AV Receiver Reviews

Pioneer VSX-LX505 Elite 9.2-Channel A/V Receiver Review

Daniel Kumin  |  Aug 25, 2022


Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value
PRICE $1,499

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Dirac Live and Pioneer MCACC room/speaker correction
9 powered channels for driving a 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X system
HDMI 2.1, 8K-ready with variable refresh on all inputs
Minus
Small, unlit remote
Cheesy speaker-out terminals
Can’t store Dirac and MCACC “runs” simultaneously

THE VERDICT
The Pioneer VSX-LX505 provides a lot of bang for your buck, including nine channels for powering a full Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup and two excellent auto-EQ options.

Pioneer's VSX-LX505 Elite A/V receiver represents a new generation of reasonably priced AVRs that boast up-to-date technology and enough channels to rock a full 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround setup with four height speakers without having to rely on an outboard amplifier to power "extra" channels. And that's not its only marquee feature: The LX505 is Roon Tested to ensure compatibility with the music-management/streaming software, supports HDMI 2.1/4K passthrough on its main HDMI inputs and outputs, and is certified to work with Sonos systems. It also supports 8K video and incorporates Dirac Live room/speaker-correction EQ technology along with Pioneer's proprietary MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration) system.

Like most of today's AVRs, the list of features is long and varied and includes a set of 11.1-channel preamp outputs and 11 physical speaker outputs, nine of which can be powered simultaneously. Having nine channels of power on hand also makes for plenty of Zone-2/3 options, among them the ability to use the "height" speaker outputs to power a remote listening zone and send stereo audio from the main zone to a dedicated pair of "Zone B" line-out jacks.

The LX505's HDMI 2.1 implementation supports 40 Gbps-capable 4K on only three of its six HDMI inputs—though unless you have more than three of the latest-gen game consoles I don't see this as a constraint, especially since the remaining ins and outs are 8k-capable and support 4K /120, HDR, and variable refresh rates. The LX505 shares this minor limitation with several current-gen AVRs, including the Onkyo TX-NR7100 I reviewed in the April/May 2022 issue (also on SoundandVision.com ), with which it also shares a similar back-panel layout (Onkyo and Pioneer share corporate ownership).

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A few more noteworthy items include pass-through compatibility with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10 high dynamic range (HDR) processing and the ability to facilitate voice commands from Alexa (Amazon), Google, and Siri (via Apple AirPlay 2). The receiver also supports playback via Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi in addition to the previously mentioned Sonos and Roon, the latter only as a wireless Chromecast/AirPlay endpoint and, therefore, limited by the resolution of those protocols. The Pioneer also supports two-way Bluetooth with high-resolution signal transmission enabled by aptX HD, which means it can serve up a very decent listening experience to wireless headphones or speakers.

Despite all of this functionality, the LX505's front panel is refreshingly clean thanks to a drop-down door that conceals one HDMI and one USB port, a headphone output, and a number of direct-access buttons for controlling remote listening zones, cycling through surround modes, recalling personal presets, and much more. And we're just scratching the surface here in terms of features so a trip to Google is warranted if you want to dig deeper.

Setup
My first order of business was hefting the almost 29-pound Pioneer atop my component rack. Some may mourn the decline of the foot-tall, 75-pound, class AB-powered A/V receiver: not I. Hookup was the usual matter of shifting HDMI cables, running a long RCA line to my subwoofer, and wiring in (and keeping track of) nine loudspeaker cables—though I must point out that the LX505's cheap plastic multiway binding posts are what you expect to find on a $199 house-brand receiver, not a $1,500 AVR.

My 5.1.4 speaker array is a hybrid — mongrel, if you prefer — of three different brands with a proven track record of providing excellent performance together. The main left/right positions are occupied by a pair of stand-mounted three-way speakers with near full bandwidth capability and low sensitivity, which makes them a fair workout for any amplifier. Rounding out the setup is a powered subwoofer, center speaker, two rear surrounds, and four height speakers—a pair of ceiling-bounce models up front and two mounted high in the back of the room.

With everything set up and ready to go, it was time to put the Pioneer's room/speaker equalization systems to the test. I began with Dirac Live, which unlike most competing acoustical calibration systems, requires an outboard device to run its software—in this case, Pioneer's Remote App (iOS or Android), which I ran on my Pad mini 5. Following the same process used for my review of the Onkyo TX-NR7100, I chose Dirac's "Detailed" setup, which averages nine microphone positions; there's also a "Quick" option that uses three mic positions but the Pioneer implementation does not include the standalone Dirac Live Bass Control feature, which can integrate multiple subwoofers.

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It took about 45 minutes for Dirac Live to perform its magic with my 5.1.4-channel layout. The results were excellent with a dramatic tightening and smoothing of perceived bass and a more focused midrange. The system recognized my 9.1 speaker layout and set correct levels and distances (delays), imposed equalization "cuts" to address my room's two most egregious modes (around 85Hz and 135Hz), and dialed in my preferred "house curve" with a gentle drop-off of 2dB or so over the top three octaves.

Next up was Pioneer's MCACC system, which performs the same basic functions as Dirac Live: It analyzes room acoustics and compensates for any low-frequency peaks imposed by room modes (Pioneer breaks this out as "Standing Wave Control"), observes speaker response and "corrects" any adjudged deficiencies, and balances channel levels and delays to achieve ideal loudness and phase performance from all nine speakers—10, if we count the subwoofer.

MCACC is a three-tier system with basic, Advanced, and Pro versions. Although the LX505 is the current flagship in Pioneer's AVR lineup, it incorporates the Advanced version, which is mostly distinguished from Pro by the lack of dual subwoofer outputs and EQ calculation and distance-compensation to a hair-splitting 1 millimeter precision. I have to wonder where one can find MCACC-Pro—I couldn't. With MCACC engaged, the receiver cycled through the usual series of noises bursts and clicks but, unlike other systems, Pioneer provides a basic onscreen display to keep you apprised of what's happening.

The test mic was missing from the well-travelled test sample we received from Pioneer so I used one I had on hand from an earlier Pioneer model, which appeared to be suitably calibrated given the audible results. Like Dirac Live, MCACC can accommodate up to nine microphone positions. For the initial mic position, it took about 10 minutes for the system to work its way through all 10 (9.1) channels but measurements taken from subsequent mic positions took only 5 minutes or so each. Though Pioneer doesn't specify how it manipulates data collected from multiple mic positions, I presume they are averaged to optimize corrections for all measured listening positions.

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COMMENTS
utopianemo's picture
Submitted by utopianemo on August 27, 2022 - 4:52pm

Two questions: How is the GUI and how stable is the operation? I recently replaced my Pioneer Elite for a different brand. The sound was absolutely unimpeachable, but my Elite (same tier but it came out shortly after the HDR-capable chipsets became available had a clunky, sluggish AI, and never passed HDR reliably (even 4K SDR was inconsistent).

After having a few major components replaced with no improvement, I bit the bullet and bought a competing brand at the same tier. The sound isn’t quite as nice, but the lack of headache/anxiety from not having a $1,500 piece of hardware that doesn’t operate reliably is totally worth it.

Dealzguy18's picture
Submitted by Dealzguy18 on August 28, 2022 - 10:13am

Rather unfortunate this is such a poorly written review. Firstly Pioneer that I used to love started going down when Onkyo acquired their AV division. The Onkyo cheapness started to show up in the Elite receivers. Pioneer has dumbed down their awesome D3 D class amplifier with run of the mill cheap D class. No they are not the same in terms of quality and tuning. D3 was codeveloped with B&O and I have it on two of older Elite AVRs that are just beasts. Pioneer has gone for including a boatload of all the latest features, which will is commendable, ultimately fails in the sound quality that it was known for.

Review should include some history and comparison as well and be bold to comment on the deterioration of this brand,

dsb9001's picture
Submitted by dsb9001 on September 3, 2022 - 9:13am

I agree this was a very poor review because it barely covered anything but the basics. I purchased this receiver but returned it not long after. There are several things I liked about it but the dislikes outnumbered the likes by too many to justify keeping it. Of the many dislikes, the main ones are:

1. In order to get 11.1 (for 7.1.4) output, an additional amp is required that can ONLY be put on the lower main rear surrounds, instead of being able to assign to one of the height front/rear outputs. This is most annoying as my separate amp is smaller and of lessor quality, which would be fine on one of the upper Atmos surrounds as it wouldn't get as much usage, but it's not what I would want to use for my main rears. I intend to purchase a receiver I've found that lets you assign the channels the additional amp can replace (hint: the make begins with a "D").

2. After many trials I could not determine any difference between Dirac Live and MCACC. Setting up Dirac Live however was a major time consuming hassle and had to keep overriding the settings in order for it successfully complete the setup. This happens every time you need to recalibrate it (which I needed to do a few times adjusting speaker placement). Maybe there will be a fix in the future but it was too frustrating for me to want to mess with.

3. Dirac Live set up is only available via a phone app (I use iOS). I keep my receivers a long time (I had the Pioneer this replaced for over 12 years) and have a concern that over time the app will no longer work due to lack of ongoing support with newer OS versions. This has already happened with my previous Pioneer... the app has not worked since iOS 12 and just crashes on newer versions. It can't even be downloaded anymore. The Dirac Live calibration functionality should be built into the receiver or you risk losing a major feature once app version support ends.

4. Probably not an issue for most, but I still have a device with component output I like to use from time to time, but this receiver's component inputs are restricted to 480i, making the device unwatchable. My 12 year old Pioneer easily handles up to 1080i component to HDMI conversion.

Dealzguy18's picture
Submitted by Dealzguy18 on September 7, 2022 - 11:35am

Thank you for the detailed first hand user experience sharing. This is what has become of Pioneer after they were taken over by Onkyo. On the 480i content you are absolutely right, I too have an older Elite SC65 that has QDEO by Marvell chip that upscales all sources to 1080P and it looks awesome. Plus the D3 amps on it are so powerful and equal for all channels it can power even 4 ohm speakers very well.

Eleonorereichert's picture
Submitted by Eleonorereichert on January 29, 2023 - 11:32pm

The D3 amps on it are so strong and equally distributed across all channels, it can provide adequate power to speakers with an impedance of only 4 ohms. wordle hint

vincedog3's picture
Submitted by vincedog3 on June 14, 2023 - 5:10pm

Okay lets get this out of the way. I had the VSX-49TX, and that was total beast mode. By today's standards, stupid as a sack of rocks. But 65lbs folks. Beefy Linear Power Supply. All legacy, fully discrete output devices, scalloped aluminum side panels. Like the AX-10 DVD-A player was. I was a Pioneer dealer for over 10 years in the hey days of Pioneer Elite.

Reality be told. Pioneer was fools with their money. The compliances and standards and costs ate them alive. I was surprised they didn't die sooner. Sound United backed out of the deal for gang. So Vox bought them up. I am not bothered by what they have here. Looks like a bitchin' Processor Preamplifier. I need the modern HDMI outputs, and surround schemes, I don't need the amplifier stages, I am using external anyway from Parasound, and Emotiva, so this thing could be 5 watts a channel, and I wouldn't care. This will be in my bedroom system along with my Samsung TV, and Jamo front C series speakers, and Elac 6.2 mk.2 as my surrounds. SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer for the dynamics and excitement. I know what I am getting into here. I also remember this as Stereo Review, back when I was a kid. AV has been me since I was 5 years old! I am in my 60s now. This receiver for what it does is fine. If you want better you will squander away more green. Put the money in room treatment, speakers, and amplifiers. This Pioneer will make a dandy front end. Nothing more, nothing less.

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joedavidson's picture
Submitted by joedavidson on February 22, 2024 - 6:35pm

This emphasizes the impressive capabilities of a receiver, our ceiling removal team boasting 11.1-channel preamp outputs and 11 speaker outputs, with the remarkable ability to power up to nine of them concurrently.

larrymartin's picture
Submitted by larrymartin on March 19, 2024 - 3:59am

It is great to see such detailed comparisons between MCACC and Dirac. The thorough evaluation of sound performance especially with music and movies provides valuable insights for potential buyers.
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Huntyy's picture
Submitted by Huntyy on March 25, 2024 - 5:32pm

Pioneer's VSX-LX505 Elite A/V receiver represents a new generation of reasonably priced AVRs with up-to-date technology and enough channels to rock a full. A great deal for everyone at Tree Removal Sioux City

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After having a few major components replaced with no improvement, I bit the bullet and bought a competing brand at the same tier.

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Hepice's picture
Submitted by Hepice on April 19, 2024 - 9:17am

Boasting an impressive array of features including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, this receiver delivers immersive surround sound that brings your movies and music to bitlife. Its advanced connectivity options ensure seamless integration with your existing devices, while its intuitive user interface makes setup and operation a breeze. With its sleek design and superior audio quality, the Pioneer VSX-LX505 Elite is a top contender for those looking to elevate their home theater experience.

muenzewerfen's picture
Submitted by muenzewerfen on April 30, 2024 - 4:05am

With nine channels of power, it's well-equipped for driving a comprehensive Dolby Atmos or DTS:X setup, including four height speakers. The inclusion of Dirac Live and Pioneer MCACC room correction ensures optimized audio performance, while HDMI 2.1 support, 8K readiness, and compatibility with Sonos systems enhance its versatility. Münze werfen Despite minor drawbacks like the small remote and speaker-out terminals, the LX505 delivers excellent value for those seeking a high-quality AVR without breaking the bank.

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