I was a Pioneer audio freak once. Right now Onkyo has my two thumbs up up the best audio quality. But the design of this new Elite series from Pioneer are truly impressive. Pioneer introduced four new A/V receivers to its Elite line. The SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH feature 7.1-channel surround sound connections and support DTS HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus lossless audio formats. The SC-07 and SC-05 benefit from the same Direct Energy HD amplifier with ICEpower analog class D technology Pioneer uses in its flagship SC-09TX receiver.
Both SC models sport Pioneer's Home Media Gallery IP networking that allows personal digital music and JPEG photo files to be accessed from a PC hard drive or USB. The feature supports DLNA, Windows Vista or Windows Media Connect, and Microsoft playsforsure DRM technology. The two are also equipped with Precision Quart Locking System that synchronizes data via an HDMI connection with the company's new Blu-ray Disc players and the receivers for ultra precise CD playback. Rounding out SC-exclusive attributes is Pioneer's DSP with Full Band Phase Control to eliminate group delay of each speaker.

The SC-07 is the heavyweight of the four, with a Burr Brown Sampling Rate Converter capable of upscaling audio to 192kHZ, 24-bit resolution, as well as two 1.3a HDMI outputs for multiple room support.

Common features to all include room-tuning software, a new symmetric equalization (EQ) and anti-jitter technologies. Each receiver integrates design cues that make them ready for custom home theater installations in multi-zone and multi-source set-ups.

The VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will be available in June for a suggested price of $750 and $1,000, respectively, while the SC-05 and SC-07 ship in August for $1,800 and $2,200, respectively.

Pioneer Elite SC-07

Pioneer SC-09

Pioneer unveils four new Elite A/V Receivers