Pioneer SC-LX901 vs Pioneer SC-LX502 review

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It makes sense comparing Pioneer SC-LX901 vs Pioneer SC-LX502 because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer SC-LX901 has 11.2 versus 7.2 for Pioneer SC-LX502. Regarding power, then SC-LX901 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 140/8, 200/6 when SC-LX502 has a power of 120/8, 225/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit for SC-LX901 and AK4458 768 KHz/32-bit for the SC-LX502. Both the SC-LX901 and the SC-LX502 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio - all of these streaming services have found application in each of the models. 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. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer SC-LX901 has 8/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer SC-LX502. 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

The SC-LX901 supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the SC-LX502. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both SC-LX901 and SC-LX502 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.