Pioneer SC-LX904 vs Pioneer SC-1522-K

      Pioneer SC-LX904

      Pioneer SC-1522-K
      92
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      79
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      North America
      Europe Asia
      USA
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      Highlights

      • 11.2 Channels
      • 11.2 Channel Processing
      • 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 9.1 Channel Processing
      • 130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • THX™Select™2 Plus Certified
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pioneer SC-LX904
      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-1522-K
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Amplifier
      7. Speaker Configurations
      8. Immersive Audio Formats
      9. HDMI
      10. Inputs and Outputs
      11. Evaluations
      12. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Pioneer SC-LX904 to Pioneer SC-1522-K to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Pioneer SC-LX904 has 11 channel and the Pioneer SC-1522-K has 9 channel amplifiers with Pioneer SC-LX904's being more powerful.


      Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K

      Pioneer SC-LX904 was introduced in 2019 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 11 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.

      Pioneer SC-1522-K was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 1080/60p and upscales up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

      We evaluated Pioneer SC-LX904 and Pioneer SC-1522-K and gave them scores of 92 and 79 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Pioneer SC-LX904

      Pioneer SC-1522-K

      Amplifier
      92
      Amplifier
      94
      Audio Features
      91
      Audio Features
      76
      Video Features
      95
      Video Features
      54
      Connectivity
      91
      Connectivity
      84
      Zones
      92
      Zones
      88
      Radio
      92
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      92
      OVERALL
      79

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer SC-LX904 and Pioneer SC-1522-K.

      PROS

      Pioneer SC-LX904

      Pioneer SC-1522-K

      •   Many Channels - 11.2
      •   High Power Output - 140 W
      •   11.2 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   IMAX Enhanced
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Works with Amazon Alexa
      •   Google Assistant
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   4 HDMI Outputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
      •   High Power Output - 130 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   THX™ Certification
      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora

      CONS

      Pioneer SC-LX904

      Pioneer SC-1522-K

      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer SC-LX904

      Pioneer SC-1522-K

      •   Bluetooth 4․2
      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs

      3. Advantage of Pioneer SC-LX904

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-LX904 over Pioneer SC-1522-K.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer SC-LX904
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      Pioneer SC-LX904 vs Pioneer SC-1522-K
      More Channels 11.2 vs 9.2
      Higher Power Output 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Bi-amp capability vs Front Channel
      Higher DAC Specs 384 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/32 Bit
      More Channel Processing 11.2 vs 9.1
      Dolby Atmos vs
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      IMAX Enhanced vs
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD vs WAV/FLAC
      Gapless Playback vs
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs vs
      More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System MCACC Pro vs Advanced MCACC
      Auto Phase Control Plus vs
      Precision Distance vs
      HDR10 vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) vs up to 1080p
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K vs up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
      Super Resolution vs
      Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth SBC, AAC vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Works with Amazon Alexa vs
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      Works with SONOS vs
      DTS Play-Fi vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay
      More HDMI Outputs 3 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB, 1 ZONE 2) vs 2 (simultaneous)
      USB Input 2 (1 Front) vs 1 Front
      More Optical Inputs 3 vs 2
      More RCA Line Inputs 6 vs 5
      Phono Input vs
      More Powered Zones 2 and 3 vs 2 and 3
      Zone 2 Outs HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out vs Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
      IP Control for CI vs
      Spotify vs
      Tidal vs
      Deezer vs
      Gold plated RCA terminals vs
      Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer vs
      Bigger Power Supply 340 W vs 330 W
      Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC) 140 W (0.08% THD) vs 130 W (0.08% THD)
      Higher Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) 880 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%) vs 720 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 108 dB vs 101 dB
      Wider AM Frequency Range 530 kHz - 1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Longer Warranty 3 Years vs 1 Year

      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-1522-K

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-1522-K over Pioneer SC-LX904.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer SC-1522-K
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      Pioneer SC-LX904 vs Pioneer SC-1522-K
      Front Wide Channel Support vs
      THX™ Certification vs Select™2 Plus
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLIIz
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      Surround EX vs
      DTS Neo vs Neo:X
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      Sound Retriever AIR vs
      Digital Noise Reduction vs
      High-resolution Music Enhancer vs Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
      Optimum Surround vs
      Wide Surround vs
      Headphone Surround vs
      Virtual Speakers vs Surround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
      Virtual Depth vs
      Higher MCACC Memory 3 vs 6
      Component Video Maximum Resolution 480i/576i vs 1080p (1125p)
      Pure Cinema vs
      Video Parameter Adjustments vs HD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black level
      MHL Input vs 1 Front
      DLNA 1.5 vs
      More HDMI Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 8 (1 front)
      USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      More Optical Outputs vs 1
      More RCA Line Outputs vs 1
      More Composite Video Inputs 2 vs 5 (1 front)
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 2
      More Component Video Outputs vs 1
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB vs HDMI, USB, Composite Video
      adapterport vs
      AVNavigator vs
      More Presets 40 vs 63
      SiriusXM vs

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        High Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Channel Processing11.29.1
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Pro Advanced MCACC
        New HDCP Version2.32.2
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite Component****, Composite
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Many HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        RCA Pre-Outs11.211.2
        Composite Video Inputs25 (1 front)
        Component Video Inputs22
        Ethernet
        Zones33
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Pandora
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)up to 1080p
        Few 8K Inputs
        No Digital Radio

      6. Amplifier

      Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K

      11 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-LX904 features 11 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-1522-K features 9 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

        THX™ Select™2 Plus certification

        Pioneer SC-1522-K is THX™ Select™2 Plus certified. This means that it is ideally suited for a room where the screen-to-seat viewing distance is approximately 3 to 4 meters, and the room size is approximately 56 cubic meters.

        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Channels11.29.2
        Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)Class D3
        THX™ Certification Select™2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front Channel

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        Pioneer SC-LX904
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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer SC-LX904's and Pioneer SC-1522-K's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Pioneer SC-LX904: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2, 7.2.4 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K: Not supported.
        • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
        • Pioneer SC-LX904: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2, 7.2.4 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K: Not supported.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Pioneer SC-LX904: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
        • Pioneer SC-LX904: Does not support.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K: 9.2.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer SC-LX904 is able to bi-amp up to 4 and Pioneer SC-1522-K is able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

        8. Immersive Audio Formats

        Dolby Atmos

        Pioneer SC-LX904 supports Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Pioneer SC-LX904 supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
        • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Pioneer SC-LX904 supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

        DTS:X

        Pioneer SC-LX904 supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Pioneer SC-LX904 supports DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
        • DTS Dialog Control: Both models have DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

        IMAX Enhanced

        Pioneer SC-LX904 is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

        • What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.
        AUDIO DECODING Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

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        Pioneer SC-1522-K
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        9. HDMI

        Pioneer SC-LX904 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 1 MAIN and 1 SUB and 1 ZONE 2.

        Pioneer SC-1522-K comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough on Pioneer SC-LX904: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.
          1080/60p Passthrough on Pioneer SC-1522-K: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
        • 4K Upscaling on Pioneer SC-LX904: It can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI and analog sources.
          1080p Upscaling on Pioneer SC-1522-K: It can upscale up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Both receivers support analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
        • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on Pioneer SC-LX904 only).
        • HDCP Copy Protection: Pioneer SC-LX904 is HDCP 2.3 and Pioneer SC-1522-K is HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

        HDR (High Dynamic Range)

        Pioneer SC-LX904 supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

        Pioneer SC-1522-K does not support HDR. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.



        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.32.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)up to 1080p
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)

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        Pioneer SC-LX904
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        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Pioneer SC-LX904 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer SC-LX904 and Pioneer SC-1522-K have 11.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the receivers to the external power amplifiers. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest.
        • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 6 pair of line inputs on Pioneer SC-LX904 and 5 pair of line inputs on Pioneer SC-1522-K for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer SC-1522-K.
        • Digital Inputs: 3 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-LX904 and 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-1522-K for digital audio connections.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Pioneer SC-LX904
          Inputs:           7 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB, 1 ZONE 2)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K
          Inputs:           8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Pioneer SC-LX904
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K
          Inputs:           5   Outputs: 2.
        • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one.
        • Pioneer SC-LX904 supports up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-LX904
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer SC-LX904: HDMI, USB
        • Pioneer SC-1522-K: HDMI, USB, Composite Video

        Pioneer SC-LX904

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        Pioneer SC-1522-K

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        TERMINALS Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs3 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB, 1 ZONE 2)2 (simultaneous)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs32
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs22
        RCA Line Inputs65
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs11.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs25 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs22
        Component Video Outputs1

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        Pioneer SC-1522-K
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        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer SC-LX904 and Pioneer SC-1522-K and gave them scores of 92 and 79 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        Pioneer SC-LX904

        Pioneer SC-1522-K

        OVERALL
        92
        OVERALL
        79

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   Many Channels - 11.2
        •   High Power Output - 140 W
        EXCELLENT
        94
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 130 W
        •   THX™ Certification

        Audio Features

        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   Many Channels - 11.2
        •   No Front Wide Channel Support
        •   11.2 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI
        GOOD
        76
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   9.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        95
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        POOR
        54
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        Connectivity

        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Works with Amazon Alexa
        •   Google Assistant
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   7 HDMI Inputs
        •   4 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Many RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 4․2
        GOOD
        84
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   8 HDMI Inputs
        •   2 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet

        Zones

        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   3 Zones
        EXCELLENT
        88
        •   3 Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   Tidal
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        SeriesElite
        ModelSC-LX904SC-1522-K
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryNorth AmericaUSA
        Release Year20192012
        PredecessorPioneer SC-LX901
        SuccessorPioneer VSX-LX805 Pioneer SC-1523-K
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Channels11.29.2
        Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)Class D3
        THX™ Certification Select™2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front Channel
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineDigital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic) + Aureus™ Floating-Point DSP (TI)Texas Instruments Aureus x 2
        DACESS ES9026PRO x 2
        DAC Specs384 kHz/32 Bit192 kHz/32 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing11.29.1
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Network Audio FormatsMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSDWAV, MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC, FLAC
        Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSDWAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSDWAV/FLAC
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction PQLS & PQFA plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialog normalization
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
        Sound Retriever Advanced Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control All Channels All Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
        Digital Filter Slow Mode 192 kHz
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround10 + 115+1 Modes
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus, Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual SpeakersSurround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Pro Advanced MCACC
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory36
        Reflex Optimizer
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control Multi-Point (9 points)
        EQ Bands9-Band9-Band
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment0.05 feet1/2 inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        PC Display
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.32.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)up to 1080p
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo)
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution480i/576i1080p (1125p)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter AdjustmentsHD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Google Assistant
        Chromecast Built-In
        Apple Siri
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input 1 Front
        DLNA 1.5
        AirPlay AirPlay 2 AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection Made for iPhone, iPod and iPad (Airplay only) iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
        Remote AppiControlAV2012
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs3 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB, 1 ZONE 2)2 (simultaneous)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs32
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs22
        RCA Line Inputs65
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs11.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs25 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs22
        Component Video Outputs1
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USBHDMI, USB, Composite Video
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Number of Zones33
        Powered Zones2 and 3 2 and 3
        Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line OutComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
        Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line OutRCA Pre/Line Out
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 12 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        On-Screen DisplayGUI
        GUI Languages7
        Multi-Zone On-Screen DisplayZone 2 Text
        AV Navigator
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker Configuration7 Mode (Bi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Front Width
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote Controllerlearning remote control
        RADIO Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Presets4063
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio TuneIn vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        ChassisInsulated Dual Chassis
        Front PanelBrushed Aluminum
        Solid Aluminum FrontAluminum Chassis
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals1111
        Large Speaker Terminals1111
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption340 W330 W
        Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 185 mm x 440 mm
        17-1/8" x 7-5/16" x 17-5/16"        		435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm
        17-1/8" x 7-1/4" x 17-3/8"
        Weight18.5 kg (40.8 lbs)15.1 kg (33.3 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer SC-LX904 Pioneer SC-1522-K
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)140 W (0.08% THD)130 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)170 W (1.0% THD)
        Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)260 W (10% THD)
        Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)210 W (1.0% THD)
        Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive880 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)720 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
        THD0.04% (1 kHz, 100 W)0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/82 kΩ380 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Preout Level and Impedance1 V/470 kΩ
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance380 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        Rated Headphone Power Output57 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
        Phono Overload70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5%)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)108 dB101 dB
        S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)90 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
        0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)        		1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
        0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version4․2
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 1 A
        USB TerminalVer. 2.0, 5 V, 500 mAUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2,1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
        FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1710 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty3 Years1 Year

        * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
        ** - 480i/576i only
        *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
        **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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