Customer Ratings & Reviews

I bought this to replace an older Pioneer VSX-1018-AH model. Needed to upgrade to get the 4K pass through and the Dolby Atmos decoding. Also chose this due to the class D amp. I listened to this and a few other models and this Pioneer Elite had a little more “punch” to it. I liked that. Also you can run this hard for hours and it keeps cool. Enough power and more to drive a 5.1.2 system and glad I made the upgrade!

I needed to upgrade to a receiver with HDMI.This was on sale at a decent price.I added Dolby Atmos speakers when I hooked everything up.The new receiver,Oppo disc player,and QLED TV,made movie watching great.The sound is incredible!

I had been looking for a new receiver for quite some to incorporate all of the latest features like Bluetooth, Sonos/Atmos, WiFi, ect. I had been holding out for a good deal on a Yamaha Aventage after hearing the great sound quality. A sale finally arrived and I went in to Best Buy to check it out. I had become so focused on Yamahas that I didn't pay attention to any other manufacturers. Fortunately a Magnolia rep walked up to assist and pointed out from his specs sheet that the Pioneer not only had better specs, but it also had a better sale than the Yamaha. I'm glad he did! So far I have been very pleased with this receiver. Sound quality is great and has the power to drive all of the speakers in my theater. The included pedestal microphone and on-screen menu makes the auto calibration process a breeze. I can't wait until I have more time to play with some of the additional features.

Very happy with this purchase. Great value as I caught it marked down 50% (Clearance- sealed box) as it was the "end of the model year". All the features that you want, including Dolby Atmos. Set-up was a breeze and with the remote and app is quite simple. Sound quality is perfect and does well in my 15 by 20 room. Would highly recommend this unit! (or the next years!)

Was looking to update my 2007 Pioneer Elite. Very happy with the new one. It added better connectivity. WiFi, Bluetooth. Ethernet port. Plus the 4K arc connection allows the audio from my TV apps such as Netflix to connect with an HDMI cable instead of an optical. The setup took longer then I expected. The learning curve factor. The manual provided was basic. Had to go online to get more in-depth information. It was annoying that I couldn’t down load a pdf of the full manual. I found it easier to download the newer 503 model manual to use since the amps are similar in functionality. Once the calibration was completed this amp provides excellent sound. Runs much cooler then the older class A/B I replaced. The only thing missing is pre outs for the surround speakers. Personally I don’t need them. There are pre outs for the front channel speakers. Currently I’m running a 2.1 system. B&W 683 S2 front towers and an SVS sb ultra13 subwoofer. A/V simulated surround. Sounds fantastic. I originally had the receiver set up in the master bedroom in a 5.1 setup that sounded great as well.

I purchased the sc-lx501 as an open box deal in 2018 to replace my pioneer vsx-1014tx-k. The sub output had gone out on the 1014 which was probably just a bad solder connection, but it gave me an excuse to upgrade to a more current receiver. Got the 501 and, overall, I love it I have a pair of Klipsch Fortes, a Klipsch rc-64 center , and Klipsch RB-51IV for Atmos up front, RB-61 rear and 2 Klipsch powered subs. This receiver does a great job powering everything. There was quite the difference in sound quality stepping up from the 1014 to the 501. Wish Apple Airplay 2 was available so the latest iPhones would sync. Purchased a Sony UBP-800M2 and LG E series OLED and now, We would much rather watch movies at home than at the theater. One thing I can tell you that might help, YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND HIUNDREDS OD DOLLARS ON HIGH -PERFORMANCE HDMI CABLES!! I PURCHASED NO NAME 8K CABLES ON EBAY THAT MADE A GOOD SIZED DIFFERENCE ON THE VIDEO SIDE, BUT A HUGE DIFFERENCE ON THE AUDIO SIDE. 8K cables far exceed the transfer rate of even the most expensive 4k Audioquest cables and can be had at a fraction of the price. Whether you get expensive 4k cables or opt for the entry level 8k cables, definitely do so.... don't use cheap HDMIs! It does make a huge huge difference! After 2 years of flawless service, we lost the use of 1 HDMI input from a nearby lightning strike even though everything is being run through a power conditioner. I suspect a spike through the satellite dish. No big deal, just switched to another input for the satellite system and renamed the input. Overall, extremely happy with the 501, but would like to have 2 more channels.

I purchased this receiver after consulting with a friend in the industry. It was on sale which helped the price, but the quality is unbelievable, it was easy to set up, it is easy to use with multi-HDMI ports, and it connected to our projector and surround sound system with no problems. Would highly recommend.

BLUF: Great intermediate level AVR that covers any and all audio/visual needs for a medium size home theater system spanning a range of components and listening setups. I am currently employing this system for a 5.1.2 setup in a room that is roughly 20x15. Front sound stage is Martin Logan (Motion 40), Center Martin Logan Motion 4", Rear Klipsch R-28F, Ceiling (height speaker) Klipsch RIC-65, Subwoofer 10" Klipsch downward firing, TV LG OLED65B7A 4K, 4K Blu-Ray Sony UBPX800, Phono Audio Technica AT-LP120, also assorted video gaming consoles and computer models. Overall this product has been outstanding. This model replaces my Pioneer Elite VSX-70 and Yamaha RX-V765. Setup was quick and easy out of the box which included all required material. The back panel provides inputs for just about anything anyone could ask for. Multiple HDMI in/out ports are extremely helpful along with the standard ARC technology to support my LGTV Applications without the need for Optical cables. The AVR automatically will detect and connect with any of my systems that are powered on making switching systems quick and easy. I really appreciate the upgrade to the system interface which appears to be a new industry standard instead of the old ms dos style setup. MCACC technology worked very well for the auto room setup. I only had to make slight adjustments in my overhead ceiling speakers (turn up) to ensure the balance was where I personally needed it. I do wish that there was a little more direct control of the sound field like is standard on Marantz and other comparable Yamaha models, however, that is not necessary for a smooth setup, just something I personally play with when I am pretending to be an audiophile. Having said that, any seasoned audiophile should be happy with the setup options this system gives you. Out of the box the power this AVR has is impressive, full sound immersion at all freqeuncy ranges is amazing, mid frequency come through a bit cleaner than my previous VSX70. The MCACC setup for the subwoofer was initially too punchy for my taste, however after adjusting manually my sub unit I had a very well balanced sound with the added capability to kick the bass if needed. Overall I think this system is great for my needs and for the needs of my intermediate audiophiles out there, or people who are trying to purchase an affordable, capable and clean system. I have often been tempted by other manufacturers but Pioneer keeps impressing me with their affordability and options at this level AVR. Lastly, after playing with both the old and new remote controls and Phone/Tablet applications, I find no real problems with the new simplistic styled remote, it actually takes less brain power to move around the system interface. Cheers!

I have been a Denon fan my entire life. However, after talking with an extremely helpful Bestbuy employee, I was nudged to check out this Pioneer. Never have I been more thankful that I listened. Sound quality, separation and set up were second to none and I am still at only a 5.1 set-up; the plan is to move to 7.2 this summer. If you are on the fence - forget it - as Nike says, 'Just do it' - you will not be disappointed!

I have a 5.1 in-ceiling setup that I am primarily using this for. It sounds great. I opted to get the 2 extra channels for the zone 2 capability to power a pair of outdoor speakers in my patio when I get around to it. Another reason why I chose this one was for the built-in Chromecast feature. I am currently building my smart home around the Google home platform and was excited to integrate this receiver in to my setup. Though you can cast music through the receiver I have not been able to figure out how (if it even is possible) to automatically have the receiver turn on by issuing a voice command to it via Google home. I currently have it plugged in to a smart outlet and keep the receiver's power always on. This way I can turn on the unit by issuing a command to turn on the outlet. I have not been successful with it responding to the nickname I have it set up with the Google home. I have to call it out by the full model name for it to recognize what device to send my command to. It is inconvenient to call out the full model number and not nearly as cool. Also, it doesn't automatically switch it to the correct input when trying to control it by voice. I have to manually switch it to the Chromecast input for it to register voice commands through my Google home. If anyone has any advice on how this can be done automatically, please share the knowledge! The room calibration helped alot and it did sound better once it was calibrated. I haven't used all the functionality yet but so far it has performed satisfactorily and I am overall happy with it. I am bummed about the lack of automation and implementation of the Chromecast functions, and again I don't know if it is just because I didn't set it up right or not. There isn't really much documentation or available resources to help either. Other than that, it has been good so far.

I replaced my previous Reciever with this one- It is very easy to use and set up. The remote works well not buried in numerous buttons and it has very good sound quality. I like that it has a small display on the TV when you change the sound or the input for the receiver. I wish that Pioneer had a better iphone app interface it is very elementary and I don’t care for it. Currently using this with my Harmony Remote. Excellent purchase for the money.

The Pioneer ELITE A/V Receiver is the simplest and easiest system to use. From its straight forward connections on the back of the unit to its very sleek remote, the Pioneer ELITE is bar-none the easiest system I have used. Set up was simple both in regards to setting up the connections to actually setting up the unit for use in the room you are using. It comes with a very straight forward instructions system that allows you a HUGE amount of versatility depending on how many speakers you are using and WHERE you are using them. From ATMOS to 7.2.2 +2 set up, this is the most versatile system I could hope to buy. If you are in a bind and can't figure out what to get, This is the only system you need to look at. I upgraded to this system for it's 4K throughput capability, and it was the best thing I could have done. I am EXTREMELY happy with my purchase.

Had to replace my old Onkyo TX-NR809 with a new high end receiver. Set up was extremely easy. Still wish it had a full manual though. Comes with a start up manual. Sounds great and is very easy to navigate. 4K pass through is done really well.

This thing is awesome. When i was younger I had a high end Onkyo and Cerwin Vega D9 speakers. Now I run this with two Klipsch R-28f speakers, r-25c center, and two r-15m speakers. I also have self powered Klipsch 300W and 400 W subwoofers. Its Ridiculous loud and crystal clear. Only one problem is Ihad to move stuff off the shelves to keep it from vibrating off because of the intense bass. It also has a zone 2 so I can add to it. I might get the Maranzt 280W Amp and look for a used vintage pair of D9's. The nails will vibrate out of my roof. Worth every penny.

This blows away my much older SC-57 when it comes to sound quality when watching movies...even listening to music. If you're on a budget, this is a great receiver to have! It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the top of the lines have, but it's definitely well worth the price!

I am "upgrading" from a Pioneer Elite SC-75 receiver from 2013. One of the reason I decided to update to a newer receiver for Dolby Atmos, bluetooth and other newer features. Didnt think I would get better sound that the SC-75 but right out of the box this thing sounded amazing! It gave a whole new life to the speakers. After running YPAO it sounded even better. I am amazed at how much clarity and power I am getting from this receiver over the SC-75. Still early days but I am definitely impressed!

Had a Kenwood for a decade and decided to upgrade. Went with this pioneer (a steal on sale). 400 hundred off!!! So many options. Great sound. Easy to set up. On bluetooth song title artist will scroll on screen. Remote is a God send. Amazing.

I bought this as a display open box for $455, and it was worth it. I had a pioneer vsx43 elite before and this one sounds even better with my surround sound speakers. It is a lot easier to navigate through too.

This was a replacement for my Pioneer Elite VSX-23THX (that is still functioning a new after 9 years). I recently added two ceiling/height channels and needed a Dolby ATMOS compatible AVR to process the signal accurately. I'm running 5.1.2 and utilizing the Zone 2 outputs on this receiver to drive outside speakers. This receiver operates very cool and has plenty of power. I can hear the sonic upgrades and really appreciate the streaming capabilities, Pioneer Remote App, etc. that this product offers. If you can still get one for $599.00, I'd highly recommend this model.

I had an old Pioneer receiver since 1993, it began crapping out. So I went again with another Pioneer receiver. I do like this one a lot. I like how it has the auto speaker set up and it worked out very well. Since it has the ARC feature, everything is done through the TV. I do recommend if you are using a cable box, to go in the audio settings and change it to AC3 audio and don't use the PCM. The PCM only does 2.1 audio, but the AC3 audio does Dolpy audio and also make sure your TV is set to Dolpy or bitstream audio. It make a big difference in the surround sound. One thing though, when using ARC, you have to use the receiver remote to change the inputs. If you are using another remote to operate your TV or cable box, it wants to change the receiver inputs. It is something you have to get use to. But overall a great receiver.