Pioneer SC-LX701 VS Pioneer VSX-LX503
Pioneer SC-LX701
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - sc-lx701.pdf
  • USB - 1
Pioneer VSX-LX503
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - vsx-lx503.pdf
  • USB - 1

The combination of performance and quality - Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs SC-LX701

Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs Pioneer SC-LX701

I have tested two amazing solutions from Pioneer – Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs SC-LX701. This review should help people who look for a great receiver.

Features & Performance

Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs Pioneer SC-LX701 back

Both models support the 9.2 channel setup. VSX-LX503 wins when we compare Pioneer SC-LX701 vs VSX-LX503 in terms of the total output power – 1090 W versus 760 W that SC-LX701 outputs. Both models work with Sonos and they are compatible with Dolby Atmos. These two receivers support the DTS:X technology. However, SC-LX701 features the Advanced Sound Retriever technology, while VSX-LX503 uses the phase control and the reflex optimizer technologies. Both models support the modern 4K video standard with HDR and other features.

Connections & Setup

These solutions have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, so you can stream content from your devices or from online services. These receivers support the Chromecast technology, while VSX-LX503 supports the Google Assistant. Both models support the Zone 2/3 feature.

These receivers are built well and customers do not experience any issues with the ports. SC-LX701 has 8 in and 2 out HDMI ports, while VSX-LX503 has 7 in and 2 out HDMI ports.

Pioneer uses the MCACC technology to control the output sound. It is precise in terms of the speaker's calibration, but you can adjust the settings via a special menu (it is not very difficult). The manufacturer provides you with the microphone required. Overall, the calibration process is fast.

Design

These two receivers look almost the same – there is a simple LCD display that shows some basic information, two large knobs, a power on/off button and a front cover that hides some small round-shaped buttons with additional ports.

These receivers come with a remote controller. It is well-designed and all buttons are labeled properly. Overall, it is easy to control these receivers using the remote controller.

The dimensions are 15.2x17.2x7.3 in for VSX-LX503 versus 7.4x17.1x7.3 in for SC-LX701.

Pros & Cons

Pioneer SC-LX701

VS

Pros

    • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
    • MCACC auto-tuning and full band phase control are able to provide you with crystal-clear sound. These two systems can reduce the phase lag.
    • The operational power consumption is 310 W.
    • The total power output is 760 W, which is quite high, and it is enough for everyone to enjoy their favorite music tracks.

Cons

    • MCACC auto-tuning may be not enough and you may need to tweak it manually.
    • The users menu a bit complex and you need time to get used to it.

Pioneer VSX-LX503

VS

Pros

    • It is possible to control the receiver through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, which gives full voice control over the basic functions of the receiver.
    • The output sound is deep and clear – no lags or noise.
    • It assures a stable wireless connection.
    • The device can cope with probably any HDMI component it receives.

Cons

    • AirPlay is not stable.
    • Some customers find the setup process quite complex (due to the poor documentation).

Specifications

Specification Pioneer SC-LX701 Pioneer VSX-LX503
Connector Type
Av Inputs 4 7
Usb 1 1
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Hdmi Outputs 2 2
Hdmi Inputs 8 7
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 2
Optical Digital Inputs 3 2
Phones 1 1
Additional Features
A-b Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Power Off
Bi-amplifying
Audio Return Channel (arc)
Apple Air-play Support
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
Functions
Internet Radio
Digital Player
Network Audio Player
Power Device
Operational Power Consumption 310 W
Standby Power Consumption 0.15 W
Audio Formats
Wma
Wav
Mp3
Flac
Apple Lossless
Aiff
Aac
Connectivity Interfaces
Bluetooth
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Signal Processing
Upscaling Via Hdmi up to 4K up to 4K
3d Pass-through
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Radio
Preset Station 40 40
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.08 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance Per Channel 4 Ohm, 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 135 W, 185 W, 220 W 120 W
Total Output Power 760 W 1090 W
Sound Features
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Surround System Class 9.2 channel 9.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Front Stage Surround Advance Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/a Converter 32bit / 192kHz 32bit / 384kHz
Built-in Decoders
Dolby True Hd
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Media Content Source
Usb-host
Network
Bluetooth
Dimensions
Dimensions 7.4 x 17.1 x 7.3 inches 15.2 x 17.2 x 7.3 inches
User Manual
Manual sc-lx701.pdf vsx-lx503.pdf
General
Brand Pioneer Pioneer

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