Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Pioneer’s 2014 VSX-series A/V receivers pack HDMI 2.0, primo DACs, reasonable prices

When it comes to top-notch HD audio and video, it’s a rapidly evolving world out there. A big industry push toward 4K video, hi-res audio that’s redefining digital music, and a growing demand for multi-source entertainment all demand a smarter way to manage your home theater system. Pioneer hopes to fill that need, today unveiling five new, state-of-the-art  A/V receivers.

Pioneer’s new VSX series includes the Elite 7.2 channel VSX-44 and VSX-80, as well as the 5.2 channel VSX-824 and VSX-1024, and the 7.2 channel VSX-1124. Let’s take a quick look at the new lineup below and see what Pioneer has in store.

Recommended Videos

HD enhancements

Claiming to be the first receivers to offer HDMI 2.0 pass-through, all of the new models are ready for top-level 4K/Ultra HD video, able to deliver the bit-rate-intensive media at 60 frames per second with 4:4:4 color support, meaning you’ll see every sparkling pixel as intended – so long as your 4K TV is also capable.

The new models are also Roku Ready Certified, offering full control of a Roku device through the receiver’s remote control. And if you’re still rocking the older Roku Streaming stick, you can connect it via the available MHL connection. Both also offer 4K2K Ultra HD 60p Video Up-Scaling, taking normal HD signal and enhancing it to the highest video resolution available.

In addition, all of the receivers in the new lineup include some serious audio enhancements, such as the ESS Sabre Premier Audio DAC, a premium digital to analog converter that can handle file resolutions up to 192kHz/24bit, for stereo channel playback. The receivers can play back virtually any type of digital audio file, and if you’re looking for ridiculous resolution for surround sound, they can also handle 96kHz 5.0 and 5.1 channel playback from FLAC and WAV files.

Finally, the units all boast some added enhancements to Pioneer’s iControlAV5 app, and a slew of other features, from ARC HDMI connection, to Airplay and DLNA certification.

Elite series

Unique to Pioneer’s Elite series, which includes the $500 VSX-44, and the $700 VSX-80, is  Multi-zone network routing, which allows the receivers to route sources for the entire home with up to three individual zones and multiple configurations. The system allows for a separate analog signal from the VSX-44, a separate digital signal from the VSX-80, and a third option for sending HDMI video from both, allowing you to send sources for an entirely different entertainment system from your control room. You’ll also get Pioneer’s Advanced MCACC acoustic calibration, which uses a mic to optimize your listening environment.

The VSX-80 also adds some extra incentives to go big, including seriously advanced settings for custom installation and control of your entire IP network, and a separate subwoofer EQ system to dial in that low-end for optimal bass control.

Both the Elite VSX-80 and the top-tier standard VSX-1124 also incorporate Pioneer’s built-in A/V navigator, which adds an easy walkthrough manual for system setup, and come with a 2-year warranty instead of the standard 1-year warranty.

While these receivers may be a bit of an overkill for those still rocking 1080p TVs and a bevy of MP3s as their sound source, those looking to stand on the forefront of the HD audio and video revolution can get in fairly painlessly with any of these new models. The VSX-824, VSX-1024, and VSX-1124 will be priced at $400, $500, and $600 respectively, while the Elite VSX-44 and VSX-80 will run you $500 and $700 respectively.

All of Pioneers spanking new lineup will be available for purchase by the end of the month.

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…
How to cancel Sling TV
Sling TV.

Sling TV delivers a top-notch streaming service filled with sports, movies, and plenty of shows to fall in love with. However, if you're not feeling the love after the season is over, it might be time to cancel your Sling TV subscription.

Sling TV is already one of the most affordable streaming options out there, thanks to its two-track system with Sling Orange and Sling Blue. While its well worth the price tag, especially compared with pricier live-streaming options like Hulu + Live TV, if you're not using the service, then it's time to cancel.

Read more
This smart 4K projector is nearly half-price in Walmart’s sale
The Wimius smart 4K projector on a desk.

If you've been thinking about installing a projector in your living room to create a cinematic experience, you won't want to miss this offer from Walmart. The Wimius smart 4K projector, which is originally priced at $360, is down by nearly half to only $190, for huge savings of $170. We're not sure how much time is remaining before this bargain ends though, so if you're interested, we highly recommend completing your purchase as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the Wimius smart 4K projector
Setting up a home theater projector is an excellent way to create a movie theater vibe at home, and you won't have to spend hundreds of dollars if you go for the Wimius smart 4K projector. Its projection size ranges from 50 inches to as large as 300 inches, so if you've got a big enough wall or projection screen, it will really be like you're watching movies at the cinema. The projector is capable of 4K Ultra HD resolution, and it has an extremely long lamp life of 200,000 hours so it will be a long time before you need to replace its bulb. It also offers auto focus and keystone correction technology for even better visuals.

Read more
These Sony OTC hearing aids offer optimized audio and all-day comfort
Man wearing Sony CRE-C10 OTC hearing aids.

There's a lot to be said about OTC or over-the-counter hearing aids. They're more accessible, usually because they're more affordable, and you don't need a prescription to get some. That's precisely why they're called "over-the-counter." Of course, they're really meant for mild to medium hearing loss, however. If you experience severe hearing loss you'll need to go to your local physician, as you might expect. But also one of the great things about this relatively new, untapped category of sound devices is that there are a lot of great options from brands you wouldn't expect. Take Sony, for instance, which has several OTC hearing aid options, and they're available at Best Buy of all places.

You can walk in, off the street, and walk out with them same-day, or buy them online and have them shipped to your house. How's that for excellent service and accessibility? But if you need a quick introduction to some of Sony's best OTC hearing aid options, we've got you covered.

Read more