What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
26 SEP 2008
Pioneer SC-LX81
If you've the money, this is an excellent receiver - it's sure to scare off the established opposition in this class
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If the Onkyo is the beast of this group, then the Pioneer SC-LX81 has to be the beauty.
This machine oozes class and sophistication, with only a single shiny power button disrupting the otherwise minimalist glossy frontage.
As with all the receivers in this test, the Pioneer doesn’t hold back when it comes to features and connections. From the badge in the bottom right corner you can see that the SC-LX81 has been fine-tuned with the help
of London’s famous AIR Studios.
It’s a statement of sonic intent and innovative engineering, as is the inclusion of seven Bang & Olufsen ICEpower digital amp modules. They’re used in Pioneer’s ‘Direct Energy HD’ amplification system to help the receiver produce a powerful and pacy response. The SC-LX81 can output a useful 190W per channel.
All manner of inputs The Pioneer is THX Ultra2Plus certified and has the ability to decode all the latest high-definition audio formats.
There are four HDMI inputs (including a dedicated Blu-ray player input) and two outputs, alongside a whole host of video and audio inputs and outputs located on the back and below the machine’s front panel.
One of the Pioneer’s inputs, Home Media Gallery, allows you to access the Pioneer’s networking functionality, including internet radio.
It’s a relatively simple process, aided by the unit’s intuitive menu system. Once you’re up and running, the GUI (Graphical User Interface) gives you interesting information such as the Bit-rate and file format that’s being used by individual stations.
Immensely detailed with movies The SC-LX81 is our reigning Award winner at this price and it’s easy to hear why. Yes, it has power, punch and attack in spades, but it’s the transparency and clarity of sound that really takes your breath away.
The Pioneer squeezes every last drop of detail from a movie soundtrack, whether it’s a standard definition DVD or a Blu-ray disc.
The hilarious
Tropic Thunder can be tough to follow in places, but this machine manages to give the dialogue and surround effects plenty of space to breathe: every jungle explosion sounds fully rounded and well-defined.
Surround effects are spread out nicely, too, but you can still accurately position individual elements. The Pioneer doesn’t impose its character on a film, leaving you free to enjoy the purity and refinement contained within the movie soundtrack.
So the SC-LX81 has the ability, functionality and looks of a class-leader, but there is one more multichannel amplifier that could stand in its way...