Hifi Pig

Pioneer have announced the launch of the SC-LX701, SC-LX801 and SC-LX901 network AV receivers. All three models feature Multi-Room Audio, which allows for the wireless distribution of a variety of sound sources — including LPs and streaming services — in different rooms. Also included are the latest network functions, including Google Cast and music streaming services including TIDAL, DEEZER, Spotify®, and TuneIn.  Each model also incorporates MCACC Pro, an automatic room calibration technology that adjusts specifically to your environment to deliver optimized object-based audio. This automatic acoustic calibration system works in sync with the new ‘Reflex Optimizer’ feature, this delivers the ideal object-based audio reproduction when using up-firing speakers in a Dolby Atmos speaker array. The featured Direct Energy HD amplifiers, allow simultaneous output from all channels with no power loss.

A new user-friendly GUI gives users quick access to network settings and simplifies the initial set up of the product with easy-to-understand on-screen guidance.

The SC-LX701 (RRP £1399), SC-LX801 (RRP £1899) and SC-LX901 (RRP £2499) will all be available from September 2016

Features of the new SC-LX701, SC-LX801 and SC-LX901 include:

Based on a decade of Class D design experience, Pioneer refurbished their Direct Energy HD amplifier from scratch and it is included on all three models.

• SC-LX701: 9.1-channel receiver with 760W multi-channel simultaneous drive (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %) / 185W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %, 1ch Driven FTC) / 135W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC)
• SC-LX801: 9.1-channel receiver with 770W multi-channel simultaneous drive (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %) / 200W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %, 1ch Driven FTC) / 140W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC)
• SC-LX901: 11.1-channel receiver with 880W multi-channel simultaneous drive (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %) / 200W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %, 1ch Driven FTC) / 140W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC)

All models incorporate the high grade ESS SABRE32 Ultra DAC for clear.

Pioneer makes it easy to set up the perfect surround sound environment with its Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC). With the custom microphone, the system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes response.

Pioneer’s new Reflex Optimizer feature was designed to maximize object-based audio reproduction with Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers to generate the best sound experience from stand-alone and/or add-on speakers, allowing users to fully enjoy the latest 3D immersive sound technologies.

The SC-LX701, SC-LX801 and SC-LX901 (pictured) support the latest Dolby Atmos object-based audio technology, creating a three-dimensional sound field that reproduces the movement of sound. In addition, DTS:X will be supported ‘out of the box’ with no firmware update required.

The SC-LX701, SC-LX801 and SC-LX901 supports 4K/60p/4:4:4 24-bit video signal transmission with HDCP 2.2 technology, ensuring compatibility with the many upcoming UltraHD (4K) sources and televisions.  Pioneer’s Super Resolution, which was developed for the company’s BDP-LX88 Universal player, has also been integrated, allowing the upscaling of all picture sources to HD-quality performance.

In addition, all three models are prepared for next generation video standards. HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology is used in the next-generation Blu-ray standard and expands the maximum brightness of video from 100 nit to 10,000 nit, whilst BT.2020 is a video format standard that covers a wide color space more than twice that of the currently used BT.709 standard.

The SC-LX701, SC-LX801 and SC-LX901 are all Google Cast ready, allowing users to wirelessly send music, radio, or podcast content from their mobile devices to playback through their system.  Audio can be controlled from anywhere in the house using Cast-enabled apps running on personal devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Android phone/tablet and Windows laptop and Chromebook.

The SC-LX701, SC-LX801 and SC-LX901 have a Zone 2 (Powered / Line Out) and Zone 3 (Line Out only) output and will support FireConnect by BlackFire Research – a stable wireless protocol that mirrors any audio source connected to the receiver.  From vinyl to streamed audio, all sources can be forwarded on to an optional FireConnect compatible speaker in another room.  An optional Pioneer range of FireConnect compatible Wi-Fi speakers is to be released in late 2016.

Through a Wi-Fi connection that supports dual band 5 GHz (11a/n) and 2.4 GHz (11b/g/n), which provides transmission with fewer interruptions, high-fidelity high-resolution sound sources can be accessed wirelessly.  Music can also easily be enjoyed through Bluetooth® wireless technology and AirPlay®.

In addition to high-resolution sound sources (192kHz/24bit) in FLAC, WAV, AIFF and Apple lossless file formats, DSD (2.8/5.6/11.2 MHz) and Dolby® TrueHD® files are supported, offering the ability to play a wide array of high-resolution sound sources.

Onkyo has unveiled details of a second wave of products from its RZ Series, including two top-of-the-line A/V receivers:

• THX Select2 Plus-certified 11.2-channelTX-RZ3100 Network A/V Receiver.
• 2-channelTX-RZ1100 Network A/V Receiver.
• Flagship THX Ultra2 Plus-certified 11.2-channelPR-RZ5100 Network A/V Controller.

All three new models of are scheduled for release in September 2016.

In addition to Zone 2 pre-outs with independent HDMI output and Zone 3 pre-out, all three units include 11.2-channel preamp RCA outputs, while the PR-RZ5100 also features balanced XLR connectors. The TX-RZ1100 and TX-RZ3100 feature Zone 2 and 3 powered outputs for driving speakers in other rooms. Additional multi-room wireless audio capabilities are offered via optional FireConnect.

Users can add additional height or ceiling speakers to unlock the full multidimensional experience delivered by built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which incorporates DTS Neural:X technology to up-mix lossless multichannel surround formats, such as DTS-HD Master Audio, to emulate height effects and give listeners a 3D experience that’s close to a native object-based soundtrack.

All products offer Google Cast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify, TIDAL, and TuneIn, with any app-based audio entertainment cast seamlessly to the home cinema room and beyond using an Onkyo remote application.

Both the TX-RZ3100 and the TX-RZ1100 feature a new Onkyo Hi-Current Digital Amplification system that pairs with AccuEQ and AccuReflex technologies to optimally balance and phase-align sound in any listening space.

The three models feature AKM 384 kHz/32-bit digital-to-analogue conversion technology and VLSC noise-free processing on all channels, which removes pulse-noise for sound that’s true to the source.

Each includes HDCP 2.2 compatibility and a host of 4K video features over HDMI, including BT.2020 color, High Dynamic Range, 4:4:4 color space, and 4K/60 Hz should the user choose to update their display or projector in the future.

Denon has announced three new Network AV Receivers in the company’s X Series line, the AVR-X3300W, AVR-X2300W and AVR-X1300W. These three new units build upon Denon’s X Series AV Receiver models, now in their 4th generation.

AVR-X1300W:

Seven discrete amplifier channels each providing 145 watts, Dolby Atmos and it is ready for DTS:X that can create an immersive sound field around the listener no matter the number of speakers installed (free DTS:X update scheduled for later in 2016). Users can also choose between Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X upmixers (via update) to create 3D sound from both legacy Dolby or DTS material. 

The AVR-X1300W comes with built-in Bluetooth for music streaming from a smartphone, and even Wi-Fi to easily connect to a home network. Once connected, the AVR-X1300W opens up playback options, including Apple AirPlay, network attached storage devices (NAS), Internet Radio and Spotify Connect (where available; subscriptions required). High Resolution audio files like FLAC, AIFF or DSD (up to 5.6MHz) are also supported. A front USB port can be used to connect either USB storage devices, or an iDevice to playback music and charge at the same time.

The AVR-X1300W is loaded with a host of features including compatibility with the latest HDMI 2.0a specification, as well as HDCP 2.2 on all inputs, required for 4K Ultra HD copy-protected content. In total 6 HDMI inputs, of which one is located at the front panel, are plenty enough to connect modern HDMI devices such as Blu-ray players, game consoles or set-top-boxes. The AVR further supports full rate 4K Ultra HD including full resolution 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling pass-through, HDR (High Dynamic Range) and BT.2020.

AVR-X2300W:

The AVR-X2300W shares the same values and features of its younger brother but the power amplifiers are 150 watts per channel With in total 8 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, this AVR is ready to handle most likely every HDMI device ever used at home. The video processor section can upcale all HDMI sources like DVDs to 1080p or even 4k Ultra HD resolution. The AVR-X2300W is also certified by the Imaging Science Foundation for video quality, and is equipped with the full suite of ISFccc advanced video calibration controls. A more extensive array of inputs, control options and a second zone cinch pre-out make the AVR-X2300W a truly versatile AV control centre. 

AVR-X3300W:

With 180 watts per channel, the new AVR-X3300W is by far the strongest among the strong X Series newcomers. The video engine is another upgrade, as it can upconvert and transcode even old analogue sources to up to 4k Ultra HD 50/60 Hz resolution. The dual HDMI outputs support different program sources, so you can enjoy a surround movie in the main room and a separate stereo program with video from a different source in the second room. A 7.2ch pre-out section, an RS232 port and flexible amp assignment options will satisfy even demanding custom installers in regards to multi-zone listening and home automation. 

To keep control of all features, there is a new Denon 2016 AVR Remote App available for iOS and Android devices, and for the Kindle Fire. With the exclusive Denon Setup Assistant along with the Quick Start Guide, setting up a Denon AV Receiver is quick and easy. Audyssey MultEQ XT (even MultEQ XT32 for the AVR-X3300W) automatic room acoustic measurement and correction system matches the installed speakers to the individual room’s acoustics. Audyssey Dynamic Volume offers real-time volume adjustment, while Audyssey Dynamic EQ improves a system’s surround sound effects at low volume levels.

The AVR-X3300W will be available in August, while the AVR-X2300W and AVR-X1300W will be launched already in June.