Pioneer SC-LX81 Amp

[admin_exported]

Hi, a couple of questions to float out there. I am currentlty using a musical fidelity p100 pre amp with mf a100 biamped into mission 773freedoms. I am taking the plunge to change my system into a home cinema.

I have limited my search to the Pioneer sc-lx81 or 71. Heres the questions,

1) Had anybody heard the stereo reproduction. I know that it wont be as good as my current set up but I have stowed away my x-ray cd player in favour of running my ipod through my system. I know that I could still use the mf to drive my front speakers, but i would like to keep my system simple and recover some power sockets! I know that the pioneer has digital in and will biamp, so it may give me an improvement.

2) Does anybody know if the ir link is included - I have the Kuro plasma and like the idea of linking the two

3) I am using SKY+ (non hd) and like the idea of outputting via s-video into the amp, will this unit upscale from s-video? or should I just keep my qed squart running into my plasma?

4) Does anybody know what the difference is between the 81 and the 71 other than extra power and additional hdmi out and about £400!!

5) Finally, I tested the Yammy 763 which was at a stonking price from Richer sounds, the problem is that the picture reproduction compared with running my PS3 straight into my Kuro was very weak, with poor black. Is this common with AV amps and is the Pioneer amp going to add its own taint to my picture?

Any assistance would be appreciated, there seems to be little information out there about the LX71 although whf loved the LX81 in the latest review, on a side by side the features look identical (almost).

Also interested in any other recommended amps. I am testing the Pioneer 71 in a week or so, so I will feedback on my thoughts.

Thanks

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

We have just set up our SC-LX81 and the stereo performance is very good, not quite up to the standard of the MF but still very capable. There is no IR link in the box that I recall but the 81 remote will easily control your TV. The amp will upscale from S-vdeo. The main difference between the 81 /71 is a small increase in power, a second HDMI ouput and THX certification.

If you are looking for stereo performance and other also consider the Yamaha RXV3900 and the Marantz SR8002 when you get your demonstration. Both offer very similar facilities but with different takes on the sound.

Nick

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Nick, it sounds like the 71 should get my hard earned, the power is plenty enough.

I tested the Yamaha DSPAX763 just to run my centre, sub and rears and the picture quality was no where near when I cabled my PS3 straight into my plasma.

I thought that hdmi to video was simply a pass through? Is this correct or is the Yamaha trying to improve the picture and failing?

Lee

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

It is not quite a pass through on the Yamaha but I am surprised that you have a poorer picture. I will test it on ours on Monday and see how the 81 fairs as well.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Nick, I appreciate the help.

Lee