Pioneer announces a pair of home cinema receivers-- the VSX-LX303 and VSX-LX503, both offering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround capability with 9.2-channel support and Pioneer Direct Energy amplification.
The VSX-LX303 is the less powerful of the two, with 170W of power per channel (into 6 ohms) and 9.2-channel audio in 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 configurations. Surround audio comes through "Multi-Channel Stereophonic Philosophy" treating discrete sound encoded in surround formats equally through a combination of Direct Energy amplification and MCACC calibration.
Connectivity comes through x6 HDMI inputs in the rear, all 4K, HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatible, x1 HDMI input in the front, x2 HDMI outputs, x2 digital optical inputs, x1 digital coax, x1 moving magnet phono stage and x2 USB ports. The receiver also handles legacy hardware through x2 component and x1 composite input.
Built-in Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi support allow for audio streaming, while a high-res AKM DAC handles digital audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz. The receiver supports a number of audio streaming platforms, including Spotify, Deezer, Tidal, Amazon Music and TuneIn internet radio, together with AM and FM radio. Control comes through either included remote or Pioneer Music Control mobile device app.
The VSX-LX503 is more or less identical, if with more power-- it pushes 180W per channel, with speaker pre-outs (11 channels) for audiophile customers. It also handles speaker layouts up to 7.2.4, offers Direct DSD 11.2 audio support and includes Apple AirPlay certification.
