You want Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround-sound for your media room. You also want to be able to distribute music to speakers throughout the house. You might be tempted to buy two different products to handle these tasks. But before you pull out your checkbook, know that there are products that can deliver both features from one unit.
An example of this multi-faceted entertainment solution is the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 A/V receiver. Recently introduced, and priced at an affordable $599, it can be configured as a 5.2.2 receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio capabilities, with an amplifier section rated to produce 170 watts per channel into a 6-ohm load with one channel driven.
The power can also be configured to direct power via its Powered Zone 2 outputs, allowing homeowners to enjoy a second zone of audio by simply connecting a set of loudspeakers.
The receiver’s HDMI connectivity supports UltraHD 4K pass-through, along with HDCP 2.2 copyright protection, 4K at 60Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), high dynamic range (HDR), and wide color gamuts (WCG).
The Elite VSX-LX103 is also capable of upscaling HD content (1080p) to UltraHD 4K levels.
Proprietary features include Pioneer’s Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) that creates, “the ideal acoustic environment via the receiver’s custom microphone so that the system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and [it] equalizes the response.”
It also includes Pioneer’s Phase Control to compensate for the phase lag between the subwoofer and the main-channel speakers by improving the audio synchronization that the company says helps to “achieve a clearer reproduction of sound in the middle and high frequencies.”
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 Additional Features
- Relfex Optimizer “enhances” object-based surround sound for upward firing Dolby Atmos speakers
- The receiver works with Google Assistant to allow users to issue commands such as “turn up the volume,” “skip this track” or “stop the music” when using a device enabled with Google Assistant such as a Google Home
- Wireless connectivity that includes built-in Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Pioneer’s FlareConnect that mirrors any audio source connected to the speakers on compatible speakers in other rooms
- The receiver includes streaming music services such as Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL and Deezer
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I’ve always wondered if a unit like this would really up the experience of the quality of the audio. Having the added google features is great. Finally, we can just talk and make it all happen. The fact that this unit does the job of a couple of different units was helpful also. Thanks
Nice!
I purchased this AV receiver a month ago and I am very pleased. The selling points are 1) Extremely capable at connecting wirelessly with cell phones, ipads, android, etc wirelessly. To do so you can use direct wireless connection, wifi, or bluetooth. Basically, you can hook up most smart devices to the AV. 2) Nice sound. I really like the sound that is made by this AV. I was wondering how a .9 THD would sound when the best hi fi units have .005. No worries, it has excellent sound, if you have decent speakers you will not be disappointed. 3) Ease of setting up. I hate setting these devices up. It took me about 1 hour to hook all the devices and program in favorite stations etc. 4) Ease of use. I thought I would have to hold at least three remotes (Tivo, AV, TV) but in the end the Tivo remote is all I need to turn on the TV and the AV simultaneously.