Pioneer Elite A/V receiver VSX-LX504 (mid line 2019 model with IMAX Enhanced tech)

[HDTV1080P]

For the year 2019 Pioneer has released the VSX-LX504 with a list price of $999. This A/V receiver offers IMAX Enhanced certification and IMAX features with a promised future firmware update. HDR10, Dolby Vision HDR, and HLG is supported. However this A/V receiver according to the specs does not mention support for HDR10+ pass through, therefore that feature is most likely not offered. In theory next years Pioneer Elite A/V receivers should have HDMI 2.1 with HDR10+ pass through. IMAX Enhanced is the major difference between the 2019 VSX-LX504 and 2018 VSX-LX503 that does not offer that IMAX feature.

The following are select word for word quotes from the Sound and Vision magazine review

"Pioneer's first A/V receiver to carry IMAX Enhanced certification offers fine sound and bang- up-to-date technology at a mid-level price."


"First and foremost, IMAX Enhanced is a certification program covering both source material and hardware, so along with A/V receivers, TVs, projectors, and even content on Ultra HD Blu Ray and streaming services can carry the IMAX Enhanced logo."



"One key difference that sets it apart from THX, however, is the way the various components work together when combined in a system. For example, when you play an IMAX Enhanced movie through an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver, a flag in the disc or stream's metadata will automatically adjust settings like bass management and speaker levels while unlocking an additional cinematic mix that's not available to users of non-IMAX Enhanced hardware."



"On the video side, HDR10 high dynamic range enhancement is used rather than Dolby Vision or HDR10+. While IMAX Enhanced sounds pretty cool, the firmware update needed to activate it on the VSX-LX504 wasn't available in time for my test, though it should be ready by the time you are reading this."

Read more at https://www.soundandvision.com/conte...cHy6yfz0yjL.99

[Torgon]

I saw this on a sticker on the new Elite models. Sounds like a THX kind of certification; not sure if it's really needed or it would even influence my decision to buy one. Sounds like all the studios would have to be onboard to include the 'extra' audio so it is flagged properly. For now: meh.

[B-52 Bass]

Was really hoping Imax E would a firmware download for older models. My Elite LX 701 is just 2 years old and I don't feel like buying another so soon.I'm fine with Atmos & DTS:X