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Customer Ratings & Reviews

Your price for this item is $999.98

Customer reviews

Rating 4.8 out of 5 stars with 120 reviews

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98%
would recommend
to a friend

Customers are saying

Customers regard the Elite 1260W home theater receiver's sound quality and ease of setup as significant strengths, with many praising its powerful amplification and extensive connectivity options. Positive feedback also highlights the user-friendly setup process and compatibility with various devices, including 4K players. However, some users noted that the receiver can generate heat during extended use. The Dolby Atmos feature received mixed reviews, with some users finding it immersive while others adjusted their speaker setup due to it.

This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.

The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 120 reviews
  • Pros mentioned:
    Power, Sound quality

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Great sound

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I bought this receiver to replace an older Pioneer Elite receiver because I also bought a new tv and needed 4k pass through capability. This receiver puts out great sound and I really enjoy the power that is able to be achieved from the class D amp while driving all channels and that it is capable of doing so without running hot. All of the connections and apps such as Spotify, AirPlay, and Chromecast make this an extremely versatile unit. I also like that Pioneer added functionality for the volume and several other functions to be visible on the tv display since I keep my components in a closet and can't see the receiver face when it's in use. With all of that being said, there are a few minor issues that prevented me giving 5 stars. The MCACC calibration seems to be a watered-down less extensive version with fewer options than Pioneer has had in the past. I'm not sure if this is something I can change within the settings (more on that later), but the receiver frequently makes a clicking sound anytime there is a change in the audio signal such as a tv show going to commercial. This brings me to my last point that the manual leaves a little to be desired. There were a couple of compatibility issues that I spent a lot of time trying to figuring out that were not detailed in the brief paper manual that comes in the box or in the more involved online manual. I had to scour numerous a/v forums in order to figure out how to get all of my settings correct. Overall, I do really like this receiver and believe it will spend many years being the brain of my entertainment setup.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Hdmi, Sound quality

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Solid sound

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This receiver sounds great once you move the speakers where they need to be. Dolby atoms caused me to rearrange my setup and drop my 7.2 to a 5.2.2. Find I use this receiver with the dts:x a lot to keep my atmos speakers working. Don't miss the 7.2 this way. The only other gripe is the mcaa sound calibration is pretty weak compared to the last few pioneer units I had. It does not have a thorough process to eliminate some of the phasing issues. Manual calibration was necessary to level the speakers. The amp works perfect with a PS4 pro and 4K tv. The 2.2 hdcp is flawless and passes everything. Plug and play. Did I mention it has a phono input!!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Hdmi, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Fantastic receiver!

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I read many reviews on this 501 and then listened for myself. You must do that to avoid all the bs. Sounds perfect to me and the class D amp does not get hot. Paired it with a new Sony 800 4K player (bitstream HDMI out), Martin Logan bookshelfs, along with small Klipsch heights and Velodyn sub. Awesome for movies and music. Is Pioneer+Onkyo a good thing? ...Well I can tell you that the value here can be heard loud and clear.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    This Receiver Does What I Wanted

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I have a Pioneer Elite SC 25 Receiver but it can't pass through the new 4K video so I got this baby Does not handle my laser disk yet but I may be able to get it to work and I am not encouraged about my cassettes Still needs more boost for the surround rears but with adjustments its fine. As far as recommending to a friend it would depend on what equipment the friend had SMILE

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Power, Setup

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Fantastic

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This receiver was expensive, but I am very pleased with it. It was easy to setup and the instructions were clear on how to hook everything up. I am pretty electronic savvy, but a first timer shouldn't have an issue with getting this up and running. So far I am pleased. It has an auto tune/calibration feature and the microphone is included. I'm still toying with the setup since it doesn't quite meet my taste for sound staging. The rear speakers seem almost non-existent. I really do like this receiver though as it is very user friendly, easy setup and plenty of power. I am using the 4k pass through and it takes a little getting used to toggling through the receiver to get the TV to the right HDMI port instead of picking the input on the TV.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Power, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Unbelievable

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    My pioneer lx501 has far exceeded my expectations the power the sound the connectivity options. It has everything I need to handle today's technology. As well as having me prepared for future technokogy.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Sound quality

    Rated 4 out of 5 stars

    Clear sound but..

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    The sound quality is really clear and is real easy to setup ,my only complain is that when an audio source switches from one format to another you loose the first few seconds of audio.For example say you are playing a game or movie and part of the audio is recorded in 2 channel stereo and then another part is in multi-channel surround sound it will take the receiver a few seconds to process this and therefore you end up loosing the first few seconds of sound.Hopefuly a firmware update will be able to fix this.

    No, I would not recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Power, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great Performer

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I am very pleased with this Pioneer Elite receiver. It was very easy to set up and the sound is fantastic. I have had many receivers in the past including Pioneer, Onkyo, Integra, Sony, Kenwood, Denon, Sherwood, etc. I must say this receiver has all the others beat. I run four tower speakers with dual 8" woofers in each, two overhead speakers, plus a 12" sub and center channel. It is nice to hear the full spectrum of sound from both front and back. Plenty of power, very clear and crisp sound. I would buy this receiver again without hesitation.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Hdmi, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great addition to Man Cave

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Great sound quality and easy to setup. I love the 2 HDMI hookups so I can connect my projector and TV without having to switch HDMI plugs.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Setup, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great midrange receiver

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I've owned Pioneer receivers since the 70s and have never had a problem so my latest upgrade to the Pioneer Elite SCLX 501 was a no brainer. Setup was very easy, audio is spectacular. Many options and features. Coupled with a top of the line 4K HDR 65" from my wife for Christmas, we'll probably never go to the movies again. Lol....Well, maybe date night if she insists. Lol

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Power, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Excellent home theatre and music streaming powerho

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    plenty of power for 7.1.2 home theater with large speakers. Very clear sounds for center channel compared to my older Elite that it replaced. Class D 3 makes it cool even When playing all day long. Easy setup and tune. Lots of hdmi inputs for modern devices. Wireless connection is a plus, multiple internet music streaming apps which is awesome. Highly recommended

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great AV Receiver

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I bought this to replace an Onkyo that had a bad hdmi card. With class D amplification, this unit runs way cooler than my old one did. Sound is clear and setup was a snap. I was up and running in minutes. I like that it also has a built in phono amp which a comparable Denon that I was also looking at did not. So far, can't find anything to complain about.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Power

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Must have

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Amazing receiver definitely a must have full on screen setting audio adjustment and different settings watching a movie or tv controls simple and lots of power to speakers couldn't be happier with this setup!!! Don't let it fool you takes time to get your system right bass treble and all have patience it's amazing when set up right

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Power
    Cons mentioned:
    Heat

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Meets or exceeds all my needs.

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    When my old receiver failed, the requirements for the replacement were pretty straight forward. It had to have at least as much power as the old unit, have enough inputs for everything in my entertainment system and produce less heat than the old unit. This unit has exceeded all the requirements and all my expectations.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Excelent,a state of art

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    It s everything I wish it was...excellent sound quality,easy setup,and a digital powered zone 2 that enable my outdoor Av set to work independently from the main tv at the living room....it's kind like 2-in-1 receiver ....on the spot!!!no downsides

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    A+

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This opened my ears to my movies like nothing I have heard. I have it connected to SVS Ultra Tower speakers and 16” Sub that is fantastic. It was easy to make all the connections and the remote works easily. I took the recommendation from the salesman from Best Buy and this Pioneer Elite is elite!

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great Sound Great Picture

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    Pioneer is the only brand I consider purchasing for music, picture, and ease of use. The sound on the my new Pioneer Elite 4K Ultra HD and Home Theater Receiver- is great. Great separation of channels. The picture is better, shaper, clearer even with dvd's produced in the 90's. It enhances my 4K TV.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Great quality product

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I decided on buying this unit after doing a lot of research. It's a great overall receiver without completely breaking the bank when you're looking for a real home theater system. Set up was easy. The unit is a little bulky but my entertainment center was able to fit it. Very satisfied with this purchase.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Ease of use, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    I like this receiver

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    I tried a few different receivers before buying this one. I was looking to spend around a thousand dollars. I previously was using a older pioneer elite. I am happy with my purchase. The receiver looks good and performs great. Easy set up and drives my 7.2 speakers to their potential.

    I would recommend this to a friend
  • Pros mentioned:
    Power, Sound quality

    Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    Excellent Receiver

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    Posted .
    This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.

    This receiver works really well in our room. There is good power to all seven speakers in the room creating a wonderful audio experience. I have had really good performance and longevity from my previous Pioneer Elite receiver and expect the same from this product.

    I would recommend this to a friend
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