The Pioneer Elite Vsx-lx505 9.2 Channel AV Receiver enters the market as a feature-rich device, boasting Dirac Live room correction and a suite of modern functionalities. This review delves into the performance metrics of the VSX-LX505, aiming to provide a detailed analysis for potential buyers considering this refurbished unit, typically priced around $1699. While the front panel design retains a familiar, somewhat dated aesthetic, the on-screen menus suggest an updated internal system, promising a blend of classic design with contemporary technology. The inclusion of legacy video inputs on the back panel also points to a design that accommodates a wide range of home theater setups.
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Initial setup involved a factory reset and a check for firmware updates, confirming the unit was running the latest software version available. The primary appeal of the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 lies in its Dirac Live capability, a significant draw given that its core performance metrics are otherwise considered fairly standard for its class. During testing, some instability was noted with the unit’s menus on a computer monitor, possibly indicating an issue with the AVR’s video output processing, although this did not appear to affect audio performance.
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Performance evaluations focused on the front right and left channels, assessing both DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and amplifier stages using pre-out and speaker terminals respectively. A look inside reveals an extruded heatsink, a positive sign for thermal management, though its thin fins and a top-mounted fan design raise questions about effective cooling of the amplifiers located on the unit’s sides.
DAC Performance of the Pioneer VSX-LX505
The DAC performance of the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 was evaluated using both HDMI and Toslink digital inputs, measuring the output from the “PRE OUT” RCA terminals. Efforts were made to optimize the signal path, minimizing internal processing effects and adjusting the volume to a nominal 2 volts output, achieved at a +2 dB volume setting.
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The measurements indicate a respectable DAC performance level for an AV receiver in this category.
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Toslink input testing yielded similar results, albeit with a slight reduction in spurious tones, suggesting a cleaner signal path via Toslink in this specific setup.
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Further tests at varying output levels revealed an impressive resistance to clipping, a feature not commonly seen in AVRs without a dedicated amplifier отключение option. However, this characteristic is later shown to correlate with limitations in another key area – amplifier performance.
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) measurements were also within expected parameters for an AVR DAC.
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Intermodulation distortion (IMD) tests indicated good distortion levels, though still trailing behind dedicated two-channel stereo systems in terms of noise floor performance.
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Multitone tests further corroborated the low distortion characteristics of the DAC.
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Linearity performance was also deemed adequate for an AVR DAC.
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However, jitter performance was notably poor across both digital inputs, albeit for different underlying reasons, suggesting potential weaknesses in digital signal processing or clock stability.
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The DAC reconstruction filter exhibited suboptimal attenuation of out-of-band noise, which could potentially impact the overall clarity and fidelity of the audio output.
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Frequency response, while acceptable, did not stand out as exceptional.
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In summary, the DAC section of the Pioneer VSX-LX505 delivers an adequate, though not exceptional, performance for an AV receiver in its class.
Amplifier Performance and Power Limiting Issues
Initial amplifier testing aimed to ascertain performance parity between analog and digital inputs. Results indicated similar performance levels, suggesting the DAC is not significantly outperforming the amplifier stage, which simplifies comparative analysis against other tested amplifiers.
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However, SINAD (Signal-to-Noise and Distortion) measurements placed the Pioneer VSX-LX505 amplifier in the lower tier compared to other AVR amplifiers tested, consistent with previous Pioneer AVR reviews.
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Frequency response in Pure Direct mode was commendable, offering a wide bandwidth.
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Disappointingly, engaging digital processing outside of Pure Direct mode led to a noticeable drop in levels. Crosstalk measurements were also a concern, indicating potential channel interference.
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Multitone performance aligned with SINAD results, reinforcing the amplifier’s distortion characteristics.
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SNR and dynamic range figures, initially appearing understated, were clarified in subsequent power output tests.
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The most critical finding emerged during 4-ohm power sweep tests. Despite a 120-watt rating, the Pioneer VSX-LX505 delivered a mere 20 watts before power limiting engaged. No eco-mode or power-saving settings were found to explain this drastic limitation. This issue mirrors problems observed in other Pioneer AVRs like the VSX-LX303, where power output is severely curtailed after approximately 35 seconds of operation at higher levels.
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Further tests confirmed that this power limiting is time-based, not thermally triggered, as the unit remained cool during the test. After 35 seconds at a moderate output level (44 watts), distortion sharply increased, confirming the amplifier’s power rollback. This timer-based power limiting effectively restricts the amplifier’s sustained high-power output to a mere 35 seconds per power cycle.
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This power limiting issue prevented comprehensive maximum and peak power testing, as the amplifier’s timed throttling mechanism interferes with standard clipping-based power measurement procedures. Standard power sweeps further highlighted the unit’s inability to sustain its rated power dynamically.
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This power limiting behavior is a significant drawback, particularly given the advertised 120-watt rating, which is misleading under real-world conditions. The lack of any user-facing notification or documentation regarding this power throttling is also a major concern.
Conclusion: Feature-Rich but Amplifier Power a Decisive Factor
The Pioneer VSX-LX505 presents a mixed bag of performance characteristics. Its DAC section operates at an average level for an AVR in its class. However, the amplifier section is marred by a severe, timer-based power limiting issue that drastically curtails its sustained power output. This is the third Pioneer AVR tested exhibiting this unacceptable behavior, raising questions about the manufacturer’s transparency and commitment to advertised specifications.
Unless the Pioneer VSX-LX505 is intended for use solely as a processor, bypassing its internal amplification, it is difficult to recommend. The power limiting issue fundamentally undermines its suitability for demanding home theater applications requiring sustained power delivery. Potential buyers should be acutely aware of this limitation and consider whether the Dirac Live room correction and other features outweigh the significant amplifier performance deficit.
