However, you can also do this trick via the Google Home app and Chromecast. You can reproduce object-oriented sound in smooth, curving movements, or the realistic three-dimensional movement overhead by the top speakers. Features. It has trouble with certain common video sources and won't upscale them to 4K (despite having a setting precisely for this). However, more than 96 kHz is not possible via WiFi. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 9.2-ch Network AV Receiver, See all details for Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 9.2-ch Network AV Receiver, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Bluetooth Capable with Dolby Atmos 4K Ultra HD HDR Compatible A/V Home Theater Receiver - Black Model: VSXLX304 SKU: 6338688 User rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars with 56 reviews. You can therefore go in many directions with this device: build a large surround setup with four height channels or place a more modest surround system. You can correct it manually, but it is not the fully automatic adjustment that we would like. Does it every single time, I switched the speakers around to see if it was a wiring problem, but when I plug in a different speaker to the left front output on the receiver it makes the same sound out of that speaker, so this has to be a problem inside this receiver. That certainly applies if you have doubts between an Onkyo and a Pioneer. There's a problem loading this menu right now. I set this receiver up in a 7.1.2 configuration with pretty typical sources: wired Ethernet, Apple TV 4K streaming box, a Sony UHD disc player, PS4, and Xbox Live. In Zone 1, for example, Spotify can be heard and in Zone 2 the sound of a CD player hanging on the Pioneer. Can be interesting, but we do wonder who does it. Nine channels gives options. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pioneer Elite VSXLX304 9.2 Channel 4K UltraHD Network Receiver - Black at the best online prices at eBay! Even after running the auto calibration and even manually adjusting the set up they don't sound too great. Happy with the number of apps it interfaces with. Four major AV receiver brands under one roof, we are curious to know what that will deliver in terms of products and platforms. I just got this unit a few days ago to replace an older Onkyo model that couldn't process Dolby Atmos or handle 4K signals. Pioneer VSX-LX304 9.2 Channel IMAX Dolby Atmos AV Receiver – 2 Yrs Warranty. The power and clarity of the sound coming for this new receiver is very good, but the biggest improvement i immediately noticed was the amazing surround sound processing. You have to do this elsewhere in the menu before you start measuring. I think I will be returning this and will go in a different direction, maybe a Denon or Yamaha. Just like at restaurant. AUD $1,499 RRPIn terms of sound quality, entry-level AV Receivers can often leave a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, some useful Play-Fi functions do not work on the Pioneer, such as creating Spotify groups. I would pass on purchasing this. Lesser configurations are available, too, such as 5.1.2. You could set a bridge model between entry and premium. Not only that it includes Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 4K video support and more which isn’t bad for a receiver that costs under a grand. The VSX-LX304 is a new 9.2-channel receiver from Pioneer. If you choose a streaming source in one of the three possible zones on the VSX-LX304, it will be automatically sent to all three. The holy trinity for running multiple subs. When a gang of villains blast a French police officer, the shot really echoes through the room. Super easy set-up. But as manufacturers try to stay competitive, prices are dropping to the point that now a 9 cha… Designed for optimum IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Atmos/DTS:X movie playback in a seamless 7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch surround sound calibrated by Advanced MCACC, along with support for next-generation video standards, the VSXLX304 brings multi-dimensional excitement to your home entertainment. In our opinion, it would be a good idea for Pioneer to develop an app for MCACC so that you can investigate and try out these kinds of adjustments in a smoother way. It seems like the time has come for 9.2 channels AV receivers to cost under $1000 and the two new receivers from Pioneer are a good example of this new trend that seems manufacturers are starting to follow. Works with Sonos is not perfect, but in an environment where Sonos is already present, it can be a nice added value. Again we dive into the MCACC settings and see that the rear speakers are also set very low for the second measurement (-3 dB), we adjust to 0 dB and immediately experience much more movement in the rear surround field. By a platform we mean an app and interface through which you can do everything: play your own music files from the network or locally, listen to streaming services, switch physical inputs and multi-room functions. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Pioneer VSXLX301 7.2 Channel Networked AV Receiver with Built-In Bluetooth & Wi-Fi (Black) at Amazon.com. It sounds very complex of course, but during the Pioneer VSX-LX304 Receiver we notice that you make very quick choices and ultimately only use certain streaming options. This is partly about sound issues, but also about a number of (minor) job differences. The most noticeable difference between the Pioneer VSX-LX302 and Denon’s AVR-X2400H is the price. Sounds good, but has a number of really odd limitations. Designed for optimum IMAX® Enhanced* and Dolby Atmos®/DTS:X movie playback in a seamless 7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch surround sound calibrated by Advanced MCACC, along with support for next-generation video standards, the VSX-LX304 brings multi-dimensional excitement to your home entertainment. In terms of surround, everything is fine. The latter in turn is its own platform with its own app, which hides a lot of possibilities (playing your own files and streaming services). Although via the TV interface and with little explanation, so you have to know what you are doing. You then use the remaining channels to transfer music to another room. An AV receiver must accurately reproduce surround but also entrain music, we firmly believe that. The VSX-LX304 supports the most important HDR standards as you would expect and will become IMAX Enhanced compatible in the future. In this test we will regularly state that things are almost identical to an Onkyo receiver that we recently tested . I have owned a couple different Pioneer Elite receivers, I purchased this one to replace one that is only a few years old. VSX-LX304 Designed for optimum IMAX ® Enhanced* and Dolby Atmos®/DTS:X movie playback in a seamless 7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch surround sound calibrated by Advanced MCACC, along with support for next-generation video standards, the VSX-LX304 brings multi-dimensional excitement to … It is currently US $399. In addition to its own Flareconnect platform, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 the VSX-LX304 also includes Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi. With a real-world power rating of 120 watts per channel, it can drive all but the most power-hungry speakers properly. Both Denon / Marantz and Yamaha provide their own platform in their products (HEOS and MusicCast respectively). You can also opt to work with the Play-Fi app, which is available with a custom interface in a Pioneer / Onkyo version. Read helpful reviews from our customers. This receiver can deliver than in two main configurations: 5.1.4 or 7.1.2. Free shipping for many products! But again: you can work better via Chromecast. A few months ago Pioneer announced we would be getting a couple of new mid-ranged AV receivers that would come equipped with 9 channels of amplification as well as support for all the new audio formats. The Front Stage Surround Advance is an intriguing one to try. Really quirky. It’s always a delight to review the flagship model of a new line-up of products and discover the best and awkward parts of any change. The X2400H is nearly $200 above that of the VSX-LX302. The Pioneer has sufficient power reserves to handle the dynamic peaks and to respond quickly to the action. Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020. The music envelops us much more after we perform that second MCACC measurement, but we are not impressed by the Neural: X result. Speakers are the Andrew Jones Pioneer set with two of the subs, a pair of the front mains, the center speaker and two pairs of the bookshelf speakers for surrounds and backs. So we do the measurement again, which gives a better result. Very satisfied with my purchase. You can play different music in two zones, but not different streaming sources. The most important app is the Pioneer Controller app. Best Buy has honest and unbiased customer reviews for Pioneer - Elite 9.2-Ch. I needed a replacement for my current Pioneer … Designed for optimum IMAX ® Enhanced* 1 and Dolby Atmos ® /DTS:X movie playback in a seamless 7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch surround sound calibrated by Advanced MCACC, along with support for next-generation video standards, the VSX-LX304 brings multi-dimensional excitement to your home entertainment. What seems? But because receivers develop a while, a possible merger will not be visible in products in 2019 and maybe not even in 2020. Review: The Pioneer VSX-LX304 Receiver has many qualities that make it especially interesting for the advanced user with many positives. We have covered this feature extensively in a separate review, and everything you read in it also applies to this Pioneer receiver. By the way, we’re touching on a point of differentiation between Onkyo and Pioneer: Onkyo offers a simpler interface, while Pioneer clearly offers you more tweaking options. With the following nuance: for optimal surround reproduction you always need some knowledge and urge to experiment. Pioneer's efficient Direct Energy class-D amplifier modules allow the VSX-LX504 to pack a hefty punch while keeping the receiver's size and bulk manageable. 22’ x 22’) in a surround sound setup for years. Another problem is when I change the tv channel the receiver has a static sound on the left front channel. That is handy. One such is powering overhead speakers for best operation with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks. Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver. My last experience with Pioneer was in late 2017 when I reviewed the VSX-932. For example, we quickly left the Play-Fi app in favor of the more intuitive Pioneer Controller and the ease of use of Chromecast. The Pioneer VSX-LX304 Receiver has many qualities that make it especially interesting for the advanced user. But streaming your own files in zone 1 and Spotify is not possible in zone 2. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 is an amazing package when you consider what comes inside this little black box. But the “VSX” in Pioneer VSX-LX304 Receiver is a reference to the entry segment. Also something for the future is Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, a function that Denon will also offer via a later firmware update on certain 2019- receivers and which promises Atmos surround without height speakers. Each compatible device appears with a large photo (you can choose) in the main screen. Overall this is very disappointing. Of … The device excels with a lot of streaming possibilities and special options that are specific to the brand. Pioneer VSX-LX304 9.2-CH AV Receiver with IMAX Enhanced, 7.2.2ch Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Consider these available items Pioneer 9.2 Channel 4 K UltraHD Network A/V Receiver (Black) 4.4 out of 5 stars 351 The VSX-LX304 also offers many sound modes, but personally we are rarely convinced by eccentric options (such as “Drama”) that often sound artificial. Worst receiver experience I’ve had. In short, the Pioneer offers you a whole menu of streaming options, but ultimately you only go for one dish on the menu. You see Ethan Hunt take a position to ambush, while the police column is heading in a direction with a trapped terrorist – until the MI agent unexpectedly pops a police car into the Seine with his truck. MCACC on the LX304 can suffice with one measurement at one position, but the software also makes it possible to measure at eight additional positions. Because actually something special is going on with those two brands. Review: The Pioneer VSX-LX304 Receiver has many qualities that make it especially interesting for the advanced user with many positives. can handle. As with the Pioneer VSX-933 we reviewed last year, the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX504 9.2-Channel Network AV Receiver packs a whole lot of goodies into one package. If a device has multiple zones, such as the VSX-LX304, they show here as separate devices. Like most Onkyo and Pioneer receivers from last year and this year, the VSX-LX304 carry the “ Works with Sonos ‘-label. The single measurement with MCACC that we perform yields less good results than previously with the Onkyo and AccuEQ – but we soon discover why. It is a short, intense scene with a nice high-altitude surround effect – a subway train that thunders past – that now sounds correct. Pioneer does the same – but does not stop there. It replaces an older pioneer av-receiver which i’ve been using in my family room (approx. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Review: Pioneer VSX-LX304 Receiver – Can you exaggerate with streaming options? The advantage of Play-Fi is that there are streaming services that are missing in the Onkyo app, such as Qobuz. The Pioneer SC-LX502 is an example of this process, although awkward is not a word that describes any part of this AVR. Initially, we think the promotion is mainly at the front. By the way, surround connoisseurs will know that we don’t just make that reference to two Pioneer competitors. Pioneer Elite VSX-LX303 - AV network receiver - 9.2 channel overview and full product specs on CNET. Just like with Marantz and Denon, the relationship is so close that you can exchange the apps of both brands. Pioneer VSX-LX303 Appearance Espon 5050UB, 120" screen, AppleTV4k, Harmony Elite, Sony UBP-X700, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX504, Outlaw 7000x, MiniDSP 2x4HD, 2x HSU TN1220HO subs, 2x HSU VTF-15H Mk2 subs, Defintive Technology speakers: CLR2002 x3 for FR, C, FL; BP2x SR & SL; BP1.2x SBL & SBR; ProMonitor 800 x4 height speakers. Our main criticism of Works with Sonos is that you still need to purchase a Sonos Connect and connect it to the receiver. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. It is striking that the volume control of the Pioneer is far open to reach a cinema volume level, while our Dali Rubicon set-up is relatively efficient. For the one thousand euros it costs, the LX304 offers a lot: 7 HDMI 2.0 inputs and two HDMI outputs, and 185 watts spread over 9 channels. 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