Pioneer's AI-controlled 8K receiver for PS5 bass
Pioneer has recently unveiled its latest flagship AV receiver, the VSX-LX805, which is packed with features and comes with a price tag of $2,999 (around £2,500 / AU$4,500). This is the first flagship model to be released by Pioneer since the rights to its AV brand were acquired by the Premium Audio Company, a subsidiary of VOXX International that also owns the Klipsch, Jamo, and Integra brands.
The VSX-LX805 is a fully stocked option for immersive audio, providing processing support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it is also IMAX Enhanced certified. A firmware update scheduled for June will add Auro-3D processing, making it an even more impressive option for those seeking a high-quality audio experience.
The receiver boasts 11 class-AB amplifier channels, each rated to deliver 150 watts output, and it can be used to power up to three zones. It also has 15 RCA preamp outputs for future amplifier upgrades, along with stereo XLR input and output connections.
The VSX-LX805 provides seven HDMI 2.1 inputs and three HDMI outputs, including one with eARC. Inputs 1-6 support 8K pass-through, along with 4K 120Hz signals from PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming consoles. It also supports VRR, ALLM, and Quick Media Transport (QMS), which allows the receiver to switch between video output at different frame rates without any glitches.
Streaming is also well-supported on Pioneer’s new receiver, with Chromecast, AirPlay 2, DTS Play-Fi, and Bluetooth aptX HD all accommodated. Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi provide high-res audio streaming, and DTS Play-Fi recently added gapless playback as a feature. The VSX-LX805 also has built-in support for Tidal, Spotify, and Amazon Music Unlimited.
One of the most interesting features of the VSX-LX805 is Dirac Live, an advanced form of room correction processing that optimizes the sound of multi-channel speaker systems. The built-in full-bandwidth version provided by Pioneer lets you correct for audio frequencies above 500Hz, as opposed to the more limited bass-only version supported by some products. You can also upgrade the VSX-LX805 for Dirac Live Bass Control for systems with single or multiple subwoofers.
In summary, Pioneer’s new flagship AV receiver is a feature-packed option for those seeking a high-quality audio experience. Its support for immersive audio and spatial audio options, along with its extensive streaming capabilities and advanced room correction processing make it an impressive addition to any home entertainment system.
