Pioneer’s
premium VSX
collection of Elite AV
receivers was first launched in 2021, introducing new options like Dirac Stay
room correction, HDMI 2.1 with help for 8K video, and IMAX Enhanced Mode. It
was additionally in 2021 that Premium Audio Firm,
a subsidiary of Voxx Worldwide, purchased the rights to Pioneer’s dwelling
leisure division. (Premium Audio Firm
additionally owns Klipsch,
Onkyo, Integra,
Jamo, and the German loudspeaker firms HECO
and Magnat.) Now Pioneer has introduced its first product developed beneath the Premium Audio
Firm umbrella, a brand new flagship AVR referred to as
the Elite VSX-LX805, which can
promote for $2,999 when it turns into accessible from approved Elite retailers (and
at pioneerhomeusa.com) later this spring. The oldsters at
Pioneer Elite say that the VSX-LX805 will ship “distinctive audio
efficiency and studio-level processing for the discerning AV fanatic.”
The
Elite VSX-LX805 is an 11.2-channel receiver rated at
150 watts per
channel (with 2 channels pushed at 0.08%
THD). It presents most of the identical options because the recently-announced Integra DRX-8.4
AVRhowever for $200 much less. These similarities
embody the usage of premium 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips, mentioned to offer
“unprecedented dynamic vary and ultra-low distortion.” It’s price noting that
Denon followers would want to shell out $6,500 for the Denon AVR-A1H in an effort to get a 2023 receiver with ESS Sabre DACs, and Marantz followers would want to pony
up for the $7,000 OFF 10
processor. The Elite VSX-LX805
boasts a brand new symmetrical class-AB amplifier part that includes fan-shaped, anti-resonant
extruded aluminum warmth sinks for improved warmth dissipation, and customized hi-grade
capacitors rated at 18,000uF
for impressively dynamic efficiency. Pioneer appears to have deserted its Class D ambitions at a time when different producers, comparable to NAD and Marantz, are embracing Class D greater than ever earlier than. Curiously, the corporate’s web site nonetheless has a web page dedicated to explaining what makes Pioneer Class D amplification so spectacular. We examined the Pioneer SC-07 that includes ICE amplification and located it fell quick when driving 4 ohm masses. We hope that is NOT the case with their newest flagship VSX-LX805 AVR. This AVR seems like its capable of pack a severe punch. Pioneer says this amp can “completely
steadiness consumption and output necessities for optimum efficiency.” We’re guessing they should be using a multi-rail design just like the Denon and Marantz counterparts to make them extra environment friendly at decrease energy ranges (suppose Class G). The beefy
energy transformer is housed in a shielded case to cut back noise, and the
newly-designed chassis is designed to suppress vibration.
The
receiver’s 6 HDMI inputs and two outputs can all deal with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz
video with 40GPS bandwidth.
(The third Zone 2 output is restricted to 4K.) In contrast to the newest Denon and Marantz
receivers, which supply Dirac Stay room correction as an add-on further, the Elite VSX-LX805 features a full-bandwidth Dirac Stay
license. And Dirac Stay Bass Management, which remains to be lacking in motion over at
group Denon/Marantz, might be accessible at launch for the Pioneer. (Bass Management
for a single sub runs $349, whereas a multi-sub license prices $499.) In the event you don’t
need to pay for Dirac Stay Bass Management, the newest model of Pioneer’s
Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) guarantees to investigate part
variations and make real-time changes to compensate for the hole between
the primary audio system and the LFE sign despatched to the subwoofer(s). Immersive audio
help covers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro3D, although the latter
will arrive by way of a firmware replace anticipated for June 2023. One other firmware
replace, slated for September, will make the VSX-LX805 licensed Roon Prepared.
We
took further time and care to verify the 805 options the newest and finest
audio efficiency doable, together with upgrades in digital audio processing,
room tuning, high-res streaming functionality, in addition to the inputs and outputs,
to make sure the Elite buyer has the perfect expertise with their related gear.
We additionally hung out meticulously listening with our engineers, making
changes to the circuit path to make sure essentially the most dynamic and expressive
efficiency, honoring the model’s promise to deliver the listener as shut as
doable to the artist’s intent.
—
Rob Standley, Senior Vice President of World Manufacturers for Premium Audio Firm
Pioneer – The Poor Man’s Integra?
The
Elite VSX-LX805 AVR contains “audiophile-quality stereo balanced
connections,” however these are restricted to 1 stereo enter and one output for the
entrance Left/Proper channels. For $200 extra, the Integra DRX-8.4
AVR has 5 XLR outputs, masking the
entrance LCR channels plus two unbiased subs. The Pioneer’s subwoofer outputs
are RCA solely. Just like the Integra,
the VSX-LX805 has outputs for simply two unbiased subs (and one other two wired
in parallel). That is one space through which the newest Denon and Marantz fashions
have a big benefit. Beginning on the $1,500 worth level (the Denon
AVR-X3800H is at present $1,499 at Audio Recommendation), the higher-end Denon and Marantz receivers for 2023
supply 4 unbiased subwoofer outputs and superior LFE bass routing no person else has. Whether or not this issues to you’ll
rely upon the scale and structure of your house theater. This limitation apart, the VSX-LX805
seems like an thrilling new flagship from Pioneer Elite. Are you ponying up for this new flagship from Pioneer or splurging for the marginally extra function laden Integra DRX-8.4 counterpart for $200 extra? Share your ideas within the associated discussion board thread beneath.
Extra
data: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805
