PIONEERVSXLX55Black AV Receiver

If you're finding it hard to decide between an AV receiver with quality sound or lots of features then, take a look at the Pioneer VSX-LX55, and you won't have to. It has both!

Following on from the award-winning VSXLX53, the LX55 puts quality amplification at its very heart. Being the first Pioneer AV receiver in the LX model range ensures a number of audiophile features missing from both lower models and other rivals. This means fitting high quality analogue to digital convertors and digital to analogue convertors for the most accurate processing possible. Over all digital control is handled by a powerful Texas Instruments Aureus processor. Yet the VSX-LX55 isn't just about quality, it's about power, too. At the heart of this LX receiver is a powerful 110 watt amplifier with enough drive for larger rooms and tough speaker loads. Should you wish to enhance the stereo sound quality then bi-amping the front speakers is another option. To help improve the sound still further, the VSX-LX55 comes with PQLS. When connecting a Pioneer Blu-ray player via HDMI, proprietary PQLS technology ensures a jitterless transmission. Essentially, this means that the resulting sound quality is smooth and natural and exactly as the film studio originally intended. When all this is taken together, it's no wonder that the VSX-LX55 received Select 2 certification from THX - the cinema professionals.

Pioneer haven't just produced a fine sounding AV receiver, they're also worked hard on image optimisation, too. Advanced Video Adjust optimises the video signal according to the type of screen or projector you use. Using the MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration) system, it adjusts the image quality to suit your viewing distance.

New to the VSXLX55 are a whole host of streaming functions including, Apple AirPlay compatibility, Internet radio, DLNA streaming and a standard wi-fi dongle for wireless connectivity. In short, the VSX-LX55 is now one of the best connected AV receivers in its class. Apple's AirPlay lets you wirelessly stream music from any compatible Apple device - without the need for a separate home hub. DLNA streaming gets you access to music stored on your PC, laptop or NAS and plays it through the receiver. There's also access to Internet radio and music services, making the VSX-LX55 a fully comprehensive streamer.

In addition to offering multiple networking possibilities, the VSXLX55 keeps control better than ever. iControlAV2 lets you control all important receiver functions from your smartphone or tablet. Control playback, select an input, adjust listening modes and change sound balance and emphasis from one app. The Pioneer VSXLX55 is also compatible with Air Jam. Air Jam is a Bluetooth-based app that lets a group of people connect with their iPhones, iPod Touch or iPads and add their songs to the receiver playlist. In effect it's a local, social network for music and is perfect for parties as everyone gets their choice of music played!

When it comes to connecting more conventionally, the Pioneer VSX-LX55 is, once again, more than adequate. 7 HDMI sockets offer full compatibility with 3D TV and ARC (Audio Return Channel) for a less cluttered cable connection. There are also 2 HDMI outputs, making the VSX-LX55 ideal for a twin screen or 3D system. Also standard is an iPod Digital USB connection. This allows plug-and-play flexibility without the need for a further docking station. The sound quality will be better than many docks, too, as you're using the processing power of the Pioneer rather than the docks. Better still, Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever system enhances the typically compressed music from MP3/AAC systems and returns the sound to CD quality. As you'd expect, the Pioneer VSX-LX55 also features all the latest digital decoders, including DTS Neural Surround, Dolby TrueHD, and Pro-Logic IIz. Yet it's not just your HD sources that can benefit from being plugged in to the VSXLX55. Thanks to an upscaler, any source can now be upscaled to 1080p and outputted via HDMI.

Quality sound and vision matched with unmatched streaming and connectivity, the Pioneer VSX-LX55 truly has the lot.

Available to special order at the following stores. Eton, Hull, Kingston, Leeds, Leicester, London City, Maidstone, Newcastle, Plymouth, Reading, Reigate, Sheffield, Stockport and York.