Pioneer SC-LX71 review

[Clare Newsome]

Several of you have enquired when we're going to test the Pioneer SC-LX71 receiver - baby brother to the Award-winning Pioneer SC-LX81 AV amp.

The good news is that we've just received a test sample, and the review will appear as part of a home cinema special in our March issue - on sale first week in Feb.

 

[Anonymous]

I was about to buy this receiver, but this weekend I was offered a Marantz SR8002 cheaper than ever.

First i thought that Marantz is to be replaced by the new model but the low price screamed too loud to be avoided.

 

[mafrost]

Clare

This is excellent news. Certainly something I'll rush out to the news agents for.

The real area of interest for me is not only the overall sound quality compared to the LX-81, but in particular whether the use of the HiBit sample rate converter in the LX-71 rather than the Burr-Brown Sample Rate Converter (SRC) used in the LX-81, before the Wolfson DACs, has any real perceivable impact on sound quality.

I would very much appreciate if you can look at this when reviewing the LX-71.

Many thanks.

 

[mafrost]

Bump!

Clare, do you know if this will be at all possible, for SQ on both music and movies ?

Many thanks.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Meant to mention that i flagged your request up to the test team yesterday. (Well , actually, Andrew beat me to it by a minute!)

 

[mafrost]

Excellent stuff.

Thanks very much for this Clare (and Andrew, or course). This is one area where there has been much interest and discussion over a number of forums. I, and many others, will very much appreciate the findings of your test team. I also look forward to the full review.

Many thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Any idea about the review? was it tested already?

 

[Clare Newsome]

As mentioned, it's in our March issue, due out next week (should be with subscribers from this Saturday)

 

[Anonymous]

Any chance that the review will be posted online first? Which "class" of receiver would this be compared against? The Yamaha 1900/Onkyo 876/Denon 3808A or Yamaha 3900/Onkyo 906 range?

 

[mafrost]

Has anyone read this review yet ? I yomped through the snow this morning to look for an early copy in the local WHSmith only to find it closed. I'm guessing with the weather at the moment it could remain closed for the next few days.

Please if anyone has been able to read this review already can you give us a summary of findings. I will go buy the magazine once I find an open newsagent with one.

OR, WHFSV team, or you planning on stick this review on line in the coming days (I'll still go get the magazine!)

Many thanks

 

[Clare Newsome]

We couldn't post the review online even if we wanted - our offices are shut cos of snow,and all the copy's on our servers....

 

[mafrost]

Clare

Any chance of seeing this review on-line sometime soon ?

Many thanks

 

[Clare Newsome]

We're working on a standalone online version (the mag version's as part of a group systems test), but it won't be up until after the mag's on sale.

 

[Andrew Everard]

...which is next Thursday.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Or sooner if you're a subscriber (snow-affected post permitting): subscribers' issues have been mailed today.

 

[Sliced Bread]

Yay!

 

[HD Elvis]

Clare Newsome:Or sooner if you're a subscriber (snow-affected post permitting): subscribers' issues have been mailed today.

Whoo! This will be my first copy as a subscriber thanks to my wife's thoughtful Christmas present.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Clare,

I'm new to this forum, but I wonder if there is really such a big difference between the LX71 and LX81. I have the older VSX2011 with an additionnal Rotel RB985 (5 x 100W 8 ohm). I play with B&W 804 front (bi-amping from Rotel), B&W HTM-4S (bi-amping Rotel mid channel, Pioneer tweeter).

So, if I were to buy a LX71 with the Rotel amp as extra amp, is it really worth it to opt for the LX81, considering the amplifing will be done in majority by the Rotel

?

system :

beamer : Pana PT-AE 2000, A/V : Pioneer VSX-2011, amp : Rotel RB-985, blu ray : Pioneer BDP-LX71, speakers front : B&W 804, center B&W HTM-4S, rear : B&W P6 sub : REL R-505

 

[Clare Newsome]

All I can urge you to do is hear both products and make up your own mind. We much preferred the LX81 and feel it's worth the premium, but the LX71 is still a strong product and - as you say - may suit your needs.