Pioneer Elite SC-LX501

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 was introduced in 2017. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 88 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

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

Here is a history of the series, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the receivers.

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer VSX-LX505 vs VSX-LX504 vs VSX-LX503 vs SC-LX502 vs SC-LX501.

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite SC-LX501.

In 2017 Pioneer released 14 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-LX502 vs VSX-LX302 vs VSX-LX102 vs VSX-932 vs VSX-832 vs VSX-532.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 has replaced SC-91. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-LX501	vs	Pioneer SC-91
Higher DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit	vs	192 kHz/24 Bit
DTS:X		vs
DTS Neural:X		vs
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD	vs	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Reflex Optimizer		vs
HDR10		vs
BT.2020 color space		vs
Dolby Vision		vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
More Optical Inputs	2	vs	1
More RCA Line Inputs	4	vs	3
Phono Input		vs
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out	vs	RCA Pre/Line Out
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	105 dB	vs	101 dB
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz	vs	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE	vs	2․1 + EDR
Wider AM Frequency Range	530 kHz - 1710 kHz	vs	530 kHz - 1700 kHz
Longer Warranty	3 Years Parts & Labor	vs	2 Years Parts & Labor

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite SC-LX501	vs	Pioneer SC-91
Lower Power Output	120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)	vs	130 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support		vs
Dolby Digital EX		vs
DSD to PCM Converter		vs
Jitter Reduction		vs
Dialog Enhancement		vs
Dialogue Lift		vs	via Dialog Enhancement
Sound Retriever AIR		vs
Digital Noise Reduction		vs
High-resolution Music Enhancer		vs	Hi-bit24 Audio Processing
Headphone Surround		vs
Virtual Speakers		vs	(Surround Back/Height/Wide)
Less Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System	MCACC	vs	MCACC Pro
Higher MCACC Memory	1	vs	6
Auto Phase Control Plus		vs
Full Band Phase Control		vs
Standing Wave Control		vs
Distance Adjustment	0.1 feet	vs	1/2 Inch
Polarity Check		vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	vs	Component****, Composite
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i	vs	1080i (1125i)
MHL Input		vs	1 Rear (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5		vs
Less RCA Line Outputs		vs	1
Less Composite Video Outputs		vs	2
Less Zones	2	vs	3
Less Powered Zones	2	vs	2 and HDZone
AVNavigator		vs	Built-in
Less Presets	40	vs	63
Advanced Direct Construction	[]	vs	Advanced Direct Construction
Less Speaker Terminals	9	vs	11
Less Large Speaker Terminals	9	vs	11
Transformer Stabilizer		vs
Smaller Power Supply	250 W	vs	290 W
Lower Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	120 W (0.08% THD)	vs	130 W (0.08% THD)
Lower Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	150 W (1.0% THD)	vs	170 W (1.0% THD)
Lower Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	200 W (1.0% THD)	vs	210 W (1.0% THD)
Lower Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)	vs	660 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
Higher THD	0.05% (1 kHz, 100 W)	vs	0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 vs SC-91.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 allows you 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.

Dolby Atmos

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

• 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.

DTS:X

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 supports DTS:X with Neural:X.

• Neural:X 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.

DECODING
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 features 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs: 1 MAIN and 1 SUB/ZONE 2.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 can upscale up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) from HDMI sources.
• 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%.
• HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision via HDMI ports. 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
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 comes with MCACC room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

• MCACC: Pioneer’s exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) delivers an easy-to-use, automatic sound adjustment system to precision-tune your Pioneer and Pioneer Elite receivers with minimal effort. Every MCACC system comes with a microphone to measure and analyze reverb characteristics. The equalizer optimally adjusts sound parameters to fit the size and shape of your home environment while maintaining the integrity of high-resolution playback without any degradation to the quality of your music.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.

Zone 2

• Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

Audio

• Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 4 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
• Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

Video

• HDMI:
Inputs: 7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
8K Inputs: 0
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0
• 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 Elite SC-LX501 supports up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 1   Outputs: 0

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB

In 2017 Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 was replaced by Pioneer SC-LX502. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 and its successor.

UPGRADES	Pioneer SC-LX502	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-LX501
Higher DAC Specs	768 kHz/32 Bit	vs	384 kHz/32 Bit
HLG		vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite	vs	Component**, Composite
DTS Play-Fi		vs

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer SC-LX502	vs	Pioneer Elite SC-LX501
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K	vs	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Lower Rated Headphone Power Output	55 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)	vs	57 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite SC-LX501 vs SC-LX502.

GENERAL
Brand	Pioneer
Series	Elite
Model	SC-LX501
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	North America
Release Year	2017
Predecessor	Pioneer SC-91
Successor	Pioneer SC-LX502

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Cirrus Logic (Quad Core) x 1
DAC	AKM AK4458
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo	Neo:6
DTS-HD Master Audio
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS 96/24
DTS Express
DTS-ES	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
IMAX Enhanced
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
PCM	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Sound Retriever	Advanced
Sound Retriever AIR
Digital noise Reduction
Tone Control	All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Sound Retriever
High-resolution Music Enhancer
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Direct Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Surround
Optimum Surround
Advanced Surround	11 + 1
Wide Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance
Headphone Surround
Virtual Speakers
Virtual Depth
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	MCACC
Manual MCACC
MCACC Memory	1
Reflex Optimizer
Phase Control
Auto Phase Control Plus
Full Band Phase Control
Standing Wave Control
EQ Bands	9-Band
Symmetric EQ
X-Curve
Distance Adjustment	0.1 feet
Precision Distance
Polarity Check
Auto Subwoofer Crossover

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
Stream Smoother
Pure Cinema
Video Parameter Adjustments
Super Resolution
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
AirPlay	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	Made for iPhone, iPod and iPad (Airplay only)
Remote App	iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 Front
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	2
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
RCA Line Inputs	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	1
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	HDMI, USB
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
adapterport

ZONES
Number of Zones	2
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1

MISCELLANEOUS
On-Screen Display	Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
GUI Languages	7
AV Navigator
IP Control
PreAmp Mode
Versatile Speaker Configuration	Surround Back/Front Height/Top/Front Bi-Amp/Zone 2/B Speaker
FL Dimmer
Function Rename

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Front Panel	Brushed
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
3D Space Frame Construction
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
Transformer Stabilizer
Power Consumption	250 W
No Sound Power	60 W
Standby Power	0.15 W
Auto Power off

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 185 mm x 395 mm 17-1/8" x 7-5/16" x 15-9/16"
Weight	11.8 kg (26.0 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)	120 W (0.08% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	150 W (1.0% THD)
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)	180 W (1% THD)
Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)	200 W (1.0% THD)
Rated Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	220 W (1% THD)
Maximum Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel Driven)	320 W (10% THD)
Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive	560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
THD	0.05% (1 kHz, 100 W)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/82 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	43 Ω
Rated Headphone Power Output	57 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	105 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	11.2 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 B/R) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
HDMI Output Type	5 V, 55 mA
USB Terminal	USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	3 Years Parts & Labor

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