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New Pioneer AV Receivers Do Dolby Atmos, HDCP 2.2, 4K, HDMI 2.0, Starting at $599

By Rachel Cericola

Just when you start getting used to the idea of spending time outside again, Pioneer Electronics is giving us reasons to stay tethered to the house. The company just announced four new receivers. Two fall under Pioneer's Elite umbrella and two are getting the power of Dolby Atmos, so each one can deliver a truly immersive listening experience. All four AVRs are expected to ship in April.

The two non-Elite models are the 5.2-channel VSX-830 and the 7.2-channel VSX-1130. Both models are HDCP 2.2-compliant, with the latest HDMI 2.0 spec, a subwoofer EQ, and DSD file playback, as well as built-in AirPlay, WiFi and Bluetooth for music streaming from connected devices and web-based services. The VSX-80 promises 80 watts for each of its five channels (20Hz-20kHz, .08%THD @ 8ohms), with the VSX-1130 pumping that up to 165 watts per channel (6ohms, 1kHz 1% 1ch driven).

That HDCP 2.2 copy protection boasts a secure connection between the source and your display, as well as compatibility with current and future 4K content. HDMI 2.0 is another perk for 4K fans, with increased bandwidth and 4K 60p 4:4:4 24-bit color support.

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The Elite VSX-90 7.2-channel receiver has Dolby Atmos and Ultra HD 4K support. Photo: Pioneer Electronics.

Although both above receivers include all of the aforementioned features, only the top VSX-1130 model will also offer the ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit) and Dolby Atmos (5.1.2) support. The latter promises sound from every angle -- including overhead. Of course, you'll need the speakers to make that magic happen. Also to help is this model's MCACC Pro acoustic calibration system, which can tweak that Dolby Atmos configuration (or any other one) for your specific room. Designed to work with Dolby Atmos-enabled Elite speakers and in-ceiling speakers, MCACC Pro also has a dual subwoofer output and a four-band subwoofer EQ.

The company is also making its Elite lineup quite enticing, by releasing two very affordable models. The custom 5.2-channel Elite VSX-45 and the 7.2-channel VSX-90 are priced well under the $1K mark. Both have the HDCP 2.2, the HDMI 2.0 spec, the 4K 60p upscaling, the AirPlay, WiFi and Bluetooth, high-resolution music playback, and much more. The Elite VSX-45 promises 80 watts per channel (20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.08% @ 8ohms), with the Elite VSX-90 listing its capabilities as 100 watts per channel (20Hz-20kHz, THD 0.0 % @ 8ohms).

Like the non-Elite models, only the top Elite receiver will get Dolby Atmos options. The VSX-90 can deliver a 5.1.2 configuration, so listeners can experience totally immersive sound. Other VSX-90 perks include the SABRE ES9006S DAC (192kHz/24-bit) for digital audio playback, MCACC Pro calibration and multizone playback. Also, the VSX-90 allows all seven speaker outputs to be reconfigured six different ways, including a true 7.2-channel speaker setup or a full 5.2-channel system with the extra outputs used to power a different zone.

It's important to mention that the Elite receivers are specifically designed for the custom installation market. That also means that each one is compatible with popular custom control companies, such as Crestron and Control4. They also include two-way RS-232C-over-IP control and the option to receive metadata from networked and iOS devices.

Pioneer will start shipping the VSX-830 and the VSX-1130 in April, priced at $399 and $599, respectively. The Elite VSX-45 and Elite VSX-90 will also be available around the same time, with MSRPs of $450 and $700.

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The VSX-1130-K is a 7.2-channel AVR with built-in Bluetooth and WiFi, as well as support for Dolby Atmos. Photo: Pioneer Electronics.

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