Yamaha RX-V485 vs Pioneer SC-LX502

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An overview of Yamaha RX-V485 and Pioneer SC-LX502 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-V485 received 7.4 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer SC-LX502 was rated 8.1 points. The release date of RX-V485 is 2018, and SC-LX502 is 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that RX-V485 is inferior in audio processing features to SC-LX502.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V485 over Pioneer SC-LX502

Main advantages Pioneer SC-LX502 over Yamaha RX-V485

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Yamaha RX-V485 supports 5.1-channels sound, but Pioneer SC-LX502 supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the SC-LX502 this value is 120/8 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V485 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the RX-V485 9 out of 10, and the SC-LX502 - 10.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Pioneer SC-LX502 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Yamaha RX-V485 scored 7, and Pioneer SC-LX502 scored 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Yamaha RX-V485 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer SC-LX502 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Yamaha RX-V485.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Yamaha RX-V485 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer SC-LX502 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the SC-LX502 has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the RX-V485 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 10 for the SC-LX502.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-V485 got 9 points, but the SC-LX502 has 7.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The RX-V485 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. Only the Yamaha RX-V485 has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Yamaha RX-V485 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer SC-LX502 got 7.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Pioneer SC-LX502 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the SC-LX502.