Pioneer announces AV receivers with IMAX Enhanced

Pioneer has today announced it has joined the likes of Arcam, Denon and Marantz by adding IMAX Enhanced compatibility to new AV receivers. Both the VSX-LX504 and VSX-LX304 will handle the proprietary soundmixes of IMAX Enhanced content delivered via DTS:X – when a future firmware update arrives.

Both models are nine-channel designs, enabling 7.2.2 or 5.2.4 immersive audio setups, and feature 7 x HDMI inputs/ 2 x HDMI outputs with HDCP 2.2/4K HDR passthrough (including Dolby Vision and HLG).

Audio features shared between the AVRs include Pioneer's MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) auto EQ/calibration tool; a Dialogue Enhancement mode; Personal Preset facility that saves volume and surround sound settings to up to three inputs; and a Reflex Optimizer function designed to improve performance from upfiring, reflective Dolby Atmos speakers.

Smart skills enabled by the AVRs' integrated Wi-Fi/Ethernet include Chromecast Built-in and Google Assistant interaction, Apple Airplay 2, and support for the DTS Play-Fi and Flareconnect multiroom standards. A net radio client is joined by Spotify, Deezer, Tidal and Amazon Music integration.

Hi-res music playback includes support for DSD (2.8/5.6/11.2MHz) and 192kHz/24-bit FLAC, WAV, AIFF and ALAC.

The more powerful VSX-LX504 is priced at £1,200, while the step-down VSX-LX304 will sell for £900. Pioneer says both models will be available from May in black and silver finishes.

Visit www.pioneer-audiovisual.eu for more info.

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