Pioneer VSX-LX503 Review

Pioneer VSX-LX503
Votes 10 10
Rating 4.7 4.7
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Pioneer VSX-LX503 review

The functionality of receivers is expanding rapidly and radically. The review of Pioneer VSX-LX503 will help us to understand the intricacies of this explosive progress. 8.6 points out of 10 are an adequate assessment of this receiver for functions and capabilities. The Pioneer released this model in 2018. The VSX-LX503 is equipped with an amplifier that can handle 9.2 channels.

Pioneer VSX-LX503 Pros

  • The receiver has a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
  • The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
  • Like any modern receiver, VSX-LX503 has a Phono (MM) input for connecting a phonograph or turntable.
  • Dolby Atmos technology has been included in this model specifically to create a 3D effect when watching movies, which reveals all its features with a minimum 5.1 configuration.
  • Pioneer VSX-LX503 with an adaptive and flexible DTS:X surround format can support any speaker configuration, unlike Dolby Atmos.
  • With HDR10 pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over the VSX-LX503 with a much wider range of colors.
  • With 4K/60Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
  • ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
  • The manufacturer claims support for CEC in Pioneer VSX-LX503 and therefore you can control any HDMI-connected device using one remote control.
  • This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.2 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
  • Can stream audio using the AirPlay protocol.
  • Has access to the Amazon Music network service.
  • Stream music from one of the most popular services Spotify directly on the Pioneer VSX-LX503.
  • The main functions of this model can be controlled using voice control.
  • Pioneer VSX-LX503 uses bi-amping to amplify each dynamic in a speaker separately, resulting in clearer, better sound.
  • The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
  • This AV receiver is able to use 3 zones to send a source signal to speakers or a separate audio system in different locations.
  • With the included microphone, the Pioneer VSX-LX503 can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.

Pioneer VSX-LX503 Cons

  • HDMI eARC function not implemented.
  • Energy-saving ECO mode is not implemented.
  • Has no speaker A/B switching function.
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Pioneer VSX-LX503 back and front view

Pioneer VSX-LX503 Pioneer VSX-LX503

Pioneer VSX-LX503 specs and features

Amplifier

Channels 9.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm 120/8, 230/6
Output impedance, Ohm 8, 6
Frequency response 10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, % 0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC) AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration MCACC
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features Advanced Sound Retriever, Hi-Res audio, Reflex Optimizer

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz
USB 2 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45) 1
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay) AirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output 7/2
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP) HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE) 2
Headphone output 1 x 6.3
Optical digital input 2
Coaxial digital input 1
Composite input 2
Component input/output 1/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic
Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range) HDR10
4K signal pass-through 4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion analog to HDMI
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control Google Assistant
App control iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Display colour OSD
Tuner AM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware update network, USB
Other additional features IP Control

Multi-room

Multi-room zones 3
Zone audio output speaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room control FlareConnect
RS-232 1
Remote control input/output (IR) 1/1
DC trigger output (12V) 2

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other) Dolby Digital Plus
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other) DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3
WMA
AAC
WAV
FLAC
ALAC
Other audio file formats AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W 850
Standby consumption, W 0.15
Removable power cord

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches 43.5 x 18.5 x 38.6/17 x 7 x 14.9
Weight, kg/lbs 13/28.7

Other

Release year 2018