The Pioneer VSX-LX505 AV receiver belongs to this company’s premium series, which have an improved design compared to the basic models. The main feature of this device is the IMAX Enhanced certification, which guarantees very high quality picture and sound in a home theater. In addition, the AV receiver uses selected components and the best circuit solutions to ensure the best sound not only when watching movies, but also when listening to music.
The Pioneer VSX-LX505 has a 9.2 configuration and is equipped with amplifiers using proprietary Direct Power technology. They develop high output power and provide accurate and balanced sound with minimal distortion. The AV receiver has decoders for all popular formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. MCACC auto-calibration is provided to adjust the sound of the home theater system depending on the conditions of its placement. And to increase the accuracy of the formation of a three-dimensional sound picture depending on the reflective properties of the ceiling when using upward-facing Atmos acoustics, the Reflex Optimizer system is provided.
The Pioneer VSX-LX505 model uses a quad-core Cirrus Logic, working in conjunction with DSP Aureus, and a more advanced MCACC auto-calibration system with multi-point adjustment of the listening field than on 7.1 models. They transform the signal in such a way, setting delays and eliminating the resonances of the room, that degradation is not felt at all by ear – on the contrary, it only gets better, because some resonances in the living room cannot be removed even by expensive audio preparation of the room. The result is a real three-dimensional sound picture that surrounds you from all sides, and not individual sounds, music and creaks with something like explosions. Moreover, it seems that the sounds in the area of resonances typical for an apartment have not gone away, and dips are not felt, so precisely the processor “cuts out” from the track those frequencies at which these resonances arise.
The sound improvement is facilitated, for example, by a whole line of preamplifier outputs. More affordable models actually do not have them – there are only subwoofer outputs. And here, with their help, you can fully implement a system with four ceiling speakers, whereas in inexpensive models only two channels are usually allocated for them. But, of course, the main thing for all sound lovers will be the ability to connect an external power amplifier for the front pair or trio, because these channels account for the maximum audio information and a lot of low-frequency sounds. With it, the Pioneer VSX-LX505 receiver begins to “breathe” much more freely – the built-in power amplifiers and power supply are sufficient for all surround channels, the sound becomes an order of magnitude better, and you simply don’t remember about the lack or excessive softness of the bass. In addition, linear preouts for the front make it possible to combine both classic stereo and cinema in one system without compromise. More precisely, combine two systems into one, without losing anything in terms of sound.
The Pioneer VSX-LX505 is equipped with seven HDMI inputs (one of which is located on the front panel) and two inputs capable of transmitting 8K Ultra HD video, HDR10 and Dolby Vision. The device provides support for the widest streaming functionality. The Pioneer VSX-LX505 is equipped with support for DTS Play-Fi, FlareConnect, Chromecast and AirPlay 2 multi-room systems. It is also possible to play music from popular on-line services or network drives, as well as from USB flash drives.
At the same time, the Pioneer VSX-LX505 is capable of playing audio in High Resolution formats: PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz and DSD 11.2 MHz. Provided in the AV receiver and Bluetooth for quick connection of mobile devices. Many music lovers will certainly be pleased with the presence of an input for connecting a vinyl player.
Specifications Pioneer VSX-LX505
Number of channels 9.2
Output power 180 W per channel (8 Ohm, 1 kHz, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)
Input sensitivity/impedance 200 mV/47 kOhm (line input), 3.5 mV/47 kOhm (Phono )
Tuner FM 87.5 MHz – 108 MHz
Tuner AM 522 kHz – 1611 kHz; 530 kHz – 1710 kHz
Number of memory presets 40
Built-in decoders (main) Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Express, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio , Dolby Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X
Processors Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X
Auto-calibration system MCACC
Number of additional zones 2
Output to the second / third zone linear (including after the DAC), acoustic
Wireless multiroom DTS Play-Fi, Flare Connect
DSP -32-bit processor
Enhancer for compressed music files yes
Supported streaming audio file formats (local network) MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, FLAC, WAV (24 bit / 192 kHz), Ogg Vorbis, AAC, Apple Lossless, DSD (11.2 MHz ), LPCM
Protocol DLNA v1.5
Support Wi-Fi 5 / 2.4 GHz
Support Chromecast
Support AirPlay 2
Support Bluetooth version 4.2
Support Pioneer application for iPhone and Android
Direct Mode
Supported Internet services TuneIn Radio, Tidal, Spotify, AUPEO! , Deezer
Independent crossover frequency adjustment for each channel 40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/200 Hz
Inputs 7 HDMI inputs (one on the front panel) 2.0 with support for 8K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10/Dolby Vision, Phono, 4 linear (RCA), 1 coaxial, 1 optical, 2 composite, composite, USB port, Ethernet
Outputs 2 HDMI 2.1 with support for 8K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10 / Dolby Vision / eARC, line (for zones 2 and 3), 9.1 channel processor output, 2 subwoofer outputs, 6.3 mm headphone jack
Other switching RS232, mini-jack for calibration microphone, AM and FM antenna jacks, ground terminal
Output terminals for speakers 9 pairs of screw terminals
Power supply high-current transformer
Power consumption 870 W, in standby mode: 0.15 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x185x386 mm
Weight 14 kg