46 REVIEWS ➜ Tech Labs Power consumption: Watts 200
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Idling: The SC-LX83 is power-hungry even when it’s just ticking over
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1,500
Powered: Running all seven channels, this AVR needs 1,500W
Power ratings: Watts (8Ω , 0.5% THD) 150 100 50
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190
0
Plug and play: The SC-LX83’s connectivity is excellent, with multiple digital and analogue options
integration, plus IP control and a web browser interface as well. Not only does this ensure that it can be integrated with any IP-based custom install system, it also allows you to spy on it and see what it is up to while you are at work. I suppose I am a little surprised that the LX83 doesn’t have built-in wi-fi, but for serious networking (including critical firmware updates) you really do need a hardwire connection anyway.
More equal than others Running the Pioneer’s incredible MCACC setup and Room EQ software is a walk in the park and the beast is quickly ready to party. MCACC not only does all the usual parametric EQ balancing, but it also offers full band phase, reverb and standing wave control. Just add a PC to download the graphs and perhaps a degree in systems engineering to fathom it all out, and you have a very comprehensive EQ system at home. Thankfully, the full-auto mode works a treat and takes the sweat out of it. Given that the beating heart of the SC-LX83 is almost a facsimile of its predecessor, it is no surprise that the sound is just as clean and fast. Bass
effects have a crispness and dynamic attack that takes your breath away and the top end simply soars without getting harsh or acerbic. The midrange is buffed so clean and smooth it almost sounds a little laid back, but in reality this simply translates into an incredibly natural sounding dialogue. The overall sound is hugely open and spacious, and effects from big explosions to ambient information are starkly detailed. The peculiar sound of the alien weapons firing in
District 9 is fuelled with crackling electrical power, and the ensuing explosion of human targets is rendered suitably wet and squidgy. The pod ship taking off under its own thrust is a cornucopia of audio effects – engine roar, the building collapsing, the wave of sand heading toward by-standers – and the Pioneer doesn’t flinch at painting an incredibly detailed and defined picture. Switching between full MCACC with phase control on and then all off reveals just how much mid-bass room bloom alone that the system eliminates. Switch the EQ back on and the soundstage simply swells in every direction, allowing each facet of the audio better definition and space. The Blu-ray of AC/DC: Live at Donnington reminds me just what I found wanting on the old LX82: a bit of passion. However, it only does this because I think the new 32bit DACs have given back some much needed verve. Given a handful of volume, the LX83 allows Brian Johnson to power into the room while keeping a tight reign on Chris Slade’s enthusiastic use of the hi-hat back in 1992. As the disc progresses, the Pioneer really gets into the rock concert groove. While it’s never going to throw the TV out of the window or drive a Rolls Royce into your pool, it does now wear denim jeans and a leather jacket when required. The SC-LX83 builds on the strength of the predecessors in its winning stable, but it’s packed with wow-factor features and sounds even more potent and exciting than its forbears. Detail, power, passion, cool iPhone widgetry and sumptuous style. What’s not to love?
300
2-channel 8Ω: A power house in two-channel mode. – our Tech Labs measured 190W into 8Ω.
Untainted: Watts Pioneer SC-LX83
170W Krell S-1500
170W
Onkyo TX-NR5007 149W Denon AVR-4810
159W
Fidelity firewall: A measurement of power untainted by distortion (0.5% THD, 8Ω, 1kHz), the Pioneer outclasses many of its rivals and matches Krell’s power amp
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165
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5-channel 8Ω: There’s little drop off in five-channel mode, either. And with seven channels driven, the SC-LX83 still delivers 135W per channel
Signal/noise: dB 20Hz
100dB 1kHz
95dB 20kHz
85dB S/N tests: These figures show noise unlikely to be a problem during a film’s quieter moments
VERDICT Pioneer SC-LX83 £2,000 Approx Highs: Punchy, detailed sound with awesome control; packed with features Lows: Seven channel amp only; we preferred the gloss black... Performance: Design: Features:
Overall:
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