Update: This deal is still available.
Adorama has
Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 9.2-Channel 8K A/V Receiver on sale for
$649.
Shipping is free.
Thanks to Deal Editor
iconian for finding this deal.
Note: You may need to add to cart to see deal price.
Key Features:- Dirac Live Room Correction
- HDMI 2.1
- Ultimate 4K Gaming Experience
- 9 Channels of onboard amplification with 11.2-Channel Processing
- 120-watts/per channel
- Imax Enhanced
- Powered Zone 2/Zone 3 Audio
- Bi-directional Bluetooth with aptX HD
Includes:- Pioneer Home Audio Elite VSX-LX505 120W 9.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver
- RC-974R Remote Controller with 2x AAA Batteries
- Speaker Setup Microphone
- DAB/FM Antenna
- Indoor FM Antenna
- AM Loop Antenna
- Power Cord
- User Manual
- Pioneer Home Audio 3 Year limited Warranty
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Top Comments
I even bought the higher end tuning mic for Dirac and the special mic stand. I got deep into all of the tuning curves, laptop software, and all that jazz well before actually getting the receiver. For months I combed AV forums to get tips and expert advice.
In the end, in spite of days of tuning and tweaks, I returned the Pioneer. The Pioneer's sound was just flat compared to my older Denon. The 3 dimensions of sound were just 2D and too crisp. I thought for sure I got a defective Pioneer and after returning it, continued searching obsessively for any one of these three extremely similar models.
I was on the Crutchfield waitlist for a few months and finally got the Onkyo. I hooked it up. Did all the initial, standard calibration but got the exact same result. I did the curves and tweaked and tweaked. Things changed but never got close to my older Denon. Just flat sound that made me sad. I ended up returning the Onkyo too. It killed my soul.
So now I have the Denon x4700. It sounds amazing like my x4100 but a little better. The new Denon has some features my old Denon did not and that were critical at my house - having volume control on-screen and being able to turn everything on and off with a simple remote.
I'm not arguing with all the people who love these receivers. On paper they look awesome. My experience was less than awesome, but what pleases people's ears is ultimately a very personal experience and wanted to share mine.
That being said. This Pioneer is still a quality receiver and at this price definitely a slick deal. But I'll warn you not to invest as much time as I did trying to tweak it if you aren't impressed after your first calibration. Tweaking helped but in my case did not work out.
269 Comments
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https://www.audioscienc
I was strongly considering this model until I saw this review, but now I'll avoid Pioneer until I know the design flaw is fixed because this isn't the 1st generation with the problem.
I wasn't looking for new AVR as i am happy with my dedicated home theater setup. I just looked at OP post but then spying YouTube forced on me few clips about 505. One was crazy Zeos review. I am always taking his videos with grain of salt, but he intrigued me with 505 processing kudos. I had some gift cards to burn and VIP Pro member, so i had nothing to loose and 60 days to free return amp back to Adorama.
Long story short, i replaced my old SC1522k with LX505 in my summer house where i am still using old audio gear. So it's mix-no-match setup: Triangle BR03 as fronts, Atlantic technology as center, Wharfedale bipolar as surrounds, SVS Prime as height Martin Logan and Celestion subs. And please don't laugh but my TV is perfectly calibrated and still working 13 years old 50" Zenith plasma.
MCACC calibration with included puck mic was ok, with UMIK-1 much better. Than i run Dirac and realized what i was missing. My living room has cathedral high celling and odd shape. Before never tried play with MCACC settings, but Dirac made big improvements, not "WOW" effect, but noticeable. Than i found 5 Marantz MA700 monoblocks and hooked them up. Sure they are overkill for my speakers setup, but why not and now i can really enjoy movie time and music while away from my home.
I did not run 505 into clipping mode and not have intention to do it. Amirm pushed amp to the max to prove that Pioneer lying about power specs and less you are digging into his findings, better sleep you will have
Bottom line: to my surprise i will agree with Zeos that 505 is very good at sound processing and video upscaling(noticeable much better PQ on my aged plasma), ok with amplification.
With external power add-ons and current sale price with Dirac it may be not a bad choice for a budget home theater, but definitely not for higher tier dedicated home theater.
And remote sux, big time.
I wasn't looking for new AVR as i am happy with my dedicated home theater setup. I just looked at OP post but then spying YouTube forced on me few clips about 505. One was crazy Zeos review. I am always taking his videos with grain of salt, but he intrigued me with 505 processing kudos. I had some gift cards to burn and VIP Pro member, so i had nothing to loose and 60 days to free return amp back to Adorama.
Long story short, i replaced my old SC1522k with LX505 in my summer house where i am still using old audio gear. So it's mix-no-match setup: Triangle BR03 as fronts, Atlantic technology as center, Wharfedale bipolar as surrounds, SVS Prime as height Martin Logan and Celestion subs. And please don't laugh but my TV is perfectly calibrated and still working 13 years old 50" Zenith plasma.
MCACC calibration with included puck mic was ok, with UMIK-1 much better. Than i run Dirac and realized what i was missing. My living room has cathedral high celling and odd shape. Before never tried play with MCACC settings, but Dirac made big improvements, not "WOW" effect, but noticeable. Than i found 5 Marantz MA700 monoblocks and hooked them up. Sure they are overkill for my speakers setup, but why not and now i can really enjoy movie time and music while away from my home.
I did not run 505 into clipping mode and not have intention to do it. Amirm pushed amp to the max to prove that Pioneer lying about power specs and less you are digging into his findings, better sleep you will have
Bottom line: to my surprise i will agree with Zeos that 505 is very good at sound processing and video upscaling(noticeable much better PQ on my aged plasma), ok with amplification.
With external power add-ons and current sale price with Dirac it may be not a bad choice for a budget home theater, but definitely not for higher tier dedicated home theater.
And remote sux, big time.
The designer cheap out on the internal amps when they pack more features into the receiver. That's marketing 101. Feed the video signal directly to the TV for the best possible picture and least amount of bugs.
https://www.audioscienc
I was strongly considering this model until I saw this review, but now I'll avoid Pioneer until I know the design flaw is fixed because this isn't the 1st generation with the problem.
If Z50 drops to 505 deal level, and you pair it with Monolith 7 x 200 or Emotiva XPA-7 will you change your mind?
I am not advocating for 505 by any means, but this deal has own happy and unhappy audience.
If Z50 drops to 505 deal level, and you pair it with Monolith 7 x 200 or Emotiva XPA-7 will you change your mind?
I am not advocating for 505 by any means, but this deal has own happy and unhappy audience.
As a preamp it lets you turn off the channels you use pre outs with individually.
Which lets the rest of the internal amps be more efficient.
Not to mention all assignable channels, independent sub outs and the option of Dirac Live Bass Control.
Thats if you even need it since Audyssey XT32 + Editor App is very capable also.
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BIG THANKS TO ---> iconian <--- FOR THIS SLICKDEAL!!
BIG THANKS TO ---> iconian <--- FOR THIS SLICKDEAL!!
The 2005 ish Onkyo TX SR 805 was a beast in its day. Burr Brown amps were well regarded for an all in one AVR. Very heavy and a space heater too. I read a post stating it even used 25 watts of power in standby mode. I have 3 of these now, but no longer have multiple work sites to furnish. I too am happy with the 505, despite its limitations. Will start using external amps as appropriate. For me the DIRAC was difficult to set up as the software said my speakers were to loud at first or if turned down, there was too much noise. Took several very irritating days to get this to work. I must admit, the ATMOS is nice (reason for purchase, as I never had issues with the 805 and it has a much better remote), but the ATMOS effects are often subtle. I do wonder (well not really) what the user would notice as differences if this was used as a pre amp and compared to the pricier Denon 4800 / 6800, etc also only used as a preamp, to remove any amp related differences. I suspect the differences would often be minimal in an average room environment - but the cost differences would be 1000s.
Enjoy !!
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Enjoy !!
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