The new entry-level receiver in the premium class

Pioneer’s Direct Energy HD output stages feature a fine, balanced sound, huge performance reserves and optimum efficiency – they sound great, stay comfortably cool in operation and have a pleasantly low impact on the electricity bill. Yet not every home cinema fan needs nine of them. That is why Pioneer designed the entry-level receiver in the premium class with seven channels while otherwise equipping it as generously as usual. Users of the SC-LX 501 get all the opulent networking and streaming capabilities of Pioneer’s new streaming board. The best streaming services are on board with Tidal, Deezer and Spotify, and also the richest Internet radio with TuneIn. Thanks to Bluetooth, Airplay and Chromecast built-in, smart phone and tablet apps always find the optimum path to the system while audiophile high-resolution downloads on the local NAS readily run with resolutions up to 24bit/192kHz or quad-rate DSD (11.2MHz). While a LAN cable is always recommended for the very highest data rates, wireless access to the SC-LX 501 is convenient and stable thanks to integrated dual-band WiFi. Those who get a taste for streaming thanks to the SC-LX 501 will soon be able to integrate it into a building-wide multi-room network as well since it is FlareConnect ready. The features of the SC-LX 501 on the home cinema side are just as comprehensive: decoders for the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based sound formats, 4K image processing including 4K scaling of normal HD material, MCACC calibration system with Reflex Optimizer and the redesigned, high-resolution GUI make the 501 a universal, user-friendly multimedia centre that is fit for the future.