PIONEER INTRODUCES TWO REFERENCE-GRADE AV RECEIVERS THE ELITE ‘SC-LX904’ & ‘SC-LX704’ FEATURING THE MOST POWERFUL AMPLIFIER IN THE CLASS

August 28, 2019

Pioneer & Onkyo USA Corporation today announced the details behind the company’s newest network AV receivers geared towards customers looking for best-in-class home theater functionality: the Elite SC-LX904 ($2,999) and Elite SC-LX704 ($1,599).

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 and SC-LX704 have the latest version of Direct Energy HD Amplifier, a uniquely designed Class D amplifier that supports powerful, simultaneous multi-channel amplification with 140W x 11ch (LX904)* and 135W x 9ch (LX704)*. The Direct Energy HD amplifier which drives all channels under the same conditions is an ideal amplifier that reflects Pioneer's Multi-Channel Stereophonic philosophy. This philosophy is applied from the beginning to the end of the audio path resulting in lifelike audio reproduction. The SC-LX904 and SC-LX704 use ESS9026 384kHz/32-bit high-quality DACs to equalize all channel signal processing from the beginning. With the Direct Energy HD amplifier, the SC-LX904 and SC-LX704 reproduce the latest surround formats such as Dolby Atmos®, DTS:X® and IMAX® Enhanced content via its powerful simultaneous multi-channel speakers drive power.

*8 ohms, 1kHz, THD 0.08 %, 1ch Driven FTC

Both models also incorporate Pioneer’s state-of-the-art audio technologies that ensure easy set-up and reference grade sound. Upon set-up, the company’s MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System) PRO creates the ideal acoustic environment via the receiver’s custom microphone. The system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes the response. Additionally, the Full-band Phase Control in MCACC PRO produces more precise room conditioning by adjusting group delay occurring in each speaker. Finally, since MCACC PRO correction is effective for speakers installed in high places like in-ceiling speakers, it is ideal for object-based surround installations.

The LX904 and LX704 feature 7 HDMI In / 3 Out and supports Ultra HD pass-through with HDCP 2.3, 4K / 60 Hz, Dolby Vision™, HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), WCG (Wide Color Gamut) and Ultra HD upscaling (1080p to 4K).

When connected to a Pioneer Universal Disc Player like the UDP-LX800 or UDP-LX500 via HDMI, the SC-LX904 and SC-LX704 minimize the adverse effect of jitter in the HDMI transmission and enables accurate D/A conversion.  Pioneer’s advanced Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) audio technology, greatly improves the S/N of the sound, and achieves realistic expression and a rich, expansive 3D sound field.

To achieve even higher sound quality playback, both the LX904 and LX704 offer two new modes:  Audio Exclusive Mode where the HDMI video signal is turned off to focus on sound quality; and the AV Direct Mode which turns off the network function for superior audio and video playback.

Additional features include:

• Dialog Enhancement which makes it easy to adjust and listen to movie dialogue and music vocals.
• Personal Preset which can save up to three personal preferences that include favorite inputs, volume and surround settings.
• Reflex Optimizer that enhances object-based audio reproduction from upward firing Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers.
• Works with Alexa* so owners can use their voice to control the AV receiver by speaking commands through an Alexa device. Just to ask Alexa to play, pause, and skip music or control the volume. Users can enjoy playing music through streaming services such as Amazon Music, and can make selections by song title, artist name, release year, or genre. Works with Alexa Multi Room Music (MRM) which plays back multiple devices in synchronization is also planned.

*Works with Alexa will be available with future firmware update.

• Works with the Google Assistant so you can turn up the volume, skip tracks, or stop the music using an Assistant-enabled Smart Speaker or Smart Displays, like Google Home.
• Wireless connectivity includes Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth®, DTS Play-Fi®, Wi-Fi® as well as FlareConnect™, Pioneer’s wireless protocol that mirrors any audio source connected to the receiver on compatible speakers in other rooms.
• Enjoy a limitless flow of music, sports, talk, and news entertainment from internet radio stations and online music services, including Amazon Music, Pandora®, Spotify, TIDAL, and Deezer.
• Supports high-resolution sound sources (192 kHz / 24-bit) in FLAC, WAV, AIFF and ALAC file formats, and DSD (2.8/5.6MHz/11.2MHz) files.
• Custom integration features common in Elite receivers, including IR In, 12V trigger out, RS-232c and a detachable power cable.