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-70 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-60
      DTS Neo Neo:X vs Neo:6
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs WAV/FLAC
      Gapless Playback vs
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080p
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
      MHL Input 1 (Front) vs
      More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 7 (1 front)
      More HDMI Outputs 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE) vs 1
      More RCA Pre-Outs 2.2 vs 0.2
      More Zones 3 vs 2
      Zone 2 Outs Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out vs RCA Pre/Line Out
      HDMI Speaker B Link vs
      Spotify vs
      DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-70 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-60
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      Less Optical Inputs 1 vs 2
      Less Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 1 vs 2
      Less RCA Line Outputs vs 1
      Less Composite Video Outputs 1 vs 2
      Multi-Zone On-Screen Display vs
      SiriusXM vs

      For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-60 vs VSX-70.

      11. Evaluation

      We evaluate Pioneer Elite VSX-60 and give score of 71 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      OVERALL
      71

      Amplifier

      GOOD
      72

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-60 a score of 72 for Amplifier features.

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 90 W

      Audio Features

      GOOD
      73

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-60 a score of 73 for Audio Features features.

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      POOR
      54

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-60 a score of 54 for Video Features features.

      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      78

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-60 a score of 78 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet

      Zones

      GOOD
      82

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-60 a score of 82 for Zones features.

      •   2 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      85

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-60 a score of 85 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandPioneer
      SeriesElite
      ModelVSX-60
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryUSA
      Release Year2012
      SuccessorPioneer VSX-70
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.2
      Power Output90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignDirect Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp CapabilityFront Channel
      AUDIO FEATURES
      Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTI Aureus
      DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing7.1
      Air Studios Monitor Certification
      Dolby Atmos
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo Neo:6
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      Network Audio FormatsLPCM, WAV 192kHz, MP3, ACC, WMA, FLAC 192kHz
      Music Playback via USBWAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USBWAV/FLAC
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
      Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
      Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
      Sound Retriever AIR
      Digital noise Reduction
      Tone Control Front L/R Channels
      Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever
      High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit24 Audio Processing
      Digital Filter Slow Mode
      Audyssey Dynamic EQ
      Audyssey Dynamic Volume
      Audyssey LFC
      Audyssey Sub EQ HT
      Audyssey DSX
      Direct Mode
      Pure Direct Mode
      Auto Surround
      Optimum Surround
      Advanced Surround15 + Headphone Surround
      Wide Surround
      Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
      Headphone Surround
      Virtual SpeakersSurround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
      Virtual Depth
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC
      Manual MCACC
      MCACC Memory6
      Auto Phase Control Plus
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      EQ Bands9
      Symmetric EQ
      X-Curve
      Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
      Precision Distance
      Polarity Check
      Auto Subwoofer Crossover
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 1080p
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
      Component Video Upscaling
      Analog to Analog Video conversion
      Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
      Stream Smoother
      Pure Cinema
      Video Parameter AdjustmentsAdvanced Video Adjust - HD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black level
      Triple HD noise Reduction
      Super Resolution
      isf Certified Calibration Control
      CONNECTIVITY
      Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Chromecast Built-In
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay AirPlay
      Apple Product ConnectioniPod/iPhone/iPad
      Remote AppiControlAV2012 (iPad, iPhone, Android)
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      Optical Inputs2
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs2
      RCA Line Inputs4
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs4 (1 front)
      Composite Video Outputs2
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs2
      Component Video Outputs1
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite Video
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      adapterport
      ZONES
      Number of Zones2
      Powered Zones 2
      Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output1 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
      MISCELLANEOUS
      On-Screen DisplayGUI with Album Art
      Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
      HDMI Speaker B Link
      AV Navigator
      PC Set-Up
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker ConfigurationBi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Front Width
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      Remote ControllerLearning
      RADIO
      Analog Tuner FM/AM
      Presets63
      Digital Radio
      Internet Radio vTuner
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION
      Chassis
      Front PanelHairline
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals9
      Large Speaker Terminals9
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
      3D Space Frame Construction
      Gold plated RCA terminals
      POWER
      Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
      Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
      Transformer Stabilizer
      Power Consumption550 W
      Standby Power0.2 W
      Auto Power Standby
      PHYSICAL
      Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 168 mm x 362.5 mm
      17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 14-5/16"
      Weight9.9 kg (22 lbs)
      SPECIFICATIONS
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)90 W (0.08% THD)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)315 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
      Rated Lineout Level and Impedance315 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
      S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB
      S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))81 dB
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
      0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
      1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
      Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
      HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
      HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 Ma
      USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
      AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Warranty2 Years

      * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
      ** - 480i/576i only
      *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
      **** - 1080p signal is not converted

      Discussion

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.