Having had an opportunity to test Denon AVR-X8500H vs Pioneer SC-LX501, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 13.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-X8500H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 150/8, 250/6, while the SC-LX501 has a power of 120/8, 180/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVR-X8500H it is 0.05%, but for the SC-LX501 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVR-X8500H received the model AK4490EQ 768 KHz/32-bit, but the SC-LX501 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Denon AVR-X8500H and Pioneer SC-LX501 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Denon AVR-X8500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, but the Pioneer SC-LX501 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-X8500H and the SC-LX501. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVR-X8500H has 8/3, and the SC-LX501 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-X8500H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AVR-X8500H and SC-LX501 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the AVR-X8500H where 3 Multi zones is provided, the SC-LX501 works with 2 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in AVR-X8500H. The Denon AVR-X8500H and the Pioneer SC-LX501 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.