Pioneer SC-LX904 £2 499 11.2-channel receiver with 11 x215 Watt Direct Energy HD Amplifier, 6 HDMI Inputs (4K), IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Zone 2/3, 32-bit DAC, Works with Alexa
The SC-LX904 comes with the 6th generation of the Direct Energy HD Amplifier and two ES9026PRO DACs, and is the befitting AV receiver to combine with Pioneer’s flagship universal disc player. MCACC Pro Auto Room Tuning technology featuring Full Band Phase Control brings out the best from the 3D surround sounds of IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, while PQLS jitter-less transmission provides rich, lifelike audio. The new Audio Exclusive Mode and AV Direct Mode let you enjoy detailed sound by turning off the unused functions that affect quality sound reproduction.
Direct Energy HD Amplifier
Continuously evolving throughout the years, Pioneer’s Direct Energy HD Amp has now reached the 6th generation. New power coils are adopted for the ideal speaker drive, as well as new custom film capacitors co-developed with Shinyei Capacitor for the ultimate sound. The power supply and patterning has been developed through repeated tuning. Also, the entire transmission path from the pre stage to the power stage has been changed to balanced circuitry, to transmit noise-free high-quality signals to the power stage.
ESS 384 kHZ/32-BIT DAC
Two 384 kHz/32-bit ESS DACs (ES9026PRO), same as the ones used for Pioneers PD-70AE SACD player, are used for all channels. With extremely precise D/A conversion and high S/N ratio, the DAC provides powerful sound full of rich details.
Dolby Atmos/Dolby Surround Upmixing
The SC-LX904 is compatible with 7.2.4ch/7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch configuration of Dolby Atmos. You can reproduce object-oriented sound in smooth, curving movements, or the realistic three-dimensional movement overhead by the top speakers. Other
audio codecs such as PCM and DSD can be upmixed using Dolby Surround for enjoying 3D surround sound.
DTS:X/DTS Neural:X Upmixing
DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences. Since DTS:X can automatically adapt the audio to the existing channels and speaker
system, no specific speaker layout is required. Experience an immersive soundscape with incredibly rich and lifelike audio. Other audio codecs such as PCM and DSD can be upmixed using DTS Neural:X for enjoying 3D surround sound.
2 Subwoofer Pre-Out
You can connect two powered subwoofers, and also set the volume level for each one at different levels.
PQLS Jitterless Sound Transmission
With the precision quartz controller on the AV receiver, Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) eliminates distortion caused by timing errors. It controls the amount of audio signals from the AV receiver to the Pioneer universal disc player connected via HDMI, giving the best possible digital-to-analogue conversion.
PQFA Jitterless Sound Processing for Network/USB
With PQFA (Precision Quartz File-based Audio), clocks are available for each stage of input, digital signal processing, and D/A conversion, and the shorter path prevents jitter from occurring. Additionally, a high-precision clock IC (OSC) is used to realise D/A conversion with significantly less jitter.
Audio Exclusive Mode
Interference from video signals is eliminated by turning off the video signal path via HDMI. You can enjoy detailed sound, full of spatial feel.
AV Direct Mode
The feature turns off the network functions to suppress digital noise within the AV receiver, and improves sound quality for analogue playback, digital input, HDMI playback etc. Mode 1 turns off the network module operation clock, while Mode 2 shuts down the network power completely for more superior sound.
Anit-Standing Wave Insulators
The Anti-Standing Wave Insulator features a special form with no parallel sides inside to prevent cavity resonance. This makes the sound localisation, tone, and scale clearer, while also enhancing the response to quick sound.
AC Inlet Type Thick Cable
A thick AC inlet type power cable is included to provide superior sound.
Quick Response Sound
The Direct Power FET is directly connected to the print circuit board without any additional wiring. This simple structure maximizes audio performance by reduced noise and improved switching, offering a quick-responding sound, perfect for digital content playback.
Improved Circuit Design
The SC-LX904 is equipped with dedicated ICs on the circuit board, all in the pursuit of delivering crisp, clean sound. The operational amplifier IC for processing small signal is set apart from the amplifying section to prevent mutual interference. This allows clear signal to be transmitted to the Direct Power FET.
Low Heat Generation
The simple form of the Direct Power FET has the advantage of improved thermal characteristics. In addition to the upper-side heat dissipation from the heat sink, the circuit board’s heat radiation feature is also utilized for downward heat dissipation, providing efficient cooling for a superior performance.
Separate Design for Analog Small Signal
Dedicated ICs are lavishly used on the circuit in pursuit of ideal sound. The Op-amp IC for processing small signal is set apart from the amplifying section to prevent mutual interference. This allows clear signal to be transmitted to the Direct Power FET. Additionally, the Rubycon chip film capacitor MU 25p further reduces the influence of residue noise from the high power section.
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
The power transformer features minimum leakage flux, ensuring low noise with increased S/N ratio.
Multi-Dimensional Excitement with Dolby Atmos
The SC-LX904 is compatible with 7.2.4 ch configuration of the latest theater immersive sound platform, Dolby Atmos. The SC-LX904 can reproduce object oriented compatible movies/music in smooth, curving movements, or the realistic three-dimensional movement overhead by utilizing Dolby Atmos enabled and/or in-ceiling speakers.
DTS:X
DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences. Since DTS:X can automatically adapt the audio to the existing channels and speaker system, no specific speaker layout is required. Experience an immersive soundscape with incredibly rich and life-like audio.
Chromecast built-in
The SC-LX904 comes with Chromecast built-in, so you can use your mobile device to stream your favorite music, radio, or podcasts to your speaker. You can control the audio from anywhere in the house using Chromecastenabled apps running on your personal device—iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet, Mac and Windows laptop, and Chromebook™. The SC-LX904 also works with the Google Assistant, so you can tell it to turn up the volume, skip tracks, or stop the music using your Google Assistant enabled device, like Google Home. Discover Chromecastenabled apps at google.com/cast/apps.
Ultra HD (4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit) Upscaling/Pass-Through with HDCP 2.3
This feature lets you take advantage of the highest-quality video source for viewing on a 4K TV. With support for HDCP 2.3, you can enjoy premium content such as 4K videos with digital copy protection on a compatible display. What’s more, the SC-LX904 is ready for the HDR (High Dynamic Range) and BT.2020 next generation video standards.
Reflex Optimizer
When using Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, high directivity sound from the unit reflects off the ceiling, while low directivity sound directly reaches the ears. The different pathways cause a phase shift, making the sound feel uncomfortable. The Reflex Optimizer which uses the Phase Control technology adjusts this shift, and improves the localization of the sound image by aligning the frequencies with those of the floor speakers, creating the ideal reproduction environment.
The SC-LX904 has 7 UHD inputs to cover all your UHD sources and ships with a 3 Year Warranty
DOLBY ATMOS/DOLBY SURROUND UPMIXING
The SC-LX904 is compatible with 7.2.4ch/7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch configuration of Dolby Atmos. You can reproduce object-oriented sound in smooth, curving movements, or the realistic three-dimensional movement overhead by the top speakers. Other audio codecs such as PCM and DSD can be upmixed using Dolby Surround for enjoying 3D surround sound. |
DTS:X/DTS NEURAL:X UPMIXING
DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences. Since DTS:X can automatically adapt the audio to the existing channels and speaker system, no specific speaker layout is required. Experience an immersive soundscape with incredibly rich and life-like audio. Other audio codecs such as PCM and DSD can be upmixed using DTS Neural:X for enjoying 3D surround sound. |
DOLBY ATMOS HEIGHT VIRTUALIZATION*
When playing any Dolby format, engaging the Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer enables a more immersive listening experience, creating a virtual surround and height effect from traditional speaker layouts without employing additional surround or height speakers. |
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IMAX ENHANCED
The SC-LX904 is IMAX Enhanced, certified to deliver the powerful sound just as intended by the filmmaker, and provide the immersive experience on your home theater. |
NEXT GENERATION VIDEO STANDARD READY
The SC-LX904 supports pass-through for HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), and Dolby Vision signals. By connecting a compatible source device, you can enjoy these latest video standards on a compatible display. What’s more, all HDMI terminals support 4K (60p/4:4:4/24-bit), Wide Colour Gamut (BT.2020), and HDCP 2.3, so you will have no problem when upgrading to new devices, and can also enjoy premium content such as 4K videos with digital copy protection. |
MCACC PRO AUTO ROOM TUNING
MCACC Pro, the pinnacle of Pioneer’s auto room tuning technology, analyses the phase and group delay characteristics to precisely control phase differences between speakers. MCACC Pro corrects phase differences in all ranges and all channels, from phase difference in the original audio material to the sound emitted from the speakers. |
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WORKS WITH SONOS
By connecting the SC-LX904 to Sonos Connect, you can play any music or audio source on your Sonos app. You can group the SC-LX904 with other Sonos devices on the network, or use it independently. The AV receiver will automatically turn on and switch input as soon as you play music on your Sonos app. |
POWERED ZONE 2 WITH DEDICATED DAC
With the powered feature, the SC-LX904 can directly drive speakers in another room, without the need for a separate amplifier. What’s more, the dedicated DAC for Zone 2 lets you listen to all digital audio sources. |
ZONE B OUTPUT FOR WIRELESS HEADPHONES
The SC-LX904 is equipped with Zone B audio output terminals for expanding the Main Zone sound by connecting your wireless headphone dock. You can listen to the sound playing in the living room via wireless headphones. |
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CHROMECAST BUILT-IN
The SC-LX904 comes with Chromecast built-in, so you can use your mobile device to stream your favorite music, radio, or podcasts to your speaker. You can control the audio from anywhere in the house using Chromecast-enabled apps running on your personal device – iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet, Mac and Windows laptop, and Chromebook™. The SC-LX904 also works with the Google Assistant, so you can tell it to turn up the volume, skip tracks, or stop the music using your Google Assistant enabled device, like Google Home. Discover Chromecast-enabled apps at google.com/cast/apps. |
APPLE AIRPLAY 2
Apple AirPlay 2* lets you effortlessly stream music or podcasts to speakers throughout your house using any Apple device or by asking Siri, and it all stays in perfect sync. * Function available with future firmware update |
WORKS WITH ALEXA
Works with Alexa makes you control SC-LX904 with your voice via Alexa-enabled device such as the Amazon Echo, to play, pause, and skip titles or control the volume. You can enjoy the music via streaming service such like Amazon Music by selecting song title, artist name, release year, and genre. |
Using Bluetooth audio streaming you can leave your iPod touch/iPhone/iPad or smartphone anywhere in the room or even carry it with you, while still enjoying your music. Also, you can stream directly from your PC.
The Sound Retriever AIR will restore sound quality lost during streaming.
With your local area network, you can even use your iPhone/iPod touch/iPad as a remote control thanks to our iControlAV home entertainment application. Read more about iControlAV5
HD audio formats are internally decoded for a supreme viewing experience.
iPod/iPhone/iPad compatible
A digital iPod USB connection provides direct plug-and-play enjoyment of anything on your iPod, iPad or iPhone. The digital connection guarantees transfer without A/D conversion, for minimal quality loss.
The Advanced Sound Retriever will greatly improve the sound quality of compressed audio.
Also, view your favourite photos and videos on screen, directly from your iPhone/iPod touch/iPad
Features:
- 215W per channel through 6 Ohms
- 192KHz/24 bit DAC on all Nine Channels
- HDMI Standby pass through
- HDMI Standby input switching
- MCACC Advanced Pro Set up/Full Band
- Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (sets up speakers and room acoustics automatically) with Full Band EQ
- 40 Station Direct Access Tuner with 3 speed Tuning
- Preset Illuminated Remote Control
- On Screen Display (for set up and testing)
- 2x Pre-out for Subwoofer
- Power Consumption: 340W/ 0.2W standby
Network Features:
- FlareConnect for Multi-room Audio
- Works with Alexa
- Chromecast built-in and Works with the Google Assistant
- DTS Play-Fi with Pioneer Music Control App
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Roon Tested
- Works with SONOS
- Amazon Music, Spotify, TIDAL, and Deezer Hi-Fi MusicStreaming Services Ready
- Internet Radio with TuneIn
- Hi-Res Audio File Playback via USB/Network
- Up to 192 kHz/24-bit ALAC*4, AIFF, FLAC, WAV (RIFF) and 11.2 MHz DSD*5
Video Features:
- Ultra HD Pass-through with HDCP 2.3 (4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit, 4K/24p/4:4:4/36-bit, 4K/60p/4:2:0/36-bit)
- HDR10, HLG and BT.2020 Compliant Wide Colour Gamut Signal Pass-through
- Dolby Vision™ Compatible
- Ultra HD Upscaling (1080p to 4K)
- 3D Ready (Blu-ray Disc, Broadcast, and Games)
- Deep Colour (36-bit), “x.v. Colour”
Audio Features:
- IMAX Enhanced
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround Upmixer
- DTS:X, DTS Neural:X Upmixer
- Reflex Optimizer
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
- Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus
- DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS 96/24, DTS-ES, DTS Express › DSD Direct Playback via Network/USB (11.2, 5.6, 2.8 MHz/2 ch)
- DSD Disc (SACD) Playback via HDMI (2.8 MHz/2 ch, 5.1 ch)
- Digital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic) + Aureus floating-point DSP (TI)
- 384 kHz/32-bit D/A Conversion with ES9026PRO x 2
- Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) on HDMI
- MCACC Pro Auto Room Tuning
- Full Band Phase Control
- Precision Distance
- Subwoofer EQ
- Multi-point Standing Wave Control
- PQLS Jitterless Sound Transmission
- PQFA Jitterless Sound Processing for Network/USB
- Audio Exclusive Mode
- AV Direct Mode
- 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 Advance
Convenience Features:
- Personal Preset
- Dialog Enhancement
- Dual Band (5 GHz/2.4 GHz) 802.11ac Compliant Wi-Fi Built-in
- Bluetooth® Wireless Technology (Version: 4.2, Profile: A2DP 1.2/ AVRCP 1.3, Codec: SBC/AAC) Built-in
- Pioneer Remote App Ready for Multi-room Entertainment Control and Network Streaming
- User-Friendly GUI with System Setup Menu
- On-Screen Information for Audio/Video Status
- PC Setup
- Auto Power Off in HDMI Standby Through
- AM/FM Tuner 40 Presets
- Sleep Timer
- Self-Illuminating Remote Control
Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 185 x 440 mm
Weight: 18.5 kg
Connections:
HDMI | YPbPr | CVBS | Digital Audio i/o | Audio | Zone | IR | 12V Trigger | Network | USB | Antenna |
x7 v2.0 Input
(HDCP2.3) |
x2 YPbPr Input | x2 Input | x3 Optical In | x6 L/R In
Phono In |
Zone2/3 L/R Output
Wireless Headphones |
2x In /1x Out |
2x Out |
Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz) Integrated
LAN -RJ45 10/100MB/s |
x1 USB 2.0 | Bluetooth
AM/FM |
x3 Output | x2 Coaxial In | SW Pre-Out x2 |