11 amplified channels, Dirac Live, IMAX Enhanced and Sonos compatibility: this Pioneer amp does everything a Denon or Yamaha does, for 100 euros less

SEE THE PIONEER VSA-LX805 AT 1,590 EUROS

11 amplified channels: Dolby Atmos 7.2.4 without external amplifier

This is the figure that makes the difference with the direct competition. The Pioneer VSA-LX805 amplifies 11 channels internally, where most amps at this price cap at 9. In practice, this allows you to build a system 7.2.4 channels (7 floor speakers, 2 subwoofers, 4 Dolby Atmos height speakers) without adding an external power amp.

Each channel delivers 150 watts sous 8 ohms over the full bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The amplification in class AB ensures a warm and dynamic restitution. Home Theater Review highlights the compelling combination of raw power, cutting-edge features and sound fidelity.

The section 11.2 channel pre-out with front exit XLR still allows you to add power amps for users who want to go even further. A buyer uses this setup and confirms that the Pioneer drives external amps accurately.

Supported audio formats cover the entire spectrum today: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio. Virtualization technologies Dolby Atmos Height et DTS Virtual:X allow you to simulate pitch effects with simpler configurations (2.1, 5.1 or 7.1).

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Integrated Dirac Live: the calibration that changes everything

The Pioneer VSA-LX805 integrates calibration Dirac Live with the Dirac Live Bass Control. This system analyzes the acoustic characteristics of your room and your speakers to optimize frequency response, phase and reflections. The calibration is specifically optimized for Dolby Atmos reproduction by managing sound reflections on the floor and ceiling.

A buyer strongly recommends purchasing the microphone WITHDRAWAL (sold separately) to fully exploit the Dirac Live from a PC, rather than being limited to the supplied wired microphone and the smartphone. His verdict: the Dirac Live calibration is a marvel.

Another user, coming from a 12-year-old Pioneer, sums up the technological leap in two words: what progress. The Dirac Live takes acoustic calibration from an acceptable compromise to a result that truly exploits the potential of each speaker in each room.

7 HDMI 2.1, 8K, 4K 120 Hz et gaming complet

THE 7 inputs HDMI 2.1 (including one on the facade) and the 3 sorties HDMI (including two 8K compatible and one eARC) support 8K à 60 Hz and the 4K à 120 Hz. Formats Dolby Vision, HDR10+ et HLG are compatible. Upscaling to 8K is provided from 1080p and 4K sources.

Three HDMI outputs instead of two: this is a concrete advantage for installations with a television et a video projector in the same room, or to supply video to zone 2.

Certification IMAX Enhanced Automatically adjusts audio and video settings for IMAX remastered movies.

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Streaming Dolby Atmos, Sonos et AirPlay 2

Le streamer intégré via DTS Play-Fi donne accès à Amazon Music, Deezer, Spotify et TIDAL. DLNA playback from local network supports files up to 24 bits / 192 kHz en WAV, FLAC et DSD (stéréo et multicanal).

To compatibility AirPlay 2, Chromecast et Bluetooth bi-directional (AAC) covers the main wireless broadcast scenarios. Bi-directional Bluetooth sends audio to wireless headphones for nighttime listening.

To compatibility Sonos et AirPlay 2 allows you to integrate the Pioneer into an existing multiroom system. You can stream the same music in the living room (via the Pioneer) and in the kitchen (via a Sonos speaker or AirPlay 2) from a single interface.

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Connections designed for large installations

The rear panel of the VSA-LX805 is dense:

• 7 inputs HDMI 2.1 + 3 sorties HDMI (including 2 in 8K and 1 eARC)
• 1 entrée XLR + 5 RCA inserts (including a phonograph)
• 3 optical inputs + 2 coaxial inserts
• 2 video components
• 11.2 channel pre-out with XLR front output
• 2 sorties subwoofersorties zone 2 et zone 3
• 1 6.35 mm headphone output and facade
• 2 ports USB-AEthernet, RS-232C, 2 triggers 12V

L’entrée phono allows you to connect a vinyl turntable directly. The entrance XLR is an asset for professional or high-end sources. The port RS-232C and triggers facilitate integration into a home automation system with Control4, Crestron or Savant.

What you need to know before ordering

Some points to keep in mind:

• L’ampli pèse 21,5 kg and measures 435 x 185 x 468 mm. Provide ventilated and solid furniture.
• THE speaker terminal blocks are tight. Several buyers report that it is difficult to use large section cable. If you have 11 speakers to connect, allow time and patience.
• The maximum consumption reaches 1 190 watts. This is normal for an 11-channel class AB amp, but it should be taken into account in your electrical installation.
• Bluetooth is limited to codecs SBC et AAC in reception. No aptX. For better quality Bluetooth listening, transmission to headphones is also done in SBC/AAC.
• The HDR10+ is supported but the manufacturer’s sheet mentions HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Check HDR10+ compatibility with the latest firmware.

Price and availability

The Pioneer VSA-LX805 is attached 1 590 euros at Son-Vidéo.com instead of 1,689 euros. It is in stock and ships within 24 to 48 hours. The 2-year manufacturer’s warranty is extendable to 5 years. Payment in 3x or 4x without fees is available, as well as spreading up to 40 monthly payments. A calibration microphone is provided.

For a home cinema amplifier 11 amplified channels with Dirac Live, IMAX Enhanced, 7 HDMI 2.1, Sonos compatibility and 11.2 pre-out with XLR output, 1,590 euros places the VSA-LX805 in a price position that few competitors can match. Home Cinema Choice sums it up: it offers plenty of features and performance that go straight to the heart of immersive sound mixing.

THE PIONEER VSA-LX805 AT THE BEST PRICE

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