Pioneer SC-LX75 review

Terrific Pioneer amp positively zings with energy Tested at £1500

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Pioneer has yet again delivered a great amp: this is dynamic and exciting

Pros

  • +

    Superb sound detail and dynamics

  • +

    extensive features and specification

  • +

    great stereo imaging

Cons

  • -

    Not a whole lot

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

We raved about both the Award-winning Pioneer SC-LX55 and SC-LX85 – so we certainly had high expectations for the new SC-LX75.

And it doesn't disappoint. As the price and model number suggest, it sits in between its siblings, while retaining that trademark Pioneer performance.

It positively zings through the action-packed sequences of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 with energetic speed. Detail definition is superb: characters' voices are full of emotion and rich texture, and the various nuances of sound effects are reproduced with pleasing clarity.

It doesn't shy away from high volumes either. It handles dynamic shifts with expertise and has a solidly focused surround soundfield – all of which provides an immersive experience full of excitement.

High frequencies were slightly piercing at first, but after a couple of days' running in, that aggressive top-end rounded off nicely.

Extensive array of sockets
The LX75's specification is almost identical to that of the more powerful LX85, with an extensive array of sockets including seven HDMI inputs and twin outputs.

It has nine channels of power rated at 180W each (compared with the SC-LX85's 190W).

This Class D amplifier has the option of front-height or front-width speakers, along with two subwoofers. The auto set-up takes a while to calibrate, but it is thorough and spot on.

The amp is packed with extra features: internet radio, music streaming (via wired or wireless) that can handle up to 24-bit/192kHz FLAC, Bluetooth-based AirJam, full iOS compatibility, and the slick iControlAV2 remote control app.

Pioneer continues to shine through with its amps: the LX75's is superb and a hugely thrilling piece of home cinema equipment.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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