Back in January at CES, Pioneer unveiled both a shiny new pair of headphones and a few new models in its Elite line of receivers. Apparently the company enjoyed that so much, it’s ready to do it again just a little over two months later.
Pioneer announced today that not only was it unveiling another new pair of headphones — albeit one much more affordable than the SE-Master1 pair it announced in January — but it would also be adding two more models to its Elite receiver line. That’s not all the company has in store either.
The SE-MHR5 Hi-Res Stereo headphones might have a lot to offer, but unlike the SE-Master1, they won’t set you back $2,500. In fact, though these headphones have a claimed frequency range of 7Hz to 50kHz, a Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire voice coil, and a lot of other interesting features to boot, they cost a relatively affordable $300.
Pioneer has equipped the SE-MHR5 with a dual-baffle back chamber to help with the balance between low and midrange frequencies and improve bass overall, but the company didn’t stop there. The headphones offer multiple connection methods with a 3.5 mm standard cable, as well as a 2.5mm 4-pole balance cable available. To ensure that the acoustics of each side are the same, both are equipped with the same input.
The SE-MHR5 also feature memory foam ear cushions, fold two different ways to allow for easy carrying, and are equipped with a twist lock mechanism on the input jacks to keep the cable secure.
The LX301 and LX101 receivers are both 7.1-channel models and are very similar in terms of features, with the main difference being that the LX301 offers a claimed 170 watts per channel, while the LX101 offers a claimed 140 watts per channel. The LX301 will retail for $700, while the LX101 will be available for $500.
Both receivers support 4K at 60p and offer Dolby Atmos out of the box, with DTS:X support coming via a firmware update currently scheduled for the fall. For those without overhead speakers, the receivers support Reflex Optimizer for Dolby Atmos 3D surround without the need for the additional speakers.
The LX301 and LX101 support Google Cast, AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity as well as FireConnect, which allows for easy wireless multi-room audio. Multiple lossless audio formats including DSD, Dolby TrueHD, FLAC, WAV, and Apple Lossless are supported, and streaming is available from Spotify, Pandora, and TuneIn, with Tidal and Deezer coming later on. Even better, starting next month, all 2016 Elite model receivers will be covered by a three-year warranty.
The SE-MHR5 Hi-Res Stereo Headphones are available now, and will also be on display at the SoCal CanJam, an event held for audiophiles in Costa Mesa, California. The LX301 and LX101 receivers will be available starting next month. For more information, see the Pioneer website.
