Could this be the best A/V integrated receiver to date? I’m thinking so… Pioneer has done good with the VSX-59TXi, one of the key new features is the playback capability of Windows Media Audio 9 Professional encoded media. This makes hooking up your HTPC and playing back WMVHD files a cinch. All you need to do is plug the USB cable to your computer and you can start enjoying true 6-channels of audio. The 59TXi still has the i.LINK digital interface for firewire connectivity as well as all the inputs and outputs you’ll ever need. It meets LucasFilm’s THX® Ultra2 certification and all the other digital decoding formats common with high-end receivers. The remote was updated, a much needed update, it’s now more like a Phillips Pronto.

This flagship unit is loaded with updates, one more notable update is the advanced version of their Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit (MCACC), it identifies and evaluates each speakers frequency response and it even provides PC connectivity so that graphic representations of your room’s unique acoustic signature can be visually seen. Aiding in where the most calibration should be applied. This receiver should definitely be on your wish list.