Pioneer Electronics today introduced two new Elite home theater Receiver, the Elite VSX-43 7.1-channel receiver and VSX-70 7.2-channel receiver, designed for expanded entertainment options controllable throughout the home. The new receivers incorporate high-resolution file format playback, expanded multi-zone and multi-source management and functionality, custom installation features, AirPlay and 4K Ultra HD compatibility. Both receivers are controllable by way of Pioneer’s smartphone apps for iOS and Android.
The VSX-43 provides additional setup flexibility and can be configured either for a true 7.1-channel setup or for 5.1-channel, with the two extra channels powering a pair of speakers in a second room, with the ability to simultaneously send two different sources to each zone. A movie can be viewed in the main zone while music from a CD is played in the second zone. The VSX-43 is controllable from a mobile device with Pioneer’s ControlApp.
The VSX-70 offers simultaneous entertainment in up to three zones — a main zone, two speakers in a second room, and a third “HDZone” with an additional HDMI source to the third room. The HDZone can also be controlled through Pioneer’s iControlAV2013 App.
With eight HDMI inputs and highly configurable 7.1-channels, the VSX-70 is ideal for consumers and custom installers who want maximum connection flexibility, eliminating the need to set up separate receivers in each room. Additionally, the VSX-70 includes full two-way RS-232-over-IP control, and is certified for use with custom remote control systems from Crestron and Control4. The VSX-70 works with the new iControlAV2013 App.
Both receivers offer playback of WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, AIFF, ALAC, and FLAC files, all with gapless playback support where applicable from a networked computer or plugged-in drive via the front USB port. Both receivers are Pandora music service compatible, have Windows 8 certification, and feature DLNA 1.5 connectivity for music content playback from a networked DLNA server running on a Windows PC, Macintosh, or smartphone connected on a home network. Both receivers have an Ethernet connection, with Wi-Fi available by way of an optional adapter.
Elite model receivers allow iOS users to enjoy playback of audio content stored on their devices as well as the display of album art and metadata when connected to a television monitor. Users can take advantage of the convenience of Apple’s AirPlay, allowing users to stream their iTunes music whether from Mac or PC, as well as music stored on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
Additionally, Mobile High Definition Link (MHL) connectivity has been built into each receiver. The front HDMI input doubles as an MHL 2.0 input for connection of a suitably equipped Android smartphone or tablet for media playback. Android users with compatible HTC smartphones (including the new HTC One phone) are able to use HTC Connect, which enables direct music streaming to both the VSX-43 and the VSX-70.
The Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and VSX-70 receivers are now available at authorized Pioneer retailers, with suggested retail prices of $525 and $750 respectively.
