Pioneer is launching its new range of VSX AV Receivers, with five models that champion smartphone connectivity and audio performance.
Headed up by the 7.2 channel VSX-924 with 150 watts per channel and two subwoofer outputs, all models offer 4K @50/60 support for four times the resolution of 1080p and HDMI 2.0. The 5.2 channel VSX-824 and VSX-529 have 130 watts per channel, as does the 5.1 VSX-424. Completing the range is the 105 watt per channel 5.1 VSX-329.
Each of the new VSX AV receivers will also pass through 4K Ultra HD video signals – including 60p video – to a compatible TV or projection system. The VSX-529 and up are capable of doing so even with maximum quality 4:4:4 24 bit signals. The VSX-924 can also upscale lower resolution signals into 4K Ultra HD, up to 60p.
Pioneer product manager Geoff Loveday said: “We have put a lot of effort into the new VSX range, as we try to bring more of the features associated with our high-end models into a more affordable package. With an even wider array of smartphone connectivity options, including Spotify Connect, we have really developed the audio performance of the range to make the process of getting the best possible result from an amplifier even smoother.”
The VSX-529 includes Apple AirPlay, MHL, HTC Connect, DLNA certification as well as Bluetooth compatibility via a separately available adaptor. The VSX-824 adds integrated Bluetooth with APT-X support for CD quality streaming while VSX-924 also includes a new WiFi adaptor. All three have Spotify Connect and vTuner for access to thousands of internet radio stations.
In addition, the three higher end models each work with the Pioneer iControlAV5 app which is available from the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or on Google Play for Android devices. AVNavigator is a fully interactive installation and operation guide built into the VSX-924 to make the set-up process simpler.
For stereo & multi-channel high resolution audio the VSX-924, VSX-824 and VSX-529 play AIFF, WAV, FLAC, Apple Lossless, in addition to MP3, WMA and AAC via USB and network. The VSX-924 can play DSD files and multichannel 96 kHz 24 bit 5.0 and 5.1 FLAC and WAV files. It employs a 192 kHz/24 bit ESS SABRE Premier Audio DAC circuit, with a dynamic range up to 120 dB.
Except for the entry level VSX-329, the whole range is provided with the Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) Room EQ system that automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance. It equalizes the frequency response, to ensure that the phase of the signal remains untouched for improved sound quality with a robust and clean bass. Additionally, the VSX-924 is equipped with the new Subwoofer EQ function to manually tweak Low Frequency Effects (LFE) with significantly improved accuracy and control.
The new VSX range will be available in June from authorised Pioneer retailers.
