Sony STRZA5000ES vs Pioneer SC-LX501 review

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Rating 5 5

AV receivers comparison chart

Sony STRZA5000ES vs Pioneer SC-LX501 review

Sony STRZA5000ES
vs
Pioneer SC-LX501

Having had an opportunity to test Sony STRZA5000ES vs Pioneer SC-LX501, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the STRZA5000ES has such a ratio W/Ohm - 130/8, while the SC-LX501 has a power of 120/8, 180/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the STRZA5000ES it is 0.09%, but for the SC-LX501 it is 0.08%. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Sony STRZA5000ES and Pioneer SC-LX501 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. There is a Bluetooth protocol at the SC-LX501. The SC-LX501 has access to the Spotify service. 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 STRZA5000ES 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.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the STRZA5000ES has 6/2, and the SC-LX501 has 7/2.Sony STRZA5000ES connectionsPioneer SC-LX501 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the STRZA5000ES and the SC-LX501. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. STRZA5000ES and SC-LX501 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer SC-LX501.

Additional features

Unlike the STRZA5000ES where 3 Multi zones is provided, the SC-LX501 works with 2 Multi zones. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in neither AV receiver. The Sony STRZA5000ES and the Pioneer SC-LX501 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.

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General

Item

Sony STRZA5000ES
Pioneer SC-LX501

Model

STRZA5000ES
SC-LX501

Brand

Sony
Pioneer

Reviews

9
0

Amplifier

Channels

9.2
7.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

130/8
120/8, 180/6

Output impedance, Ohm

8
8, 6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
20Hz-20KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.09
0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

DCAC EX
MCACC

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

has not
Advanced Sound Retriever

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1
1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

has not
Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

6/2
7/2

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
2

Headphone output

0
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

2
2

Coaxial digital input

1
1

Composite input

2
2

Component input/output

2/0
1/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, setup mic
USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR10

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

HLG
DeepColor, x.v.Color, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control

App control

iPhone, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

colour OSD
colour OSD

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
network, USB

Other additional features

IP Control
IP Control

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

3
2

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
speaker, preout

Zone HDMI output

Multi-room control

Music Center
Pioneer Control App, FlareConnect

RS-232

1
1

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/2
1/1

DC trigger output (12V)

3
2

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

has not
Dolby Digital Plus

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD
DTS Neo:X

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

AIFF
AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W

500
250

Standby consumption, W

0.3
0.15

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43 x 17.4 x 41/17 x 6.7 x 16.1
43.5 x 18.5 x 39.5/17 x 7 x 15.4

Weight, kg/lbs

16.7/37.7
11.8/26

Other

Release year

2016
2016
Sony STRZA5000ES
Pioneer SC-LX501
Sony STRZA5000ES
Pioneer SC-LX501

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 7.3
  • 8.1
  • 7.3Sony STRZA5000ES
  • 8.1Pioneer SC-LX501