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The SC-LX86 AV receiver

Armed for audio excellence

Nothing puts you in the middle of the action more than lossless, multi-channel audio. Both DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD are supported so you can enjoy High Definition sound from any Blu-ray Disc.

Turn on the Virtual Speakers setting to optimise your surround sound experience.
Other audio-enhancing features will refine your sound to perfection.

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Direct Energy HD Amplifier

Direct Energy HD Amplifier

This Direct Energy HD Amp with Class D operates at extraordinary output levels with extremely low distortion and virtually no wasted energy. Signal paths are 25% lower than with the previous model, and power consumption is effectively decreased by up to 44% versus analogue amp models. The result is audio so rich, so dense, and so completely engrossing that even the leading traditional analogue amps can’t come close.

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4K Pass Through

4K Pass Through

4K, also known as 4K x 2K, sets the new standard in ultra-high definition resolution. Set at 3.840 x 2.160 pixels (24 Hz/25 Hz/30 Hz) or 4,096 x 2,160 pixels (24 Hz), 4K produces four times the high definition resolution of 1080p. These AV receivers can pass 4K video through to a compatible display, offering the most precise, detailed and advanced quality available on the market.

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Android content via MHL

Android content via MHL

Fully compatible with MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), the front HDMI terminal supplies an immediate and direct connection to your Android device. The AV receiver sends your audio and video through to your HD home cinema system and transforms each into a high-quality, high-definition experience - all with the added benefit of genuine multi-channel surround sound.

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USB-DAC

USB-DAC

Channeling your PC audio through the AV receiver is as easy plugging in a USB.
With USB-DAC, the asynchronous transfer mode uses the receiver’s internal, high-accuracy clock to transmit supremely precise audio signals. Instead of the distorted, jittery sound typically produced by PCs, the receiver bypasses your PC’s internal clock to reproduce generous, pristine audio clarity. It can even do Hi-bit32 Audio Signal Processing.

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4 Ohm speaker support

4 Ohm speaker support

4 Ohm speakers now support higher levels of power to provide you with breath-taking, jaw-dropping audio perfection. For the first time, Class D level amplification comes with 4-Ohm speaker support.

DSD file playback

DSD file playback

Top-notch audio shouldn’t have to come at a price. This AV receiver lets you save on blank CDs and skip the SACD stage by recognizing studio-quality DSD (Direct Stream Digital) audio files directly from USB. All you have to do is plug in your external storage device and choose your track. You might have to press the play button too.

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Pre-amp mode

Pre-amp mode

This AV receiver converts into a pre-amplifier at the touch of a button. Pre-amp Mode deactivates all power supply to the amplifier, shifting its entire focus on fine-tuning the sound quality and achieving maximum clarity and audio purity.

Simple overlay

Simple overlay

The receiver’s operational status can be read from the front FL display. For those who prefer a more discreet home cinema design, you can use your TV to check the status and keep your AV receiver cleanly tucked away. Audio/video settings can be adjusted from the comfort of your couch – a handy, little feature when you’ve attached a projector or when your AV receiver is out of sight.

Smarter speaker calibration

Smarter speaker calibration

Often, speakers for surround sound can’t be ideally positioned. MCACC therefore analyses the existing sound field using a custom microphone (included), just like a sound professional. It then adjusts each speaker’s virtual size, level, distance, and response to precision-tune the system to your room.

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Defeating “jitter”

Defeating “jitter”

Transmission via HDMI can cause clock jitter, causing sound distortion during the D/A conversion. PQLS “speed synchronises” the digital audio data between the receiver and compatible Blu-ray Disc player, reducing the jitter. The result is clear, rich and precise audio.

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Immersive surround

Immersive surround

Virtual Speakers feature lets you enjoy full surround sound without placing extra speakers. By turning on Virtual Wide,Virtual Height and Virtual Surround Back modes, you can experience virtual 11.1-channel sound from a 5.1-channel speaker setting.

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Sonic versatility

Sonic versatility

The digital filter DAC setting (SC-LX76 & SC-LX86) lets you choose and enjoy three types of sound characters, "Slow" for soft and warm, "Sharp" for solid and tight, and "Short" for quick and forward sound.

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Aligning channels

Aligning channels

Phase Control manages the time and phase response of the speakers to minimise the effect of additional sound delays, usually due to the filtering process of multi-channel recordings.

By combining our AV receivers and speakers that support Phase Control, multi-channel sound is reproduced faithful to the original source.

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Auto Phase Control Plus makes real-time analysis of the phase difference between the LFE (low frequency effect) and the main signals, and automatically compensates the gap. Elimination of phase lag enhances strong bass and clear high-frequency sound — especially effective for live performance audio and music video clips.

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Restoring sound quality

Restoring sound quality

WMA/MP3/AAC files and sound from your iPod, iPhone or other portable music player are compressed, resulting in sound quality loss. The Advanced Sound Retriever localises lost frequencies en restores them.

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Pioneer’s Sound Retriever AIR is the world’s first technology to improve music cadence and reduce noise after Bluetooth transmission.

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Through HDMI connection, Sound Retriever Link detects the original audio file information such as source type, codec, and bit rate played on a compatible Pioneer Blu-ray Disc player, and automatically switches to the most suitable Sound Retriever. So there is no need to switch on/off according to the source.

Hi-bit 32 processing

Maximum sound performance from digital sources is gained by applying Hi-bit 32 Audio Signal Processing (SC-LX76 & SC-LX86) to expand signal resolution, creating more detailed, smooth sound, closer to the original analogue signal.. It is effective for multi-channel content on DVD/Blu-ray Disc as well as CD audio, and works with any disc player.

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The anatomy of sonic superiority

Each component is selected for its clean, efficient and dynamic home theatre and stereo amplification.

From the Digital Signal Processor to the video board and the heat sink: each works together with optimal efficiency.

‘Direct Energy Concept’ is based on our advanced multi-channel stereophonic philosophy, in which we design and build amplifiers that yield the highest possible efficiency with equal drive towards each channel via the shortest possible signal paths.

The units in our LX line-up use professional-grade 192 kHz/24-bit A/D and 192 kHz/32-bit D/A converters to maintain high resolution performance.

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The quest for pristine image quality

With up to 7 x HDMI inputs and 1080p upscaling, you are guaranteed the best viewing definition, no matter the source.

The AV receiver will support Deep Colour and x.v.Colour for vibrant, lifelike colours with smooth gradation transitions. An array of image-improving features take care of unsurpassed image quality.

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3D ready

Supporting the passage of the high data transfer rate needed by the Blu-ray 3D specification as well as a new 3D specific command protocol, all AV receivers can be used to watch films or play games in stunning 3D.

Stream smoother OFFStream smoother ON

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Smoother video streaming

Video from your portable device or streamed over DLNA or YouTube often has a lower bit-rate, resulting in video artefacts and noise on your screen. Stream Smoother reduces distortion and refines the image for better quality (VSX-922 and up).

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All the comforts of HDMI

HDMI is capable of passing 3D signals. Additional advantages are Stand-By Pass Through to watch TV without turning on the receiver, and the Audio Return Channel, handy for TVs with DVD players or tuners built-in.

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Cinematic picture quality

The process of converting 24fps or 30fps is critical to enjoy movies in near-original quality on your TV. Our PureCinema Deinterlacer can smoothly process the frames without losing the natural feel of the movies.

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Smart image adjustment

Advanced Video Adjust optimises the video signal according to your type of screen or projector. Based on MCACC calibration data, it also adjusts image quality to your distance from the screen.

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Intuitive setup and operation

With the receiver connected to your home network, AVNavigator software makes installing a breeze. Wiring Navi guides you in making the connections with speakers and other devices, and updates the receiver with the appropriate settings, while the Interactive Manual lets you intuitively explore every feature. AVNavigator is also backed by a free iPad app.

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The remote reinvented

It’s time for a smarter way to control your receiver. In a Wi-Fi environment, you can perform all foremost operations through the iControlAV2012 app, our 3rd generation remote control app.

The new Sound Explorer option lets you easily adjust and discover the various sound parameters . It shows the description and status for each setting, and makes it fun to get just the sound you want.

All control apps are freely available in the Apple Store and Google Play.

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