Pioneer VSX-1021-K (photos)

by ZDNet Author | May 13, 2011 3:00pm PDT | Image 1 of 14

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Pioneer has undeniably been the main innovator in the midrange AV receiver space over the last few years, for example adding the ability to connect an iPod/iPhone directly via USB--and including a cable--before anyone else.

Now Pioneer is making iPod support one step easier with the VSX-1021-K, letting you wirelessly stream music from an iOS device--such as an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch--using AirPlay, Apple's proprietary media streaming format (check out our full hands-on). In addition to AirPlay, the VSX-1021-K also features a slew of other attractive features, including five HDMI inputs, DLNA compatibility, and Pioneer's iOS remote control app, iControlAV2. Not to mention the fact that it sounds pretty great, too.

As impressive as that package sounds, it's still not quite enough to make the VSX-1021-K our top midrange receiver pick of 2011. The Denon AVR-1912 edges it out just slightly by also offering AirPlay, plus one more HDMI port, a two-year warranty, more built-in streaming media services, and slightly better sound quality.

That still makes the VSX-1021-K our second favorite receiver of the year and it could be the top choice for some buyers if they really can't stand the inferior onscreen display of the Denon.

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