The Pioneer Vsx-lx505 ELITE 9.2 Channel AV Receiver, a unit designed for home theater enthusiasts, has been put to the test. This review dives deep into its performance, analyzing both its digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier capabilities. While boasting features like Dirac Live room correction, a closer examination reveals a mixed bag of results, particularly concerning its amplifier section.
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Despite its modern internal workings, the VSX-LX505 maintains a traditional front panel design, reminiscent of older AV receivers. The back panel also reflects this blend of old and new, featuring legacy component and composite video inputs alongside contemporary connections.
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Pioneer VSX-LX505: Detailed Performance Analysis
This review focuses on the critical aspects of audio performance, specifically the Front Right and Left channels. Tests were conducted on both the pre-out (for DAC evaluation) and speaker terminals (for amplifier assessment) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the VSX-LX505’s capabilities.
DAC Performance: A Look at Digital Conversion
The Pioneer VSX-LX505’s DAC section demonstrates “reasonable performance for an AVR,” positioning it as adequate but not exceptional in its class. Measurements taken using both HDMI and Toslink digital inputs revealed similar results. The unit maintained consistent performance across different output levels, showcasing a positive trait of avoiding clipping at higher volumes, a common issue in some AV receivers.
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While the DAC exhibits good linearity and low levels of distortion in multitone tests, its jitter performance was noted as poor across digital inputs. Additionally, the DAC reconstruction filter showed less-than-ideal attenuation of out-of-band noise. Frequency response, however, was deemed sufficient. Overall, the DAC performance is acceptable for an AV receiver in this price range, but doesn’t stand out as a highlight.
Amplifier Performance: Uncovering Limitations
Testing the amplifier section of the Pioneer VSX-LX505 revealed some significant shortcomings. Initial tests comparing analog and digital inputs showed comparable performance, indicating the amplifier stage becomes the bottleneck in overall audio fidelity. When benchmarked against other AV receiver amplifiers, the VSX-LX505’s SINAD (Signal-to-Noise and Distortion ratio) performance was characterized as “rather weak,” aligning with previous Pioneer AVR models tested.
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Further investigation into power output unveiled a critical issue: power limiting. Despite being rated at 120 watts, the VSX-LX505 dramatically reduced power output after approximately 35 seconds of operation, dropping to as low as 20 watts in 4-ohm tests. This power reduction is not tied to temperature or environmental factors but appears to be time-based. This behavior was also observed in previous Pioneer AVR models, suggesting a recurring design choice.
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This power limiting issue severely impacts the amplifier’s ability to deliver dynamic range and sustained power, fundamentally undermining its performance as a standalone amplifier. The lack of any user-accessible setting or warning about this power limiting is a significant drawback.
Pros and Cons of the Pioneer VSX-LX505
Pros:
- Dirac Live Room Correction: A key feature offering advanced room acoustic optimization.
- Decent DAC Performance: The DAC section provides acceptable performance for an AV receiver.
- Stable DAC Output: Avoids clipping even at higher output levels.
Cons:
- Severe Amplifier Power Limiting: Drastically reduces power output after short periods, hindering dynamic performance.
- Weak Amplifier Performance Overall: SINAD measurements are below average for its class.
- Traditional Interface: While functional, the front panel and on-screen menus may feel dated to some users.
- Unclear Power Limiting Implementation: No user notification or control over the power limiting feature.
Conclusion: A Processor First, Amplifier Second?
The Pioneer VSX-LX505 presents a mixed proposition. Its DAC performance is adequate, and the inclusion of Dirac Live is a strong positive. However, the amplifier’s significant power limiting issue is a critical flaw that cannot be overlooked. This behavior severely restricts its ability to function as a robust, standalone AV receiver, especially for demanding home theater setups or users requiring sustained power output.
Unless you intend to utilize the VSX-LX505 primarily as a processor, relying on external amplifiers to drive your speakers, it is difficult to recommend this unit in its current configuration. The undisclosed and aggressive power limiting in the amplifier stage significantly detracts from its overall value and performance. Potential buyers should be fully aware of this limitation before considering the Pioneer VSX-LX505 for their home theater system.
