Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 Review

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704
Votes 11 11
Rating 3.6 3.6
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Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 review

A modern AV receiver is perhaps one of the most sought after categories of home electronics. We've got one of these receivers for review - Pioneer Elite SC-LX704. Based on the characteristics and features considered, the model received a score of 8.8 on a 10-point scale. In 2019, this receiver was released. An amplifier with 9.2 channels is one of the main model’s feature.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 Pros

  • The receiver has a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
  • The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
  • Like any modern receiver, Elite SC-LX704 has a Phono (MM) input for connecting a phonograph or turntable.
  • Dolby Atmos technology has been included in this model specifically to create a 3D effect when watching movies, which reveals all its features with a minimum 5.1 configuration.
  • Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 with an adaptive and flexible DTS:X surround format can support any speaker configuration, unlike Dolby Atmos.
  • IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which receivers, including Pioneer Elite SC-LX704, deliver that crisp 4K HDR picture and powerful sound by IMAX.
  • With HDR10 pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over the Elite SC-LX704 with a much wider range of colors.
  • With 4K/60Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
  • ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
  • The manufacturer claims support for CEC in Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 and therefore you can control any HDMI-connected device using one remote control.
  • This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.3 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
  • Can stream audio using the AirPlay protocol.
  • Has access to the Amazon Music network service.
  • Stream music from one of the most popular services Spotify directly on the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704.
  • The main functions of this model can be controlled using voice control.
  • Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 uses bi-amping to amplify each dynamic in a speaker separately, resulting in clearer, better sound.
  • The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
  • When using the Elite SC-LX704, it is possible to switch between the main and additional set of speakers - speaker A/B switching.
  • This AV receiver is able to use 3 zones to send a source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in different locations.
  • With the included microphone, the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 Cons

  • HDMI eARC function not implemented.
  • Energy-saving ECO mode is not implemented.
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Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 back and front view

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 specs and features

Amplifier

Channels 9.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm 135/8
Output impedance, Ohm 8
Frequency response 10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, % 0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC) ES9026PRO 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration MCACC
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features Advanced Sound Retriever, Hi-Res audio

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
USB 1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45) 1
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay) AirPlay, AirPlay 2
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output 7/3
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP) HDCP 2.3
Subwoofer output (LFE) 2
Headphone output 1 x 6.3
Optical digital input 3
Coaxial digital input 2
Composite input 2
Component input/output 2/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic
Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range) HDR10
4K signal pass-through 4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion analog to HDMI
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features x.v.Color, HLG, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control Amazon Alexa
App control iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Display colour OSD
Tuner AM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware update network, USB
Other additional features has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones 3
Zone audio output speaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room control Pioneer Control App, FlareConnect
RS-232 1
Remote control input/output (IR) 1/1
DC trigger output (12V) 2

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other) Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other) DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3
WMA
AAC
WAV
FLAC
ALAC
Other audio file formats AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W 310
Standby consumption, W 0.2
Removable power cord

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches 43.5 x 18.5 x 44/17 x 7 x 17.3
Weight, kg/lbs 15.5/34.2

Other

Release year 2019