Pioneer VSX-LX805 Elite 11.2.4 Flagship AVR – First Look
All Image Credit: Pioneer
Pioneer is the home to Klipsch, Onkyo, Integra, Jamo, Magnat, and Heco. This new THX Certified flagship AV receiver is the first development between Pioneer and the Premium Audio Company, a subsidiary of Voxx International that owns the rights to the Pioneer brand in the home entertainment arena.
To put it mildly its internal physical appearance, connectivity and technical features are very similar to the recently released Integra DRX-8.4 11.2 flagship AVR. I suppose this is not too surprising as Integra is wholly owned by Pioneer. It comes in $201.00 less expensive than the Integra but features fewer rear panel connections for center speaker, subs and control. However, it does include both Pioneers proprietary room EQ (MCACC Pro) and DIRAC Live.
Pioneer Internals
Integra Internals
Pioneer VSX-LX805 Elite Rear Panel
Integra DRX-8.4 Rear Panel
For audiophiles the VSX-LX805 incorporates; a newly engineered chassis and audio signal path for optimum noise reduction, anti-resonant aluminum heat sinks, audiophile-grade capacitors and uses two ESS 32-bit ES9026PRO Hyperstream® II 8-channel audiophile DAC’s supporting a wide dynamic range with low levels of distortion and noise.
This new addition to the Elite AVR range now includes both Pioneer’s Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC Pro) and DIRAC Room Correction Full Bandwidth firmware supporting the ultimate optimization for room acoustics. The hardware is Dirac Live Bass Control ready (single or multi sub) and the firmware can be purchased from the DIRAC store as an optional user upgrade at $349.00 and $499.00 respectively. Note that Dirac Live requires a network/internet connection whereas MCACC can be performed without a network/internet connection.
Introduced in 2021 the included Pioneer Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System Pro (MCACC Pro), that was developed in collaboration with AIR Studios, supports a full range of automatic measurements and adjustments that will optimize your systems acoustical performance. The MCACC Pro speaker adjustment includes:
- 3D Equalizer
- Phase Control
- Auto Phase Control
- Speaker Polarity Check
- Standing Wave Control
- Subwoofer Equalizer
- Independent Dual Subwoofer Output
- Full Band Phase Control
- Precision Distance Adjustment
Other features include; HDMI 2.1 connectivity with HDCP 2.3 to support advanced, next-generation formats such as 8KP60 and 4KP120, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio capabilities. The AVR is gaming friendly having; variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) technologies, easily interfaces to sound bars and TV’s with its auto return channel (ARC)/enhanced (eARC) and is compatible with HDR formats including; Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and hybrid log gamma (HLG).
The VSX-LX805 can also integrate into a custom install environment with Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, and RTI control systems.
Features At A Glance:
- Amplification: 11 Channel Amplifier (A/B class), 150 Watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2-ch driven, FTC)
- Audio Processing: Two precision 32-bit ESS ES9026PRO Hyperstream(R) audiophile DACs
- Audio Support: Surround sound formats include; Dolby/Atmos Dolby Surround/Dolby Atmos Music/DTS:X/Neural:X, IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D (with 2023 firmware update), as well as additional surround sound processing modes
- Hi-Res Audio: Support for 24-bit/192kHz audio and DSD (2.8/5.6/11.2 MHz) playback. Digital audio format support includes MP3, WMA, WAV, MPEG-4/AAC, FLAC and ALAC
- Wireless Music Streaming: Amazon Music, Chromecast, Airplay 2, HD, Tidal, Deezer, Pandora, Tune-In, DTS Play-Fi and Roon Ready certification (with 2023 firmware update)
- HDMI 2.1 Support: Includes HDMI-eARC and Gaming Support (4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz) with up to 40Gbps transfer rate, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT)
- HDR: Pass-through of all HDR formats, including Dolby Vision is supported
- Remote Control: Wireless handset included
- Voice Control: Alexa, Google and Josh
- App Control: iOS, Android
- Control via; Control4, Crestron, Savant, URC, Elan, and RTI
- Wired control: 12-volt trigger (2), wired remote sensor (in/out), RS232C, IP Control
- Room Correction:
- Pioneer Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System Pro (MCACC Pro) included
- Dirac Live Premium Version Full Bandwidth Included
- Dirac Live Bass Control Single/Multi Sub Available via user upgrade
Connectivity:
- Wireless: Bluetooth (Apt X HD), AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in Wi-Fi (Wired Ethernet is also available)
- Wired Inputs: HDMI (6 rear/1 front), Analog (4 stereo RCA plus 1 x stereo XLR), Phono stereo RCA (MM-1), Digital Optical (3), Digital Coaxial (2), USB (1 Rear)
- Wired Outputs: HDMI (3), Multichannel RCA Pre-out (11), Subwoofer (4-2×2 RCA independent), XLR pre-out option for front L/R, Headphone (1)
- Speaker Connections: 15 Pairs of speaker terminals
With its 11 channels of amplification and two independent subwoofer outputs, the DRX-8.4 supports 7.2.4 channel speaker setups. The 8.4 also includes two additional wired zone outputs, Zone 2 and Zone 3 that each support two-channel stereo setups.
Availability:
- Spring 2023
MSRP:
- US: $2,999.00
For more information visit pioneerhomeusa.com.
Check out this post for more information on the Integra DRX-8.4 11.2 channel AVR.
