When it comes to AV receivers, Pioneer has been fairly quiet of late - but the brand is looking to reclaim some of its former glory with a new range, headlined by the VSA-LX805. This machine is a feature-packed offering, with 11 channels of powerful Class A/B amplification - and it’s capable of delivering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio as a realistic and fully immersive soundscape.
As you’d expect from a modern AV amp, the LX805 ticks all the important boxes - including HDMI 2.1 connections that support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, along with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers as well as movie nuts, and two-channel fans aren’t forgotten either with support for music streamers such as Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DTS Play-Fi and even Roon.
While the LX805 naturally includes Pioneer’s proprietary ‘MCACC Pro’ room calibration software, it now supports the superior Dirac Live as standard too, with ‘Bass Control’ as an optional upgrade. The latter is useful given this receiver’s multi-subwoofer capabilities, but it’s good to see Pioneer supporting full-fat Dirac rather than making you pay for it or only offering a simplified version.
So far, so good – but this is a competitive segment of the market with a number of very capable AV receivers available – so how does the LX805 stack up? And does it retain the muscular delivery for which Pioneer amplifiers are justly famous?
Sound Quality
The Pioneer VSA-LX805 has some serious firepower under its hood. It uses a new, symmetrical design that’s mounted to heatsinks and built around a large ‘Direct Energy’ power transformer. It’s the latter that accounts for this amp’s heft - the LX805 weighs in at a back-breaking 21.5kg.
The audiophile credentials don’t end there. The Pioneer uses a pair of 32 bit ESS ES9026PRO Hyperstream digital-to-audio converters that support high-resolution audio and a host of spatial audio formats (such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced). It can even decode the less common Auro-3D, thanks to a recent firmware update.
Since the LX805 has 11 channels built in, you can run a fully immersive 7.2.4-channel speaker configuration right out of the box (assuming you have sufficient room for seven ear-level speakers and four more overhead). The more speakers, the better today’s object-based audio formats will sound - but the processing is limited to 13 channels, which means you can’t expand the layout.
You can connect up to four subwoofers to the LX805, but there are only two independent sub channels. This means you are actually running two subs off each channel, rather than four fully independent low frequency outputs - but this will be more than enough for most people. You’ll certainly benefit from running multiple subs, as it helps balance out the room’s low frequency response.
When it comes to room correction, the addition of Dirac Live is a major feather in the LX805’s cap. This feature uses an included mic, and is controlled through the remote app. It’s very easy to use, with the option of either a quick three-point measurement or full measurement based on nine readings.
Once Dirac Live has taken these measurements, the software calculates the acoustic characteristics of the room and applies the necessary filters to correct any aberrations. There’s also a manual feature for anyone wishing to customise these filters. If you’re running two (or more) subs, it’s worth shelling out for the ‘Bass Control’ module - the result is superior low-end response.
While you can, of course, use Pioneer’s ‘MCACC Pro room correction’, in testing I find I prefer Dirac because the results feel tighter in the lower frequencies and more refined overall. I am certainly delighted by the LX805’s general performance, which is powerful but controlled, with plenty of headroom and precise placement of sound effects within a three-dimensional space.
While Pioneer claims 150W per channel, this is based on only running two channels - when all 11 are being driven, the actual output is lower. However, even with an aggressive mix like Midway, where all the channels are engaged, the LX805 never runs out of steam, never distorts or feels strained. In fact it retains a pleasing amount of headroom no matter the load it is handling.
This is where the Pioneer really comes into its own: its beefy amps and well-defined object-based processing add cinematic scale to movies such as Top Gun: Maverick. Not always subtle, but undeniably fun, it’s best described as the sonic equivalent of The Rock in a silk shirt that’s a bit too small. No matter how restrained the mix, you’re waiting for the LX805 to burst out of it in style.
As a result, this AV amplifier is perfect for film fans and will also please gamers with its ability to create a realistic and visceral 360-degree soundscape. The sonic objects in spatial audio mixes are steered seamlessly around the room and over your head. Thanks to Dirac Live the subs are also nicely integrated, giving everything a solid and smooth foundation of low frequency energy.
If I had to pick one area of weakness it’s with music - but to be fair, few audiophiles would consider any AV receiver best suited to this purpose. The Atmos mix of Dark Side of the Moon remains engaging, but the more forceful delivery does slightly rob the soundstage of detail. Having said that, the placement of instruments remains precise, and there’s still plenty of depth and definition.
Living with
The Pioneer VSA-LX805 retains the classic AV receiver styling, with a large and informative central display, a drop down flap beneath, an input selector on one side and a volume dial on the other. Since the flap covers the controls and front inputs, the appearance is very minimalist, with a thick brushed metal faceplate and the ‘Henry Ford’ choice – any colour you like, as long as it’s black.
The LX805 is a sophisticated piece of kit, packed with cutting-edge tech, but it’s relatively easy to install thanks to an updated user interface. It’s not quite as intuitive as the Denon/Marantz setup wizard (which remains the gold standard), but even a relative AV beginner will have everything up and running within minutes - and there are plenty of options for all those inveterate tweakers.
The connectivity is excellent, as befits a higher-end receiver, with seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, one of which supports eARC. Crucially, these connections not only support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz, along with every HDR format (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision), but also gaming features such as VRR and ALLM. One of the HDMI inputs is conveniently placed at the front, behind the flap.
There are all the usual pre-outs if you fancy adding even beefier amplification, along with digital and analogue inputs. Audiophiles will be pleased to discover two-channel balanced XLR inputs and outputs, plus there’s an MM phono input for those rocking a record player.
There’s no denying the LX805’s strengths skew towards multichannel movie soundtracks, however music lovers can not only enjoy their favourite long-players but also stream from services such as Spotify, TIDAL, Deezer, Amazon and internet radio. The Pioneer also works with Amazon Alexa but, in the UK at least, there’s no tuner - so technically the LX805 is an AV amplifier, rather than receiver.
There’s a host of wireless options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2, along with the ability to run up to three zones. Anyone looking to create a multiroom system has options as well, with the LX805 able to work with Sonos, being Roon Ready, and offering support for DTS Play-Fi.
There are a number control options available, including buttons behind the drop-down flap - but for most users the main choice will probably be the included remote. This is sensibly laid out, comfortable to hold, and includes a backlight. There’s also the excellent Pioneer remote app, which not only acts as a controller but also allows direct access to the music streamers and Dirac Live.
Conclusion
The Pioneer VSA-LX805 makes for an impressive high-end AV amp, with 11 channels of powerful amplification and well-defined spatial audio processing that brings out the best in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive soundtracks. The design and build quality are both excellent, the connectivity and features are comprehensive, and installation is relatively straightforward.
The audio performance is muscular and highly engaging in its delivery, with nicely integrated bass thanks to Dirac Live, plus the ability to support up to four subs. The HDMI support for 8K video and every next-gen gaming feature provide some welcome future-proofing, and while music may lack a smidge of detail the LX805 is an excellent all-rounder with the emphasis on cinematic fun.
Listening Notes
Midway (4K Disc)
This surprisingly faithful recreation of the titular battle that turned the course of the Second World War in the Pacific boasts an incredibly dynamic Dolby Atmos soundtrack that delivers a visceral and highly immersive sonic experience, with all those powerful channels used to send planes zooming overhead, bullets strafing the sofa, and flak peppering the entire room.
Top Gun: Maverick (4K Disc)
While the done-for-real visuals might wow, it’s the Dolby Atmos soundtrack that really puts you in that cockpit. The LX805’s well-defined processing creates a bubble of sound around which it seamlessly steers the audio objects. The climactic mission is a tour-de-force, with jets roaring overhead, missiles whizzing past, and explosions peppering the sky.
The Dark Side of the Moon (4K Disc)
Pink Floyd celebrated the 50th anniversary of their seminal classic with a new Dolby Atmos mix that uses today’s object-based audio technology to deliver an incredibly immersive sonic experience. The music and lyrics remain as beautiful as ever, but as footsteps and clocks swirl around your head it’s like hearing this masterpiece for the first time.
This well-made and feature packed 11-channel AV receiver will please music fans and gamers alike, but it’s cinephiles who will get the most benefit from the LX805’s powerful amplification and precise delivery of spatial audio formats such as Dolby Atmos.
