Pioneer VSX-LX505 AVR Review

[Drunkinho]

Ok. Looks like that power usage changes are related to the volume/power needed. I've increased volume to -15dB and power usage spiked back to the previous levels.
Around 80W.
Lower volume - lower power usage.
Higher volume - higher power usage.
I guess amp does not need full power and it is lowering power usage after some time when I use lower volume.

 

[popej]

I guess amp does not need full power and it is lowering power usage after some time when I use lower volume.

Similar functionality has Denon, but one has to switch it on in settings. It is a good solution IMO.

 

[Drunkinho]

Yup. But it looks like that this functionality is enabling automatically in Pioneer.
No such switch in settings or in manual.

 

[MbphotoX]

Would be great to know what it is that the relays is switching off, then..
Because that sudden drop in power is quite immense..
Does the amplifier switch from Class A to AB mode or something?

 

[popej]

Would be great to know what it is that the relays is switching off, then..

It is switching supply voltage for power amps. To be precise, it switches the transformer taps.

 

[popej]

Could a user please explain how "personal presets" work?

Is it possible to select which settings are registered as preset? For example register bass/treble but not the input source.
Do presets register Dirac slot?
Do preset buttons turn power on?

 

[BJL]

Could a user please explain how "personal presets" work?

Is it possible to select which settings are registered as preset? For example register bass/treble but not the input source.
Do presets register Dirac slot?
Do preset buttons turn power on?

When setting the preset with the app:

1. The preset will capture all parameters including the input source when setting the preset.
2. Yes.
3. On the app, no. You have to first power the unit. On the remote, I don't know, I never used it.

 

[tbob22]

Would be great to know what it is that the relays is switching off, then..
Because that sudden drop in power is quite immense..
Does the amplifier switch from Class A to AB mode or something?

I noticed something like this on my NR7100 as well. At high listening levels (-3db 95db+ output not including subs) I've also noticed a click in the surround speakers occasionally. I should use my kill a watt to see if the power drops. I can't say I've noticed any issues in terms of power output during actual listening with 4 ohm speakers (speaker setting at 8 ohm). I did add two 120mm fans on top just to be safe.

 

[dlaloum]

I noticed something like this on my NR7100 as well. At high listening levels (-3db 95db+ output not including subs) I've also noticed a click in the surround speakers occasionally. I should use my kill a watt to see if the power drops. I can't say I've noticed any issues in terms of power output during actual listening with 4 ohm speakers (speaker setting at 8 ohm). I did add two 120mm fans on top just to be safe.

My almost identical Integra 3.4 runs so cool, I decided that additional active cooling was pointless (and might increase dust accumulation)...

Heat seems to be a truly resolved problem for the Onkyo family.

On the other hand what exactly happens when those relays switch, is till a mystery

 

[Doodski]

I noticed something like this on my NR7100 as well. At high listening levels (-3db 95db+ output not including subs) I've also noticed a click in the surround speakers occasionally. I should use my kill a watt to see if the power drops. I can't say I've noticed any issues in terms of power output during actual listening with 4 ohm speakers (speaker setting at 8 ohm). I did add two 120mm fans on top just to be safe.

If you are interested these are some pretty neatO and effective fan assemblies for your specific application.

AIRCOM S7, Receiver and AV Component Cooling Fan System, Top Exhaust 12"

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

acinfinity.com

Equipment Cooling - ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - Component Fan Systems - AC Infinity

acinfinity.com

 

[tbob22]

If you are interested these are some pretty neatO and effective fan assemblies for your specific application.

AIRCOM S7, Receiver and AV Component Cooling Fan System, Top Exhaust 12"

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

acinfinity.com

Equipment Cooling - ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS - Component Fan Systems - AC Infinity

acinfinity.com

I have seen those, I prefer just the simpler models in most cases though - my cabinet is semi open so I just have them as exhaust and it keeps things very cool. I also use them on the TV's around the house and other electronics. I also use USB to 4pin fan headers to be able to use standard computer fans and a USB AC adapter.

MULTIFAN S7, Quiet USB Cooling Fan, Dual 120mm

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

acinfinity.com

 

[tbob22]

My almost identical Integra 3.4 runs so cool, I decided that additional active cooling was pointless (and might increase dust accumulation)...

Heat seems to be a truly resolved problem for the Onkyo family.

On the other hand what exactly happens when those relays switch, is till a mystery

Dust isn't really a concern for me - I regularly blow out my electronics and use several air purifiers. I've found after many years of building PC's that good airflow is key to extending the life of the system, it may not really be an issue on these amps but I don't think it hurts.

I've had a couple of amps that didn't have fans or they wouldn't run often enough which caused failure many years ago - one I replaced the mosfets after only 2 years of use and added a fan that always runs (went through several fans), it's been in use for about 15 years since without any issue in the family room.

 

[Doodski]

I have seen those, I prefer just the simpler models in most cases though - my cabinet is semi open so I just have them as exhaust and it keeps things very cool. I also use them on the TV's around the house and other electronics. I also use USB to 4pin fan headers to be able to use standard computer fans and a USB AC adapter.

MULTIFAN S7, Quiet USB Cooling Fan, Dual 120mm

Your source to create smart growing systems with components including advance grow tents, inline fans, clip-on fans, LED grow lights, and UIS™ controllers.

acinfinity.com

Very cool. How do you power the fans that you use? If USB what is your method etc?

 

[tbob22]

Very cool. How do you power the fans that you use? If USB what is your method etc?

If using USB I just use a phone charger or at USB port on the electronics it's cooling, most fans will still spin fast enough at 5v to move a good amount of air. The AC Infinity is specifically designed around USB and it has a speed adjustment, it moves quite a bit of air even on low.

 

[Doodski]

If using USB I just use a phone charger or at USB port on the electronics it's cooling, most fans will still spin fast enough at 5v to move a good amount of air. The AC Infinity is specifically designed around USB and it has a speed adjustment, it moves quite a bit of air even on low.

IC... Neat.

 

[SlaughterX]

I should probably invest in one (or more) of those for my Denon 6700. Swear you can cook an egg on that thing.

 

[Doodski]

I should probably invest in one (or more) of those for my Denon 6700. Swear you can cook an egg on that thing.

Roughly speaking for every 10C increase in the temperature the life expectancy is reduced by ~70%. So yes, a cooler is a good thing.

 

[EWL5]

Can anyone using DL on their 505 confirm that they don't have "Bass Management" as shown in the yellow rectangle in the pic below?

 

[Power Pop 23]

Can anyone using DL on their 505 confirm that they don't have "Bass Management" as shown in the yellow rectangle in the pic below?

View attachment 356944

I do not see an option for 'Bass Management' in the 'Pioneer Remote' app for iOS that I use to enable Dirac LIve on my Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 AVR.

 

[MbphotoX]

Can anyone using DL on their 505 confirm that they don't have "Bass Management" as shown in the yellow rectangle in the pic below?

Using the Dirac Live Software for Windows, I cannot see that Option either.

The Bass Control for a single Subwoofer is an additional 349$ but, afaik, not available for the Pioneer VSX-LX505?
(Dirac Live also doesn'tlist the VSX-LX505 as an option when selecting packages.. you cannot buy upgrades to Dirac Live on the Pioneer)

To get the regular Dirac Live for a Denon, you pay 349$
If you want Bass Management AND regular Dirac, it's a bundle offer for 649$
(that's for just a single subwoofer, though. The Denon can control multiple subs individually.. so you're looking at 799$ for the bundle.. yay)
At that price, the Pioneer VSX-LX805 is a better offer over getting the Denon X4800H + Dirac