How to choose the best receiver — Pioneer SC-LX502 vs Pioneer SC-LX501?
Pioneer SC-LX501 vs SC-LX502 — the main benefits and pitfalls
Several days ago I got a possibility to test two AV receivers, which were created by Pioneer. Pioneer SC-LX502 has unique features and great sound quality. On the other hand, Pioneer SC-LX501 is not so powerful, but it is cheaper and still compatible with other devices, that’s why it is difficult to choose the best alternative. I hope this comparison will help you to choose the best AV receiver quickly — Pioneer SC-LX502 vs SC-LX501.
Features & Performance
These AV receivers maintain all popular audio formats (AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, DSD, MP3 and so on), that’s why you can forget about problems with compatibility. As for the operational power consumption, it is also equal (250 W). Both of them have 3D pass-through and upscaling via HDMI up to 4K. In general, the performance of these receivers is similar and you should consider other features to make your choice.
Connections & Setup
It’s really important that your receiver is compatible with other gadgets. Fortunately, the developers didn’t decide to save their money, that’s why they added 7 built-in decoders, network options, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and so on. There are a lot of HDMI, USB or other ports, which can transform your ordinary receiver into a real audio station.
Design
To be honest, it is difficult to stay objective if you are going to consider and compare the design of receivers, but I have to admit that they look stylish and reliable. There are no major differences between these gadgets, but the product weight of the “older brother” - Pioneer SC-LX502 - is not so big (only 24 pounds, while the second competitor weighs 31 pounds).
Pioneer SC-LX502 pros and cons:
Pros Pioneer SC-LX502:
- It has a special smartphone remote control feature! It is really comfortable because you can change most of the features in several seconds.
Cons Pioneer SC-LX502:
- Improved technologies create bigger problems: it is really difficult to “center” the sound and change settings according to your particular room.
Pioneer SC-LX501 pros and cons:
Pros Pioneer SC-LX501:
- It is a bit cheaper because this model was released in 2016.
Cons Pioneer SC-LX501:
- ARC (Audio return channel) is not really reliable because you have to disconnect/reconnect HDMI cable to get it to work.
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Common
Model
Brand
Rating
Reviews
Functions
Digital player
Internet radio
Network audio player
Amplifier class
Audio formats
AAC
AIFF
Apple lossless
DSD
FLAC
MP3
WAV
WMA
Built-in decoders
DTS neural:X
DTS-HD master audio
DTS:X
Dolby atmos
Dolby digital plus
Dolby surround
Dolby true HD
Power device
Operational power consumption
Standby power consumption
Built-in display
Type
Colour
Amplifier
Total output power
Output power per channel
Output impedance per channel
Frequency response
Total harmonic distortion
Number of channels
Signal-to-noise ratio
Connectivity interfaces
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
IEEE 802.3
IEEE 802.3u
Signal processing
HDMI pass-through
Video conversion/scaling
3D pass-through
Upscaling via HDMI
Connector type
AV inputs
Optical digital inputs
Coaxial digital inputs
HDMI inputs
HDMI outputs
Optical digital outputs
Coaxial digital outputs
Subwoofer outputs
USB
Phones
Media content source
Bluetooth
Network
USB-host
Radio
Tuner type
Tuner bands
Preset station qty
Additional features
A-B speaker switch
AIR Studios monitor certification
Three-zone capability
X.v.Color
Advanced sound retriever (ASR) technology
Apple air-play support
Audio return channel (ARC)
Bi-amplifying
Deep color
MCACC Pro
Auto power off
Pure direct mode
Dual-zone capability
Smartphone remote control
Sound features
Sound output mode
Audio D/A converter
Surround sound effects
Surround system class
Digital sound processor (DSP)
DSP preset qty
Digital content protection
Clock
Built-in clock
Sleep timer
Dimensions
Shipping size
Product weight
Pioneer SC-LX502 overview
AV receivers comparison rating
- 40Pioneer SC-LX502
- 40.5Pioneer SC-LX501
The best receiver is Pioneer SC-LX501. Check Pioneer SC-LX501 price on Amazon
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