Pioneer UHD LX-800 Mod Details and Impressions: Final Answer!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=189680)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=189681)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=189682)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=189683)
OK guys, so the first LX-800 mod is complete and ready to be shipped off today. It is excellent!
But first the details that are frustrating:
It is not and will not be available in North America!
It can be sourced from Asia through Japan (100V). I am not sure if this will operate properly at 120V, but since Taiwan is bringing them in from Japan, I would assume so.
We will not be purchasing them from Aisa. This will be something that the customer must do if they want a 120V (100V) unit.
The LX-500 is available in the U.S. So, one would assume that drives and such parts could be sourced in the U.S., but I don't know how readily available these parts are.
The LX-500 and LX-800 have PHENOMENAL drives that are SO WELL damped, insulated, isolated and protected from vibration that it is brilliant.
But, the digital input connectivity is limited to USB for static external USB storage, such as USB thumb drive or external HD.
There is no computer USB input, so no Roon or other server connectivity.
There is an ethernet network connection, but I am not sure how or if this can be used for music playback.
I did not evaluate the video playback, so I have not comment on this.
I did however, listen to CD playback and here is where I am IMPRESSED!!!
I used the exact same mod circuit as we implement in the Oppo UDP-205 mods. It is fully balanced in to out and features a well regulated, tube rectified external power supply.
Because the Pioneer uses a SABRE DAC chip (different than in the 205), the interface to our mods was the same. I did have to adjust the gain a bit because the DAC in the Pioneer had greater current output levels.
Listening impressions:
Music that I used for evaluation: "Take Dake with Neptune, Asian Roots".
Huge Soundstage and sense of space.
Excellent Decay.
Excellent low level detail from a VERY black background.
Authority and Tonality!
Big and Deep image!
Texture, impact, separation.
Rich tonality.
The sense of space, scale, micro and macro detail are truly staggering! The music emerges from SUCH a black background! I attribute this to the non-resonant chassis construction and drive treatment. The audio power supplies are also entirely from a linear power supply with dedicated transformer windings for analog and digital supplies.
The analog stage PCB is also laid out on a 6-layer PCB, so an excellent job of shielding and noise suppression is obviously done here also!
Is it a great unit stock? YES!
Is it a phenomenal unit with our mods? YES!
If you are not in North America, you can certainly access the unit and send it to us!
If you are in North American, you can still source a 240V unit and use it with a step-down voltage converter. This is how I did all of my listening.
We will not be sourcing or supplying these players, but we will be offering mods for them.
Pioneer LX-800 Mod Cost: $2500, to include external power supply, Truth umbilical and installation of our own fully balanced, Lundahl transformer coupled analog stage.
Bybee rails not an option.
Return shipping not included in the price.
PLEASE NOTE: I ALSO HAVE A LX-500 IN FOR MODS AND I WILL SHARE MY IMPRESSIONS WHEN IT IS COMPLETE! IT HAS ROOM FOR AN INTERNAL SUPPLY. IT WILL BE A ONE-BOX SOLUTION AND THE MOD COST WILL BE LOWER. DAC CHIP IS AKM, SO THE MOD CIRCUIT WILL BE DIFFERENT!