Pioneer VSX-532 vs Pioneer SC-LX502

vs

An overview of Pioneer VSX-532 and Pioneer SC-LX502 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-532 received 4.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer SC-LX502 was rated 8.1 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that VSX-532 is inferior in audio processing features to SC-LX502.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-532 over Pioneer SC-LX502

Main advantages Pioneer SC-LX502 over Pioneer VSX-532

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 Pioneer VSX-532 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 VSX-532 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-532 7 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, Pioneer VSX-532 scored 6, 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.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the SC-LX502 only.

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, Pioneer VSX-532 got 5 points, but Pioneer SC-LX502 received 8 points.

Pioneer VSX-532 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer SC-LX502 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 VSX-532 were rated 5 out of 10 against the 10 for the SC-LX502.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Pioneer SC-LX502.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-532 got 5 points, but the SC-LX502 has 7.

Only the Pioneer VSX-532 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

Pioneer VSX-532 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.