Pioneer VSX-LX505 AVR Review

[dlaloum]

Dirac never announced DLBC for Pioneer, no surprise here.
On the other side, Pioneer has simplified bass management. Adding DLBM would be a real improvement, something we probably won't get for free.

I think Pioneer was already being considered as the outsider at the DLBC announcements.... with the later news (never confirmed by Voxx/PAC) that Voxx/PAC had lost the Licence for the Pioneer brandname sort of clarifying things.

But so far it is all rumours - with the recent announcements and lack of announcements for Pioneer, seeming to align with the rumours of it having been orphanned.

 

[popej]

No DLBC for Onkyo 7100 and Integra 3.4 either. But Pioneer gets updates at the same times as others, no reason to panic yet

 

[Power Pop 23]

Voxx International's press release regarding earnings ending Sept. 30, 2024 shows they lost money as they pared debt and sold the Jamo brand of loudspeakers:

https://investors.voxxintl.com/news-releases/news-release-details/voxx-international-corporation-reports-its-fiscal-2025-second

The CEO of Voxx was asked during the earnings call: 'Is Klipsch up for sale ?' and he replied 'We are in a process to determine the company's value, and there may be offers for the entire company or parts of it, similar to the Gentex offer.'

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/voxx-international-corp-voxx-q2-070031594.htm

Given that an activist investor wants Masimo to sell their Sound United subsidiary, I wonder what brands of AV receivers will be available to purchase in five years.

 

[MbphotoX]

damn...
I really hoped we'd get the DLBC update, too..

 

[EWL5]

damn...
I really hoped we'd get the DLBC update, too..

Based on the mixed feedback from the RZ50 thread over at AVS, it doesn't sound like 505 owners are missing much....yet.

 

[Miker 1102]

Voxx International's press release regarding earnings ending Sept. 30, 2024 shows they lost money as they pared debt and sold the Jamo brand of loudspeakers:

https://investors.voxxintl.com/news-releases/news-release-details/voxx-international-corporation-reports-its-fiscal-2025-second

The CEO of Voxx was asked during the earnings call: 'Is Klipsch up for sale ?' and he replied 'We are in a process to determine the company's value, and there may be offers for the entire company or parts of it, similar to the Gentex offer.'

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/voxx-international-corp-voxx-q2-070031594.htm

Given that an activist investor wants Masimo to sell their Sound United subsidiary, I wonder what brands of AV receivers will be available to purchase in five years.

I have been following these stories. I don't think most of the consumers understand how niche our hobby is.

 

[MbphotoX]

true.. Pioneer basically stopped producing their high-end car audio stuff, too..
I recently bought the now "top tier" radio (because I wanted the option to stream Tidal and listen to DAB radio since my country killed FM radio for good) and it's not great at all.. but the worst is the glossy display that I cannot read for the love of me, lol..
(I previously had a nearly 20yo Alpine radio with a MUCH better display..)

 

[damirj79]

Pioneer, Elite, Onkyo, and Integra AV receivers get major update for Amazon Music, Tidal, and Dirac

AV receivers from Pioneer, Elite, Onkyo, and Integra are getting better support for Amazon Music and Tidal, plus enhancements to Dirac room tuning.

www.digitaltrends.com

Some explanation of changes are in the text, too.

 

[ban25]

Pioneer, Elite, Onkyo, and Integra AV receivers get major update for Amazon Music, Tidal, and Dirac

AV receivers from Pioneer, Elite, Onkyo, and Integra are getting better support for Amazon Music and Tidal, plus enhancements to Dirac room tuning.

www.digitaltrends.com

Some explanation of changes are in the text, too.

Interesting that the 805/8.4/RZ70 will receive an update on 11/18. Presumably it'll be for the Chromecast -> Google Cast rebranding.

 

[fadetoblackbs]

The USB Port apparently delivers 5V /1A.
I would use it to power a Wiim mini that needs 5V /1,5A.
Do you think that should work anyway? Any experiences in that direction?
I would be interested to know what you say before I order the wiim mini for testing.
Thanks.

 

[ban25]

The USB Port apparently delivers 5V /1A.
I would use it to power a Wiim mini that needs 5V /1,5A.
Do you think that should work anyway? Any experiences in that direction?
I would be interested to know what you say before I order the wiim mini for testing.
Thanks.

Should work fine.

 

[popej]

Do you think that should work anyway?

Older Pioneers have 1.5A limiter at USB. Wiim can take less than specified. All together, my guess is that it could work, but no recommendation here, it is up to you to decide.
Anyway, what Wimm can do, that Pioneer can't?

 

[fadetoblackbs]

Older Pioneers have 1.5A limiter at USB. Wiim can take less than specified. All together, my guess is that it could work, but no recommendation here, it is up to you to decide.
Anyway, what Wimm can do, that Pioneer can't?

User interface. Nice app that works fine and gets updates. Very good integration of streaming services like Tidal connect etc. Good User experience. Smooth operation. Those things matter to me. I am aware that not everybody thinks the same. Thats just me.
I use the Pioneer Apps but to be honest I dont like them. They are outdated and buggy.
I can get a wiim mini for 85€ and will give it a try.
Bit perfect connection with Toslink. If I am not convinced after testing I send the mini back.

 

[popej]

I use the Pioneer Apps but to be honest I dont like them. They are outdated and buggy.

It is kind of primitive, but mostly works. There are some advantages like integrated volume control or some Atmos support. For me the substantial upgrade is Fire Stick TV, which brings multichannel music from Amazon.

 

[fadetoblackbs]

It is kind of primitive, but mostly works. There are some advantages like integrated volume control or some Atmos support. For me the substantial upgrade is Fire Stick TV, which brings multichannel music from Amazon.

Thanks. Will check it out.