Home theater fans are always looking for a more in-your-face AV experience. Big screens and 4K are delivering that on the video side. However, we’ve seen (or heard) several recent audio formats that are looking to complete that immersive experience.
Dolby Atmos is one of those audio formats, which promises to deliver sound from every angle—including above. To enjoy Dolby Atmos, you’ll need content (such as a Dolby Atmos-enabled Blu-ray), speakers to accommodate those extra channels, and one of the recent audio receivers that can support the format.
Pioneer Electronics has two new audio receivers that can put Dolby Atmos into your home theater for an affordable price. The VSX-1130 7.2-channel receiver and the 7.2-channel Elite VSX-90 will start shipping this month. If you’re not quite ready to be surrounded by sound from every angle, Pioneer will also have two additional audio receivers, the 5.2-channel VSX-830 and the 5.2-channel Elite VSX-45.
Both of the standard models are HDCP 2.2-compliant, with the latest HDMI 2.0 spec for your 4K-enhanced home theater. Other features include a subwoofer EQ and DSD file playback. Both also have tons of networking options via AirPlay, WiFi and Bluetooth. The VSX-1130 adds in a ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit), MCACC Pro acoustic calibration, and the Dolby Atmos (5.1.2) support.
The two Elite models have all of the above features, as well as 4K 60p upscaling, high-resolution music playback, and more. The Elite VSX-90 even has a SABRE ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit), MCACC Pro calibration, multizone playback, and of course, the Dolby Atmos (5.1.2) support.
Also worth mentioning is that both of the Elite models are designed for the custom installation market, which means that these units are compatible with leading home control systems, such as Crestron and Control4.
Pioneer will start shipping the VSX-830 and the VSX-1130 this month, priced at $399 and $599, respectively. The Elite VSX-45 and Elite VSX-90 will also be available around the same time, with MSRPs of $450 and $700.
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