Pioneer Electronics makes some of the best AV receivers money can buy, and its flagship brand, Pioneer Elite, is about to go even further with the announcement of its latest AVR (audio video receiver), the Elite VSX-LX805. . The 11.2.4-Channel Network Receiver will be available this spring for a premium price of $2999, but that great price gets you plenty of power at 150 watts per channel, a new 32-bit digital audio converter, some audio calibration AI powered room and some audiophile upgrades.
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 is the first Pioneer receiver designed in cooperation with Premium Audio Company since their licensing agreement with Pioneer/Pioneer Elite in 2021, which put them in charge of marketing and selling the brands’ AVR business globally ( except Porcelain). PAC is a home audio powerhouse, with big brands under its umbrella including Klipsch, Onkyo, Teac and Energy, so expectations are high for its newcomers.
Building on Pioneer Elite’s previous models in its VSX range, the VSX-LX805 usurps them all with its 150 watts per channel powering 11 channels with powerful Class AB amplifiers that stay cool and managed by anti-resonant heat sinks from newly designed aluminum and capacitors A substantial upgrade from its predecessor, the 2021 9-channel VSX-LX505, the LX805 adds an additional height channel (two total), an additional zone channel (for three total) and with With the help of external preamp connectivity, the LX805 can achieve up to 11.2.4 surround sound system.
The Elite VSX-LX805 includes industry-leading DAC support with the inclusion of two audiophile-grade ESS Saber ES9026PRO 8-channel 32-bit digital audio converters, which Pioneer claims deliver “exceptional audio performance and studio-grade processing.” for the most demanding”. AV enthusiast.” This also means that it will bode well for any hi-res streaming services you might subscribe to, including Amazon Music HD, Tidal, and Deezer. The LX805 also supports Bluetooth aptX HD, which is a Bluetooth codec that can wirelessly stream 24-bit high-resolution audio between aptX HD-enabled devices such as headphones and speakers.
Among the LX805’s connections are six HDMI 2.1 inputs that deliver 8K/4K resolution images at up to 40 Gbps, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy the higher resolutions and refresh rates of HDMI 2.1 on content and game consoles that support it. . and three HDMI eARC outputs. There are also four RCA inputs, including one for phono, three optical inputs, two digital audio inputs, and a set of balanced XLR inputs as well.
While the VSX-LX505 was one of the first Pioneer AVRs to feature Dirac’s popular Dirac Live Room Correction technology, the LX805 takes it to the next level with the company’s premium-level Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth suite included, that uses artificial intelligence. algorithms to scan and analyze your room to set up the AVR with the best sound. And if you’ve ever set up a subwoofer on your own, you might as well appreciate a little help with an available Dirac Live Bass Control software upgrade, which will set you back an extra $349 for a single subwoofer and $499 for multiple substitutes. the Dirac Live feature requires an internet connection, so for those who can’t (or don’t want to) connect, Pioneer also has their legacy MCACC room tuning option available.
For an AVR of this caliber and price, it’s no surprise that the VSX-LX805 supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Music, Dolby Surround, DTS:X, Neural:X, and IMAX Enhanced surround sound formats, and with an upgrade of Firmware scheduled for June 2023, Atmos’ rival Auro 3D sound will also be available. And if this wasn’t stacked enough, the LX805 also supports Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn and comes with a September 2023 firmware update.
A couple of welcome features that have carried over from the LX505 and other VSX models include multi-room support in the form of a Sonos Certification designation, meaning you can connect the LX805 to your existing Sonos system with the use of a Sonos Port. , which means you can also send the sound from the receiver through your Sonos speakers. Also, the LX805 it can automatically respond when a Sonos device is connected and turn on when you play a song using the Sonos app. However, if you’re not a Sonos user, you can still find support for DTS Play-Fi, which allows you to access your online music services, media servers, and your device’s library over your Wi-Fi network for play through compatible speakers. in your house.
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 is also voice assistant compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Josh. The Elite VSX-LX805 (US MAP $2,999) will be available Spring 2023 through authorized Elite retailers and on Pioneer’s website.
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