Conventional wisdom says that AV receivers are no more than average stereo amplifiers – but this is not always true. While the Pioneer SC-LX 701 can easily render the most intense dynamics of modern cinema soundtracks on up to nine channels, it transforms itself into a cultivated hi-fi amp with a natural sound when it comes to music. For Pioneer’s own Direct Power HD output stage technology with its ultra-short signal paths, power and aesthetics are no contradiction. Audiophile quality also defines the SABRE32 D/A converter from ESS used for all channels. Those who want to truly put its tremendous dynamics and high linearity to the test can, in addition to multi-channel premium movie sound (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X), also access super-high-resolution studio master music files with a few taps in the control app. This is because the SC-LX 701 includes a full-fledged, opulently equipped streamer that also plays back high-resolution files from local NAS servers at 24bit/192kHz and quad-rate DSD (11.2MHz). Full CD resolution is promised by the integrated music services Tidal and Deezer along with Spotify, offering full access to over 20 million titles for their subscribers. Bluetooth, dual-band WiFi and Airplay are also available for everyday convenience and the soothing feeling of always being able to offer the right standard – complemented by Google Cast and the high-performance, brand-neutral, FireConnect multi-room standard after a free update.
AUDIO FEATURES
■Channels: 9
■Amplification Type: Class D (Direct Energy HD)
■760 W Multi-ch Simultaneous Drive (8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0 %)
■270 W/ch (4 ohms, 1 kHz, 1ch Driven IEC)
■185 W/ch (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 1ch Driven IEC)
■Advanced Direct Construction
■Rigid Trans-Stabilizer
■Anti-Standing Wave Insulator
■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/DTS96/24/DTS-ES/DTS-HD Express
■DSD Direct Playback via Network/USB (11.2, 5.6, 2.8 MHz/2ch)
■DSD Disc (SACD) Playback via HDMI (2.8 MHz/5.1ch, 2ch)
■Digital Core Engine with Cirrus Logic (Quad Core) x1
■ESS SABRE32 Ultra DAC (ES9016S)
■HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC)
■MCACC Pro Auto Room Tuning
• Full Band Phase Control
• Subwoofer EQ (4 Band)
■Advanced Sound Retriever (2ch)
■Advanced Surround Modes
• Classical, Unplugged, Entertainment Show, Drama, Advanced Game, Action, Rock/Pop, Sports, Extended Stereo, Extended Mono, Front Stage Surround, Auto Surround
■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)
■HDR and BT.2020 Support
■Ultra HD Upscaling (1080p 4K)
■3D Ready (Blu-ray Disc™, Broadcast, and Games)
■Deep Colour (36-bit), “x.v.Colour”
NETWORK FEATURES
■FireConnect™*1 for Multi-room Audio
■Google Cast*1
■Apple AirPlay Certified
■Spotify®, Tidal*1, and Deezer*1 Music Streaming Services Ready
■Internet Radio (TuneIn)
■Hi-Res Audio File Playback via USB/Network
• Up to 192 kHz/24-bit ALAC, AIFF, FLAC, WAV
• 11.2/5.6/2.8 MHz DSD Playback
• Dolby® TrueHD Playback (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)
OPERATING FEATURES
■Pioneer Remote App Ready (iOS/Android)
■iControlAV5 Remote Control App Ready (iOS/Android)
■New GUI with System/Network Setup Menu
■Auto Power Off in HDMI Standby Through
■Sleep Timer
■User-Friendly Simple Remote Control
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
■Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 185 x 441 mm
■Weight: 15.3 kg