Pioneer Releases New SC-LX704 and SC-LX904 Flagship AV Receivers
We've seen a flurry of activity from Japanese manufacturer Pioneer in the entry-mid level AV Receiver range over the last year. Yet, it's been a while between drinks in terms of higher-end offerings.
Pioneer has now broken the drought with the announcement of two new models, with the SC-LX704 ($2,899) and SC-LX904 ($3,999). Each proudly wears the LX moniker, which Pioneer reserves only for its premium AV equipment. They both also come backed with Pioneer's 5-year warranty.
Each new receiver is powered with Pioneers unique Direct Energy HD (Class D) amplifier technology, which is now in its sixth generation. This provides the SC-LX704 with 205 watts across its nine channels and 215 watts across the SC-LX904's eleven channels (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 1ch driven for both models).
Both also offer seven HDCP 2.3 HDMI ports (six in and three out) which support 4K (60p/4:4:4/24-bit) playback, HDR Pass-through, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), Dolby Vision, and are IMAX Certified. Each also has dual independent subwoofer outputs, allowing individual gain and distance adjustment of each sub.
The SC-LX704 and SC-LX904 feature dual ES9026PRO 384 kHz/32-bit DACs - which, when coupled with Pioneer's MCACC room correction is said to leverage the best from today's latest immersive audio formats. As such both receivers support the immersive sound formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Imax Enhanced and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualiser.
There's an abundance of options for Hi-Res audio with either model, each offering the ability to stream content via a network connection or USB input. There's also support for SONOS, Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa, Google Assistant and multiple online Music-Streaming services such as TIDAL, Spotify, and Deezer.
In a first, both models offer Pioneer's new Audio Exclusive Mode and AV Direct Mode. The Audio Exclusive mode turns off video processing for pure audio listening, while the AV Direct Mode turns off all network functionality. According to Pioneer, both these modes are designed to enhance audio and video playback by reducing digital interference from other sources.
The SC-LX704 and SC-LX904 are due for release this month, and StereoNET has review samples on their way.
For more information, visit Pioneer.
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Tony O'Brien
As the owner of Adelaide based ‘Clarity Audio & Video Calibration’, Tony is a certified ISF Calibrator. Tony is an accomplished Audio-Visual reviewer specialising in theatre and visual products.
Posted in:Home Theatre
Tags: pioneer powermove
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