Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 First Look Review and Unboxing, the Flagship Has Landed!

Manufacturer & Model

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX805 AV Receiver

MSRP

$2,999

Link

https://amzn.to/3P0rfuE

Highlights

The VSX-LX805 supports 11 channels amplified in a 7.2.4 configuration at 150 Watts per channel (8 ohms), it carries 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs, 3 outputs, and 11.2 pre-outs. It also ships Roon Ready, with compatibility with DTS:X, Dolby Atmos, Auto-3D, and IMAX Enhanced.

Summary

Pioneer Elite's latest flagship LX805 receiver delivers incredible functionality and performance for the coin. In this video overview and unboxing, we discuss what we know about the receiver and unbox it for a first look at an official factory model.

Today, we're unboxing and providing a first-look overview of Pioneer's all-new VSX-LX805 AV Receiver. The VSX-LX805 is a different animal from Elite products that hit the market in 2021, largely because it’s the first to have Premium Audio Co.’s influence and input throughout the development process. On paper, it reads like a dream machine with nearly every feature one could want, and the price ($2,999 US MAP) is right on target. Those two factors reaffirm what Integra’s late February flagship reveal established: the development and marketing teams at Premium Audio Co. are listening to its buying base and taking action.

This latest flagship isn’t a retread, it’s a complete rebuild both inside and out. Look closely, and you’ll find a new chassis better designed to suppress noise, fine-tuned circuit paths, a newly designed symmetrical amplifier with custom capacitors rated at 18,000uF, and custom fan-shaped heatsinks**. You’ll also find the latest generation of ESS ES9026 384kHz / 32-bit DACs, stereo XLR outputs for use with an external amp, matching XLR inputs for high-quality stereo sources, and enough power (150W FTC) generated by a new AB amp to drive reasonably thirsty speakers.

Beyond giving owners access to the market's most content-prevalent immersive technologies, Auro-3D and its upmixing capabilities, along with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and other common upmixers, are included. It also ships with Roon Ready onboard (set to be activated with a firmware update on 9/23) for the highest possible resolution of playback while using Roon.

With Dirac Live Full shipping loaded and engaged, owners have access to high-level room correction capabilities out of the box. For those looking for a streamlined experience, Dirac calibration can be performed using the included microphone and the Dirac app. And for those buyers that want to take tuning a step further, a USB microphone and PC/Mac processing can be brought into the fold. Of course, let's not forget about Dirac's highly desirable Bass Control module, which can be purchased for a fee ($349, single sub; $499 multi-sub).

On the HDMI front, the receiver carries six HDMI 2.1 inputs with full 8K 40Gbps performance. That means access to Auto Low Latency Mode, Variable Refresh Rate, eARC, passthrough of Dolby Vision, HDR 10+, BT. 2020, compatibility with HDCP 2.3, and more.

As far as we can tell, the only wishlist item not satisfied is the use of Class D amplifier technology. The likelihood of seeing a future Class D release is low, primarily because of cost. Though, that door hasn't been completely shut in a public manner... so Pioneer fan-boys wanting a Class D product can still cling to a small sliver of hope.

The VSX-LX805 is currently shipping.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Here are a few spec highlights, we'll have full details when we release the official review:

• Compatibility with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced? Check
• Ability to run a 7.1.4 immersive array without the need for an external amp? Check
• Dirac Live Full calibration suite without the need to upgrade? Check
• Dual independent subwoofer outputs? Check
• Access to Dirac Bass Management? Check
• High-powered amp output? Check
• Compatibility with Dolby Atmos Music? Check
• Multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs with 40Gbps? Check
• Multi-channel Pre-Outs? Check
• Phono input? Yup... Check

*AVNirvana.com is member is reader supported. Links to products may provide avnirvana.com a small commission on sales.
**The Onkyo TX-RZ70 has straight-fin heatsinks in silver. The Elite VSX-LX805 has fan-shaped, more efficient heatsinks in black, and the Integra DRX 8.4 has the same heatsinks as the Elite, but in silver. I had said the Elite's heat sinks were unique, but they are only unique in color, as the DRX 8.4 shares the same shape.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Quick correction/misspeak:

The Onkyo TX-RZ70 has straight-fin heatsinks in silver. The Elite VSX-LX805 has fan-shaped, more efficient heatsinks in black, and the Integra DRX 8.4 has the same heatsinks as the Elite, but in silver. I had said the Elite's heat sinks were unique, but they are only unique in color, as the DRX 8.4 shares the same shape.

 

[Priyantha]

Really looking forward to your full review Todd!
Looks like a real beast, with beautiful build-quality.

And I am still hoping that Premium Audio will give us, Pioneer fans, our beloved Class-D amplification back in the future.

I do not fancy power hungry A/B amplifiers in my house here in Europe(The Netherlands) as our energy prices are skyrocketing ( a couple of months ago it was arround 70(Feb '23) - 90(December '22) Eurocent per kWh, to put it in perspective, 90 eurocent in December '22 was around 1,07 Dollar) .
For example when you use your receiver 5 hours per day, And you take in account a kWh price of 70 Eurocent, and assume you're using around 250W per hour then it would cost you 315 Euro per year. Compare that with around 75W per hour for the Class D, then you end up with 94,50 Euro per year. A saving of 220,50 Euro per year in 5 years that's more than 1100 Euro

 

[theetjuh]

Aahh here is the post where you unboxed it @Todd Anderson, could you check if logging in with ciuser/ciuser within the webui works on the LX805?
I hear from some people that it gives a blank page.

Thanks in advance!
Looking forward to your review!

 

[Asere]

Will the LX805 be capable for Dirac ART?

 

[Asere]

My denon x4200 has a blinking red light. I turn the unit on and I get a display on the avr a second later display disappears and blinking red away it is. I disconnected all the speakers and still having the same issue. I also did a factory reset but same issue.
I will call denon and see what is possibly wrong but if went kaput and expensive to repair I may get the lx805 or onkyo's z70.
The downside to the lx805 is you cannot change speaker crossovers. Fun shopping though.