Essential Install | AVRs , Amps and Playback
DID YOU KNOW : Due to the Doppler Effect , a musical piece emitted from a source traveling twice the speed of sound would be heard in correct time and tune , but backwards .
Top of the range of new trio of AVRs from Pioneer is the LX302
The brushed aluminum front panel and metal chassis offer a smart finish and four heavy-gauge machined feet providing a stable foundation to work from . A new double-layered chassis further enhances the rigidness and vibration-cancelling capabilities . The maker says strategically placed heatsinks and ventilation grilles allow the UDP-205 to run both cool and quiet without the need for internal or external fans .
Following a perhaps quieter period in terms of installer relevant AVR products , Pioneer has come back with new product and most recently , some firmware updates enabling Chromecast built-in audio streaming on selected components , AV receivers , home theatre systems and network speaker systems manufactured in 2016 or later . The company has also added voice control support for those users with a Google Home speaker or Google Assistant Audio devices to be released in the future .
Chromecast built-in connects compatible Apps on iPad , iPhone , iPod touch , Android phones and tablets , Chromebook and Chrome browser on Mac , Windows , and Linux PCs to Pioneer components over 5GHz / 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi . Users can stream music , Internet radio and podcasts from online services for their convenience .
Pioneer has also announced the release of three new AVRs , the VSX-LX302 , VSX-932 and the VSX-832 .
The VSX-LX302 is a 7.2-channel model delivering 170W per channel ( and capable of driving two subwoofers ), offering Dolby Atmos and DTS : X Playback ( using a 5.2.2-channel layout ) as well as a new feature dubbed Reflex Optimiser designed to eliminate the phase-lag issues that some Dolby Atmos elevation speakers can suffer from , giving enhanced clarity in the mid and high frequency bands .
Top of the range is the VSX-LX302 , supporting 4K / 60p / 4:4:4 / 24-bit video signal transmission ( with HDCP 2.2 technology ) on six rear HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs . There is also full 4K Ultra HD and HDR compatibility ( HDR 10 , Dolby Vision and the BT . 2020 standard ).
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled ( 5 GHz / 2.4GHz Dualband ) the VSX-LX302 also has online services like TuneIn , Spotify , TIDAL and Deezer built-in . This unit is also one of the family to have the Chromecast built-in facility . There is also support for Hi-Res audio including DSD 2.8MHz / 5.6MHz and Dolby TrueHD content ( up to 192 kHz / 24-bit ) via the USB input . For vinyl fans there ’ s a builtin phono stage ( moving magnet ) plus AM / FM radio while an optional USB dongle – for DAB radio reception – will be launched later this summer . This fully-loaded machine also carries Airplay and DTS Play-Fi , FireConnect wireless audio distribution ( to optional compatible speakers ), powered zone two operation ( including digital audio outputs ) and Pioneer ’ s MCACC auto set-up system .
If the installation market is about building partnerships , then a new and interesting one comes in the form of distributor Habitech and respected UK AV brand Arcam .
The idea of Arcam coming on-board with Habitech is to enhance the home cinema offering that both these companies can deliver and in particular the recently released AVR390 , AVR550 and AVR850 , described as the highest performing AVRs Arcam has ever made .
Enhancing the performance of the trio , Arcam has included the latest room correcting technology from Dirac Research . Dirac Live for Arcam gives the dealer the ability to tune the acoustic performance of the system to any room situation as well as delivering the latest codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS : X for a strong performance across music , movies , television or gaming . For a 7.1.4 system , an additional four-channel amplifier ( or two two-channel power amplifiers ) is required .
Both video and audio stages are designed to embrace both current and upcoming technologies . HDMI2.0a with HDCP2.2 4K Ultra HD and 3D video capability are built in across the range . An internal tuner provides a fully integrated FM / DAB / DAB + ( in appropriate markets ) radio solution . Access to Internet radio stations is provided through the network connection , which also interfaces to UPnP audio servers and the USB port supports memory devices .
Control is possible via Ethernet , enabling the units to be fully integrated with Control4 and Crestron , or via the iOS MusicLife UPnP / control App . RS232 , 12V triggers and standard IR control are also included . Other highlights include built-in Spotify , a Cirrus CS42528 audiophile DAC and IR control .
Yamaha has been delivering solid performance into the category for years and this continues with the AVENTAGE product platform . Chris Wray , product specialist at Yamaha Music Europe , explains some of the advantages offered by the line up : “ Yamaha ’ s AVENTAGE range feature Control4 drivers certified and built right into the C4 composer software ; just search for the model and it pops right up . This is also true of our WXA-50 wireless amplifier , the WXC-50 wireless pre-amplifier and our wireless speakers , WX-010 and WX-030 . The rest of the MusicCast range will follow with drivers for Control4 ready to go from the composer over time .
“ Of course AVR in particular is a product area we focus on and we ’ ve built in a number of handy features to make installers ’ lives easy . The AVENTAGE range of Yamaha receivers was originally created to serve both a sound quality and CI market , with all the benefits a multi zone AVR can bring . This means things like double bottom covers on the higher end models , symmetrical wiring inside , DACs on pure ground circuitry – the products are built to last and continue lasting throughout the installation . We consistently get reports back on AVENTAGE receivers outlasting the competition and the
HEOS Amp
WIRELESS AMPLIFIER : TURN ANY SPEAKERS INTO A WIRELESS ZONE .
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58 | May 2017