Pioneer electronics makes a number of the greatest AV receivers cash should buy, and its flagship Pioneer Elite model is about to push that envelope additional with the announcement of its newest AVR (audio video receiver), the Elite VSX-LX805. The 11.2.4-channel community receiver will probably be out there this Spring for a premium $2,999, however that massive worth will get you massive energy at 150 watts per channel, a brand new 32-bit digital audio converter, some AI-driven room calibration, and a few audiophile upgrades.
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 is the primary Pioneer receiver to be designed in cooperation with Premium Audio Firm since its licensing settlement with Pioneer/Pioneer Elite in 2021, which put them in control of advertising and marketing and promoting the manufacturers’ AVR enterprise globally (besides in China). PAC is a powerhouse of residence audio gear, with large manufacturers beneath its umbrella, together with Klipsch, Onkyo, Teac, and Vitality, so expectations are excessive for its new arrivals.
Constructing from Pioneer Elite’s earlier fashions in its VSX vary, the VSX-LX805 usurps all of them with its 150 watts per channel that powers 11 channels with highly effective Class AB amplifiers which can be saved cool and managed by newly-designed aluminum anti-resonant warmth sinks and capacitors. A considerable improve from its predecessor, 2021’s 9-channel VSX-LX505, the LX805 provides an extra Top channel (two in complete), an extra Zone channel (for 3 in complete), and with the assistance of exterior preamp connectivity, the LX805 can obtain as much as an 11.2.4 encompass system.
The Elite VSX-LX805 contains some industry-leading DAC help with the inclusion of two audiophile-grade ESS Sabre ES9026PRO 32-bit, 8-channel digital audio converters, that Pioneer says delivers “distinctive audio efficiency and studio-level processing for the discerning AV fanatic.” This additionally means it is going to bode nicely with any hi-res streaming companies you would possibly subscribe to, together with Amazon Music HD, Tidal, and Deezer. The LX805 additionally helps Bluetooth aptX HD, which is a Bluetooth codec that may wirelessly transmit 24-bit hi-res audio between aptX HD-supporting gadgets like headphones and audio system.
Among the many connections of the LX805 are six HDMI 2.1 inputs that ship 8K/4K decision photos at as much as 40Gbps, which suggests you’ll be capable of get pleasure from HDMI 2.1’s increased resolutions and refresh charges on content material and gaming consoles that help it, and three HDMI eARC outputs. There are additionally 4 RCA inputs, together with one for phono, three optical inputs, two digital audio inputs, and a set of balanced XLR inputs, too.
Whereas the VSX-LX505 was one of many first Pioneer AVRs to characteristic Dirac’s widespread Dirac Stay Room Correction expertise, the LX805 takes it to the following stage with the corporate’s premium-tier Dirac Stay Room Correction Full Bandwidth suite included, which makes use of AI-driven algorithms to scan and analyze your room to configure the AVR to the most effective sound. And in the event you’ve ever arrange a subwoofer by yourself, you would possibly recognize a little bit of assist with an out there improve to the Dirac Stay Bass Management software program, too, which is able to run you an extra $349 for a single subwoofer and $499 for a number of subs. That stated, the Dirac Stay characteristic does require an web connection, so for these not in a position to join (or don’t wish to), Pioneer additionally has its legacy MCACC room-tuning possibility out there, too.
For an AVR of this caliber and worth level, it’ll be no shock that the VSX-LX805 helps Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Music, Dolby Encompass, DTS:X, Neural:X, and IMAX Enhanced encompass sound codecs, and with a firmware replace scheduled for June 2023, the Atmos rival Auro 3D sound will probably be out there as nicely. And if this factor wasn’t already stacked sufficient, the LX805 additionally has help for Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, and coming with a firmware replace in September 2023.
A few welcome options which were carried over from the LX505 and different VSX fashions embrace multi-room help within the type of a Sonos Licensed designation, which suggests that you could join the LX805 to your current Sonos system with the usage of a Sonos Port, that means you possibly can ship the sound from the receiver all through your Sonos audio system, too. Moreover, the LX805 can reply routinely when a Sonos system is related and switch itself on once you play a music utilizing the Sonos app. In the event you’re not a Sonos person, although, you possibly can nonetheless discover help for DTS Play-Fi, which lets you entry your on-line music companies, media servers, and your system library over your Wi-Fi community to play via suitable audio system in your house.
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 can also be voice assistant-compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Josh. The Elite VSX-LX805 (US MAP $2,999) will probably be out there in Spring 2023 via approved Elite retailers and on the Pioneer web site.
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