Seeking Advice for a New AV Receiver Replacement for My Pioneer SC-LX81

[kralchev_i]

Hi everyone,

I've been a long-time reader of this forum, and I’ve always valued the insights and recommendations shared here. Now, I’m in need of some advice and hope you can help me out.

I’ve been using a Pioneer SC-LX81 AV receiver for the past 15 years, paired with a Klipsch 5.1 speaker system consisting of RF-7, RC-52, RS-52, and a pair of RW-12D subwoofers. Unfortunately, the HDMI board on my Pioneer has finally given out after many years of faithful service. Now, I’m in the market for a new receiver, but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the options available today.

I’m looking for a receiver that would complement my Klipsch setup, ideally something that can handle both movies and music well. I’ve gone through a number of reviews and opinions but still can’t make a final decision. I’d really appreciate any recommendations or advice on what receiver to buy.

Some key considerations:

I’m used to the sound signature of the Pioneer SC-LX81, so something that would either match or improve upon it would be great.
I’m looking for a receiver that offers the same or greater power output.
A wide music stage and full, immersive sound are very important to me.
I plan to add ceiling speakers for Dolby Atmos, so the receiver needs to support this feature.
I’m open to suggestions from different brands but would prefer something that offers solid build quality and longevity.
My budget is flexible, but I’m looking for something that offers the best value for its price.
Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to your suggestions.

 

[Oddball]

Denon 3800h or Onkyo RZ 50 are the value choices and if you plan to stick with 5.1 should be adequate with option to expand to Atmos. Both Onkyo/Integra and Denon/Marantz have higher end options but should understand what they bring for additional price.

 

[EWL5]

If sticking w/Pioneer...

Similar to what you have: Pioneer 505
Better than what you have: Pioneer 805

 

[kyuu]

One of that Pioneer's standout features was the class D amplification at a pretty high rating of 190W/ch @ 8Ohms (but that's without a distortion rating as far as I can tell). AVRs using class D amps are pretty rare even nowadays, and Pioneer no longer produces them. One option to consider would be the JBL MA9100HP, which is rated for 140W/ch @ 8Ohms and 240W/ch @4Ohms at <0.5%THD. I don't know how you're running the subwoofers, but the JBL does send the same signal to both of its sub outs so that may or may not be a deal breaker for you.

I believe NAD is also using class D amplifiers, though they refer to them as "hybrid digital amplifiers", whatever that means. Maybe they're using a linear power supply instead of switching?

 

[SKBubba]

Can't go wrong with Denon. As far as sound signature, an amp shouldn't have one. As for sound stage, that's your speakers and room. Sounds like you have a nice speaker setup. Denon Audyssey can help with the room. Newer Denon's also support Dirac for the same purpose, but I don't know anything about that.

 

[dlaloum]

For an AVR that works as closely as possible the way your SC-LX81 did, the current Pioneers have a similar base feature set, with more up to date processing.

For similar power amp capabilities (to your SC-LX81), the LX805, steps down are the LX505 and LX305.

If you don't need external amplification and therefore pre-outs, then possibly the LX305 would be ample (or if you want to be certain in terms of future proofing, the Integra DRX3.4, which is basically the same unit, with full pre-outs)

5.1.4 is viable from the LX305 upwards.

The twins to the three AVR's from Onkyo and from Integra are LX805/RZ70/DRX8.4, LX505/RZ50/DRX5.4, LX305/NR7100/DRX3.4

Depending on where and when, different members of each set of twins will be cheaper or more expensive. (apparently there is currently some heavy discounting on the DRX3.4)

I run a DRX 3.4, with a set of external amps for the front mains as they are hard to drive speakers that drop to 1.6 ohm... I still use the internal AVR amps for the surrounds and heights. My setup is 5.1.4

If you are planning on running dual subs, then you need to go to the top tier LX805, as only the top tier have dual sub channels (the lower tiers have dual sub connections, but there is only one processing channel behind them)

Note: all of these include Dirac... alongside MCACC for the Pioneers and AccuEQ for the Integra's and Onkyo's

Dirac works brilliantly but is a bit fiddly to get going, MCACC/ACCUEQ is easier and quicker to use - but has less top end performance potential... (IMO)

P.S. Denon was also on my shortlist 2 years ago when I needed to replace my AVR after the old one released its magic smoke....

X3800 is equivalent to roughly to LX505 (somewhere between LX305 and LX505 really) - the Denon's use Audyssey, but has the option to add Dirac at an additional cost... - the other thing they have is 4 independent sub channels.
X4800 is a bit more powerful, better built internally... roughly equivalent to LX505... fits in between LX505 and LX805
X6800 is somewhat less powerful in amp terms than the LX805... but very nicely built and feature rich premium AVR