Pioneer Elite Gains Two New Mid-Priced AVR Options (VSX-LX302, VSX-LX102)
(Pioneer) Pioneer's new LX-302 Network AVR(May 31, 2017) Pioneer Home Entertainment has announced two new Elite 7.2-channel Network AV Receivers, adding to a crowded field of 2017 AVR models released over the last month. The new VSX-LX302 (MSRP $799 USD / $949 CAD) and VSX-LX102 ($599 USD / $749.99 CAD) offer attractive price points and plenty of tech features that should appeal to buyers looking at mid-priced options.
On the audio side, the LX302 and LX102 both carry decent power specs, with the LX302 offering 100 Watts per channel (8 ohms, 20-Hz-20kHz, 2 channels driven) and the LX102 offering 80 Watts per channel. Both models source their power from Direct Energy amps, which are built upon Pioneer’s popular Class D amp design. Pioneer claims its Direct Energy amps offer superior clear articulation at the highest of volume levels, making them perfect for driving a hard charging home theater experience.
Pioneer has rated these receivers as 4 ohm capable.
The LX302 and LX102 both ship with capable Hi-Res audio features processed by onboard AK4438 (384 kHz/32-bit) DACs. Hi-Res audio can be sourced over a local network or a USB memory stick, with support for 192kHz/24-bit FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and DSD (2.8 MHz/5.6MHz). Each receiver can also play Dolby TrueHD up to 192kHz/24-bit via the front side USB input. Of course, the receivers can decode and play Dolby Atmos and DTS-X codecs over 5.2.2 channel arrangements. Immersive sound is tuned for in-room realism using the company’s Reflex Optimizer software, which (when used in conjunction with the receivers’ MCACC calibration suite) helps to improve the localization of Atmos sound created by speaker modules.
The new models carry a host of networking and audio distribution options including Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, AirPlay, and FireConnect, in addition to a robust selection of streaming features. Both Play-Fi and FireConnect are notable because they enable wireless playback of digital and analog sources to speaker arrangements deployed around a home. Conveniently, owners will find onboard support for Spotify, TIDAL, TuneIn, and Deezer, for simple and quick access to those streaming services.
On the video side, both models support 4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit signal transmission along with carrying HDCP 2.2 compliance. In addition, they can passthrough HDR content (HDR10 and Dolby Vision) and upscale non-UHD media. These features make the LX302 and LX102 current with all modern 4K video requirements. When it comes to HDMI connectivity, the LX302 holds a distinct advantage by offering seven inputs (two outputs) as compared to the LX102’s four in and one out.
Both receivers are shipping and available for purchase now.
Specifications
VSX-LX302
Video Features
Network Features
Connections
Front Terminals
Rear Terminals
Dimensions
VSX-LX102
Video Features
Network Features
Connections
Front Terminals
Dimensions
(Pioneer) Pioneer's new LX-302 Network AVR(May 31, 2017) Pioneer Home Entertainment has announced two new Elite 7.2-channel Network AV Receivers, adding to a crowded field of 2017 AVR models released over the last month. The new VSX-LX302 (MSRP $799 USD / $949 CAD) and VSX-LX102 ($599 USD / $749.99 CAD) offer attractive price points and plenty of tech features that should appeal to buyers looking at mid-priced options.
On the audio side, the LX302 and LX102 both carry decent power specs, with the LX302 offering 100 Watts per channel (8 ohms, 20-Hz-20kHz, 2 channels driven) and the LX102 offering 80 Watts per channel. Both models source their power from Direct Energy amps, which are built upon Pioneer’s popular Class D amp design. Pioneer claims its Direct Energy amps offer superior clear articulation at the highest of volume levels, making them perfect for driving a hard charging home theater experience.
Pioneer has rated these receivers as 4 ohm capable.
The LX302 and LX102 both ship with capable Hi-Res audio features processed by onboard AK4438 (384 kHz/32-bit) DACs. Hi-Res audio can be sourced over a local network or a USB memory stick, with support for 192kHz/24-bit FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and DSD (2.8 MHz/5.6MHz). Each receiver can also play Dolby TrueHD up to 192kHz/24-bit via the front side USB input. Of course, the receivers can decode and play Dolby Atmos and DTS-X codecs over 5.2.2 channel arrangements. Immersive sound is tuned for in-room realism using the company’s Reflex Optimizer software, which (when used in conjunction with the receivers’ MCACC calibration suite) helps to improve the localization of Atmos sound created by speaker modules.
The new models carry a host of networking and audio distribution options including Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, AirPlay, and FireConnect, in addition to a robust selection of streaming features. Both Play-Fi and FireConnect are notable because they enable wireless playback of digital and analog sources to speaker arrangements deployed around a home. Conveniently, owners will find onboard support for Spotify, TIDAL, TuneIn, and Deezer, for simple and quick access to those streaming services.
On the video side, both models support 4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit signal transmission along with carrying HDCP 2.2 compliance. In addition, they can passthrough HDR content (HDR10 and Dolby Vision) and upscale non-UHD media. These features make the LX302 and LX102 current with all modern 4K video requirements. When it comes to HDMI connectivity, the LX302 holds a distinct advantage by offering seven inputs (two outputs) as compared to the LX102’s four in and one out.
Both receivers are shipping and available for purchase now.
Specifications
VSX-LX302
- Channels: 7
- Amplification Type: Direct Energy
- 100 W/ch (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.8 %, 2ch Driven)
- Dolby Atmos®/Dolby Surround
- DTS:X/DTS Neural:X
- Reflex Optimizer
- Dolby® TrueHD/Dolby Digital Plus
- DTS–HD Master Audio/DTS–HD High Resolution Audio/DTS 96/24/DTS–ES/DTS–HD Express
- DSD Disc (SACD) Playback via HDMI (2.8 MHz/5.1ch, 2ch)
- Digital Core Engine with Cirrus Logic (Quad Core) x1
- 384 kHz/32–bit DAC (AK4458)
- HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- MCACC Auto Room TuningPhase Control
- Subwoofer EQ
- Advanced Sound Retriever (2ch)
- AM/FM Tuner: 40 Presets
Video Features
- Ultra HD Pass–through with HDCP 2.2 (4K/60p/4:4:4/24–bit, 4K/24p/4:4:4/36–bit, 4K/60p/4:2:0/36–bit)
- HDR10 and BT.2020 Support
- Dolby Vision Compatible
- Ultra HD Upscaling (1080p 4K)
- 3D Ready (Blu–ray Disc™, Broadcast, and Games)
- Deep Colour (36–bit), "x.v.Colour"
Network Features
- Whole Home Audio with FireConnect
- Chromecast built–in*
- DTS Play–Fi* Ready
- Apple AirPlay Certified
- Spotify®, TIDAL, Deezer, and Pandora Music–Streaming Services Ready
- Internet Radio with TuneIn
- Hi–Res Audio File Playback via USB/NetworkUp to 192 kHz/24–bit ALAC, AIFF , FL AC, WAV
- 5.6/2.8 MHz DSD Playback (except via Wireless LAN)
- Dolby® TrueHD Playback (via USB only)
- Built–in Wi–Fi® (Dual Band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz)
- Built–in Bluetooth® Wireless Technology (Version: 4.1, Profile: A2DP/AVRCP, Codec: SBC/AAC)
Connections
Front Terminals
- HDMI 1 In; USB 1 in for USB drive
- MCACC Setup MIC In
- Audio 1 In (Mini Stereo Jack)
- Phones 1 Out[/I]
Rear Terminals
- HDMI 6 In (4 Assignable)
- HDMI 2 Out (1 for MAIN, 1 for SUB)
- Ethernet 1 In
- USB 1 In for USB Drive
- AV (Component) 1 In (Assignable)
- AV (Composite) 2 In (Assignable)
- Audio 1 In (Assignable)
- Phono (MM) 1 In
- Digital Coaxial 1 In (Assignable)
- Digital Optical 1 In (Assignable)
- Subwoofer Pre Out
- Zone 2 Pre/Line Out
- Speaker 9 ch Out (FRONT , CENTRE, SURROUND, SURROUND BACK/ZONE 2/Bi–AMP, HEIGHT/SP B)
- IR 1 In/1 Out
- 12 V Trigger 2 Out/RS–232C
- FM/AM Antenna
Dimensions
- 17.1" W x 6.8" H x 14.5" D
- Weight: 22 lbs
VSX-LX102
- Channels: 7
- Amplification Type: Direct Energy
- 80 W/ch (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD .08 %, 2ch Driven)
- Dolby Atmos®/Dolby Surround
- DTS:X/DTS Neural:X
- Reflex Optimizer
- Dolby® TrueHD/Dolby Digital Plus
- DTS–HD Master Audio/DTS–HD High Resolution Audio/DTS 96/24/DTS–ES/DTS–HD Express
- DSD Disc (SACD) Playback via HDMI (2.8 MHz/5.1ch, 2ch)
- Digital Core Engine with Cirrus Logic (Quad Core) x1
- 384 kHz/32–bit DAC (AK4458)
- HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)
- MCACC Auto Room TuningPhase Control
- Subwoofer EQ
- Advanced Sound Retriever (2ch)
Video Features
- Ultra HD Pass–through with HDCP 2.2 (4K/60p/4:4:4/24–bit, 4K/24p/4:4:4/36–bit, 4K/60p/4:2:0/36–bit)
- HDR10 and BT.2020 Support
- Dolby Vision Compatible
- Ultra HD Upscaling (1080p 4K)
- 3D Ready (Blu–ray Disc™, Broadcast, and Games)
- Deep Colour (36–bit), "x.v.Colour"
Network Features
- Whole Home Audio with FireConnect
- Chromecast built–in*
- DTS Play–Fi* Ready
- Apple AirPlay Certified
- Spotify®, TIDAL, Deezer, and Pandora Music–Streaming Services Ready
- Internet Radio with TuneIn
- Hi–Res Audio File Playback via USB/NetworkUp to 192 kHz/24–bit ALAC, AIFF , FL AC, WAV
- 5.6/2.8 MHz DSD Playback (except via Wireless LAN)
- Dolby® TrueHD Playback (via USB only)
- Built–in Wi–Fi® (Dual Band 5 GHz/2.4 GHz)
- Built–in Bluetooth® Wireless Technology (Version: 4.1, Profile: A2DP/AVRCP, Codec: SBC/AAC)
Connections
Front Terminals
- USB 1 in for USB drive
- MCACC Setup MIC In
- Audio 1 In (Mini Stereo Jack)
- Phones 1 Out
- HDMI 4 In (4 Assignable)
- HDMI Out (1 for MAIN, 1 for SUB)
- Ethernet 1 In
- USB 1 In for USB Drive
- AV (Composite) 2 In (Assignable)
- Audio 1 In (Assignable)
- Phono (MM) 1 In
- Digital Coaxial 1 In (Assignable)
- Digital Optical 1 In (Assignable)
- Subwoofer Pre Out
- Speaker 7 ch Out
- IR 1 In/1 Out
- 12 V Trigger 2 Out/RS–232C
- FM/AM Antenna
Dimensions
- 17.1" W x 6.8" H x 14.5" D
- Weight: 19 lbs
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