The Pioneer VSX-LX305 ticks all the boxes for modern home cinema: 9.2 channels, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HDMI 2.1, 8K, IMAX Enhanced, Sonos compatibility, and Dirac Live. Originally priced at 749 euros on Son-Vidéo.com, it can be purchased for around 674 euros with the code CLOCHE.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X on 9 channels for the price of 7 channels The Pioneer VSX-LX305 is a 9.2 channel amplifier capable of delivering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in 5.2.4 or 7.2.2 configurations. With nine built-in amplification channels, there is no need to add an external power amplifier to enjoy height effects. Ceiling or upward-facing speakers work seamlessly.
For smaller setups, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualize and DTS Virtual:X technologies simulate a spatial sound with a 2.1 or 5.1 system. A movie in Dolby Atmos on Netflix or a UHD Blu-ray immediately gains immersion regardless of the speaker configuration. The IMAX Enhanced certification automatically adjusts audio settings for remastered content.
Tailored for gaming with HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM Six out of seven HDMI inputs are HDMI 2.1 certified, supporting 4K at 120 frames per second and 8K at 60 frames per second. This is a significant advantage for PS5 or Xbox Series X gamers. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the console’s to eliminate tearing. Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) switches to game mode automatically to reduce latency. Quick Frame Transport (QFT) accelerates image transport for even more responsive display.
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG are compatible. The amplifier can also upscale 1080p and 4K content to 8K. Covering both cinema room and gaming room needs, the VSX-LX305 caters to all users without compromise.
Dirac Live, streaming, and Sonos compatibility Acoustic calibration can be done through the built-in MCACC system or Dirac Live for more precise results. Dirac Live analyzes the room’s acoustics and corrects the sound in real-time, a feature usually found in much pricier amplifiers.
In terms of streaming, the VSX-LX305 supports Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Spotify, and Tidal via DTS Play-Fi. It can even play Dolby Atmos tracks from Amazon Music and Tidal for immersive music listening. AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth aptX HD are also integrated. Native Sonos compatibility allows easy integration into an existing multi-room system. Alexa and Google Assistant can control it.
An FM/AM and DAB+ tuner is included. The connectivity features seven HDMI inputs, two HDMI outputs including one eARC, five RCA inputs including a phono, one optical, one coaxial, and dual subwoofer outputs, ensuring compatibility with various devices.
A 674 euros amplifier worth double according to users The Pioneer VSX-LX305 has a 4.5/5 rating on Son-Vidéo.com with 100% of reviews at 4 or 5 stars. Buyers unanimously praise its sound quality in stereo and multichannel setups. The Atmos emulation for movies is highly convincing. The only recurring complaint is the lack of a complete paper manual, a detail easily compensated for by the Pioneer Remote app.
A user who extensively compared the VSX-LX305 to their old Yamaha RXV685 notes that some albums sound different, revealing new details in the sound signature. Stereo listening is described as excellent.
674 euros with the promo code, in stock The Pioneer VSX-LX305 is priced at 749 euros on Son-Vidéo.com, already reduced from the initial price of 790 euros. The promo code CLOCHE provides an additional 10% discount in the cart, resulting in a final price of around 674 euros. The amplifier is in stock and ships within 24 to 48 hours. A 2-year warranty can be extended to 5 years, and payment in 3 or 4 installments without fees is available.
At this price, the VSX-LX305 competes with the Denon AVR-X2800H and Yamaha RX-V6A. However, with 9 amplification channels, Dirac Live compatibility, IMAX Enhanced support, and native Sonos compatibility, the Pioneer offers a package that is hard to beat under 700 euros. For building a complete Dolby Atmos home cinema without breaking the bank, it is probably the best entry point at the moment.
