Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 was introduced in 2021. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 93 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 VSX-LX505.

In 2021 Pioneer released 4 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer VSX-LX505 vs VSX-LX305 vs VSX-LX105 vs VSX-935.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 has replaced VSX-LX504. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505	vs	Pioneer VSX-LX504
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, LPCM, AIFF, DSD	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
HDR10+		vs
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)		vs
QMS		vs
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
VRR		vs
QFT		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC)	vs	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K	vs	1080p to 4K
Works with Amazon Alexa		vs
More 8K Inputs	6	vs
Higher Rated Headphone Power Output	85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)	vs	85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	vs	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505	vs	Pioneer VSX-LX504
Lower DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit	vs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Lower S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB	vs	106 dB
Lower S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB	vs	80 dB

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 vs VSX-LX504.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel 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 VSX-LX505 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 VSX-LX505 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

• 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.
• Atmos Height Virtualization 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 Elite VSX-LX505 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.
• 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 Elite VSX-LX505 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.

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
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 VSX-LX505 features 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support and 1 inputs with 4K support. It has 2 outputs: 1 MAIN and 1 SUB/ZONE 2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: 6 out of 7 inputs pass up to 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC) and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 8K Upscaling: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 can upscale 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 will output them 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%.
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• Quick Media Switching (QMS): With HDMI 2.1a, Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates. QMS eliminates A/V blackouts by using VRR technology to change frame rates, allowing instant changes from 24Hz to 60Hz frame rate, and anywhere in-between. The viewer never sees blank screens and gets a seamless experience.
• 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma 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.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
DSC (Display Stream Compression)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 comes with Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live™ Room Correction 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.
• Dirac Live: The interaction between your sound system and the physical layout of your room has a huge impact on sound quality. Dirac Live™ Room Correction applies state-of-the-art, patented algorithms to analyze and digitally reduce room impact and enhance speaker performance. Dirac Live delivers a larger sweet spot, accurate staging, clarity, voice intelligibility, and a deeper, tighter bass not otherwise possible. Fully tunable to your preference.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 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 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 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.

Zone 3

• Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• 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 3 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 Pre-Outs: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 has 11.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest. Also, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 has 11 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 4 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 1 optical input 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: 6
• 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 VSX-LX505 supports up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 1   Outputs: 0

Front A/V Inputs

• HDMI, USB

GENERAL
Brand	Pioneer
Series	Elite
Model	VSX-LX505
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	North America
Release Year	2021
Predecessor	Pioneer VSX-LX504

AMPLIFIER
Channels	9.2
Power Output	120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Direct Energy
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Digital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic) + Aureus™ Floating-Point DSP (TI)
DAC Specs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	11.2
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
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
Network Audio Formats	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, LPCM, AIFF, DSD
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, LPCM, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	up to 192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD
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 (2ch)
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
Advanced Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance
Virtual Speakers
Virtual Depth
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live™ Room Correction
Calibration Microphone	MCACC/Dirac Live Setup MIC
Manual MCACC
MCACC Memory	1
Reflex Optimizer
Phase Control
Auto Phase Control Plus
Full Band Phase Control
Standing Wave Control	Multi-Point

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
DSC (Display Stream Compression)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Chromecast Built-In
Apple Siri
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi	via Pioneer Music Control App
MHL Input
AirPlay	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Pioneer Remote App
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	7 (1 front)
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
8K Inputs	6
USB Input	2 (1 Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
RCA Line Inputs	4
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	11.2 (barter to Zone 3 out)
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

ZONES
Number of Zones	3
Powered Zones	2 and 3
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out (shared with Zone B line out)
Zone 3 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 1

MISCELLANEOUS
GUI Languages	7
AV Navigator
IP Control
FL Dimmer
Remote Controller	RC-974R

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	11
Large Speaker Terminals	11
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	850 W
Standby Power	0.1 W

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 185 mm x 386 mm 17-1/8" x 7-5/16" x 15-3/16"
Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)	541 mm x 310 mm x 487 mm 21-5/16" x 12-3/16" x 19-3/16"
Weight	13.0 kg (28.7 lbs)
Weight of Package	16.0 kg (35.3 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)	120 W (0.08% THD)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	230 W (10% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	250 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	220 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	130 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Preout Level and Impedance	1 V/470 Ω
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	8 Ω - 600 Ω
Rated Headphone Power Output	85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct/Pure Audio)
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 PB/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Front : Ver.2.0, 5 V/0.5 A Rear : Ver.2.0, 5V/1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	3 Years

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