Pioneer SC-LX501 vs Onkyo TX-NR626 review

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Pioneer SC-LX501 vs Onkyo TX-NR626 comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then SC-LX501 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/8, 180/6 when TX-NR626 has a power of 160/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for SC-LX501 and Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit for the TX-NR626. Both the SC-LX501 and the TX-NR626 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The SC-LX501 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the TX-NR626 can receive a content from TuneIn Radio, Last.fm, AUPEO, Simfy.

Video features

Only the Pioneer SC-LX501 has support for High dynamic range (HDR). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the SC-LX501.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer SC-LX501 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/2 HDMI connectors of the Onkyo TX-NR626. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer SC-LX501.

Multichannel surround

Only the SC-LX501 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the SC-LX501.