Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 7.2 Channel Network AV Receiver

I purchased this Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 7.2 Channel Receiver to replace a failed 16 year old Onkyo unit. My decision was based on features and the reviews from others. If their product gets a 4.4 rating, Pioneer must be doing something right. I have one Klipsch sub-woofer and seven other speakers, so I only needed 7.1 channels. After setting the system up, here's what I like: Alexa compatibility, sound quality, value for the money, a front panel knob for changing inputs, easy to read display, and the simple setup including automatic sound calibration in my listening room. Things I didn't like: speaker terminal layout on the back panel. Setting up Alexa was as easy as logging into my Amazon account. The receiver displayed a QR code on the TV and I used my phone to complete the login. I gave it the original sounding name "Receiver," and that was it. The first time I used my voice to tell Alexa to stream (name of song) on the "Receiver," I was amazed! I'm convinced the Pioneer surround sound quality is better than my old receiver. The price was reasonable compared to other similar receivers. The controls are definitely better than my old Onkyo. It had buttons with very small labels for changing inputs. These labels and the display were difficult to read. If I used the front panel for changing inputs it was through trial and error. By contrast, the Pioneer receiver makes it easy to change inputs from the front panel with a large knob and a bright display. If the display is too bright, it can be adjusted. The automatic sound calibration procedure begins by simply plugging in the microphone on the front panel. There's also an option to set up the speakers manually. The most difficult part of the setup was attaching speaker wires to the terminals on the back. Most of my speakers have banana plugs, which are easy to attach, but three speakers have bare wires. These were hard for me to attach using the screw terminals. Each pair is arranged over/under, not side by side like the Denon receivers. I had trouble getting my fingers in the tight space. Side by side would be better. However, once the speakers are connected, you shouldn't have to touch the terminals again unless you relocate the receiver. It's not a show stopper.

I’ve been using the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 for a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for my home theater. The sound quality is just awesome. With the 7.2 channels, it feels like you’re right in the middle of everything, especially with Dolby Atmos and DTS . Whether I’m watching movies or gaming, the sound is super immersive. The setup was surprisingly easy, which I appreciated—no complicated menus or headaches. Plus, the network features make streaming music from Spotify or Apple Music super convenient. One of the coolest parts is the MCACC calibration; it adjusts the sound automatically based on the room, so you don’t have to worry about tinkering with settings to get the best experience.

Amazing sound quality. The audio experience is breathtaking

Got this in 2024 to replace a much older Sony receiver and it's still going strong. My one complaint is the wireless connectivity, their app loses sync all the time and I constantly find myself having to use the remote that came with it to reset the connection. So don't buy this if you're looking for a good wifi stereo solution. That said, it's overall a great receiver and I'm sure it'll still be used for many years to come.

Doesn’t work with Google home. It says it does and Google home will recognize the device but it does not recognize it as a speaker so saying “hey Google play <song> on pioneer speaker (or whatever name you give it)” does not work. It will tell you it is having trouble with the device because it does not recognize the device as a speaker (which makes sense considering it is a receiver). So end result is you can’t use Google home for this. You can AirPlay to it though. The built in chromecast is also glitchy. I do not have chrome cast but sometimes when I change the volume, chrome cast kicks in for some reason and I lose my tv or stereo (depending on what I am listening to) and it changes to chrome cast which I do not have. It also has no instructions so you have to google everything to figure out what the various features are. Total fail. A simple Qr code to a manual would be fine and cost them next to nothing to create.

When my old Pioneer died I replaced it with a Sony STR-DN1040. It never lived up to my expectations. I just replaced it with this VSX-LX105 and I couldn't be happier. SO much more power. I had to put the volume on the Sony at 75% just to get a decent listening level, but this Pioneer will blow the doors out at 10%. The instructions could be better, but I am running an odd setup (Large front speakers, center speaker, 2 rear speakers, 2 high speakers, and 2 subs). I guess this is now Dolby 5.2.2 (Used to be Dolby 7.2). If you run this setup, follow the labels on the receiver, not the documentation. In any case, sound is great, nice bright display, and easy to configure. All the "DHCP" errors are gone, I have 8k support, and great sound. Highly recommended.

Unless you are a dedicated audiophile with time on your hands, don't buy this. It's so unnecessarily complicated to switch speaker groups, no A/B or both AB at the same time button/ switch any longer. It's embedded into the menu. Then you have to hold down two buttons on the remote to hopefully get it to work. It's very finicky and complicated. I spoke with pioneer tech support who told me how to get it to work, completely incorrectly. I downloaded the manual and he was wrong. His solutions didn't work. I figured it out by reading the manual instead. Recently I've had a power outage and it doesn't work again. So now I have to research how to get both a and b channels to work because there is no longer just a switch to get a or b or both simultaneously to work. I will honestly never purchase any pioneer product or affiliated product again. And to think unendorsed pioneer elite for decades Don't buy unless you have nothing else to do except research how to get this receiver to play music. My old Sony receiver has a simple set up and a physical switch like my old pionee elite, to switch speaker groups simply and has the same power for 1/5th the price. It sounds phenomenal with a power amp controlling two of the large main Klipsch Reference premier towers. I have 3 sets of reference premier towers with the titanium drivers hooked up for left and right plus 3 Klipsch subs of various sizes. Skip pioneer until they can get people who know what they are doing and at least a decently helpful tech support lead. I gave one star because it sounded pretty good when it worked.

My Pioneer Elite AVR gave up the ghost after eleven or twelve years and I purchased an Onkyo - TX-NR6100 based on the CNET review but had multiple problems with it. The Onkyo had issues with the on screen menu which I found out via many chat rooms after I purchased it. After fighting with the Onkyo for a few weeks getting it to hook up with my TV I thought to myself "I have had a Pioneer Elite for the last twelve years and it was great" so I purchased this AVR and I am highly satisfied. I waited a few months to post this to be sure that everything was fine. It's all good. Sounds great. No issues with it.

Positives: -Dialogue enhancer the main reason for purchase. I was tired of having to turn up the volume to hear conversations while loud music is being played in the background of all current tv/movies. -I use a 3.1 channel (3 speakers and subwoofer) and find the sound to be very clear -Remote control works well with all functions I need. Two AAA batteries needed and supplied with receiver Negatives: -Cannot get my WD Media player to play files in correct synch. Not sure if it's a WD problem or an HDMI Arc synch problem. Synch is fine with tv and bluray player. -Remote control made of cheap plastic so I purchased an extra off brand model through ebay for $20. In my case, remotes always stop working before the receiver ever conks out -No proper manual. Have to find it online. Would suggest looking at the manual first online before purchasing the receiver in case you might be too complex to set up.

Hasta el momento funciona muy bien

O equipamento atende perfeitamente para minha sala de áudio e vídeo. Foi fácil a instalação, bastante intuitiva. Ótimo equipamento.

5 Star

Este receiver da Pioneer é sensacional. Recomendo 100%.