Many of today's receivers are made to multitask. Pioneer is pumping out two smart, stacked units as part of the company's renowed Elite brand. Just announced, the 7.1-channel VSX-42 receiver and 7.2-channel VSX-60 receiver promise more control and connectivity, as well as better overall AV performance.
Both units offer Ethernet connectivity, with the VSX-60 able to tap into WiFi via the optional AS-WL300 network adapter. That connection is a must, since each receiver has support for Apple's AirPlay. This hot feature allows users to stream music from any iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, as well as any connected computer.
Of course, there are plenty of other web-enabled goodies, including vTuner Internet Radio, DLNA 1.5 support for streaming music up to 192kHz/24-Bit FLAC and WAV, and Bluetooth (via the $99 AS-BT200 adapter). The VSX-60 model also adds in the option to stream Pandora and SiriusXM Radio, via a subscription.
Besides tons of streaming options, each Elite receiver can boost whatever current content you've got. Each one promises 1080p video conversion and scaling from just about any source. The VSX-42 has an Anchor Bay video processor, with the VSX-60 packing in Marvell's Qdeo technology. Both receiver models have 192kHz/24-Bit DACs, MCACC room calibration and the Advanced Sound Retriever feature. The VSX-60 adds in Advanced MCACC, Phase Control Plus, PQLS Bit Stream and Virtual Depth.
Another perk for VSX-60 users is Pioneer's Stream Smoother technology. This is designed to boost the image of web-based content, including whatever your Blu-ray player is streaming up. Other VSX-60 extras include Advanced Video Adjust, 3D calibration, Phase Control Plus, PQLS technology, and Virtual Modes.
The VSX-42 and VSX-60 will also be compatible with one of Pioneer's control apps. Both apps feature power, volume and surround mode controls, and allow the user to tap into content from Pandora, web radio and whatever is on any connected network-attached storage (NAS) devices -- all from compatible iOS or Android devices. The ControlApp will work with the VSX-42, with the VSX-60 supporting the new iControlAV2012. The latter features single screen access points and 18 DSP sound adjustments via Pioneer Sound Explorer, including four Virtual speaker modes and second zone content and volume controls. Both apps are available now for free, from iTunes and Google Play.
With 80 watts for each of its seven channels, the Elite VSX-42 will come packing an MSRP of $450. Bumping things up to 90 watts per channel, the VSX-60 is priced at $650.
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