
Review Summary
Class D3 (Direct Energy HD)
11.2
Watts per Channel (20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.08 % at 8 ohms FTC): VSX Model Power Rating Only
Watts per Channel (6 ohms 1 kHz 10 % 1ch Driven): VSX Model Power Rating Only
Watts per Channel (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08 %, 2 ch Driven FTC): 140 W/ch
Watts per Channel (4 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 %, 2 ch Driven): 255 W/ch
(6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1 %, 1ch Driven FTC): 200 W/ch
Watts Multi ch Simultaneous Drive (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 %): 850 Watts
Yes
340 W/0.15 W (standby) with HDMI Control off
Yes
AirPlay only
Pioneer Control App
TuneIn Radio
Yes
Yes
MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Yes (with future firmware update)
Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC and AIFF for 192kHz/24bit, 11.2MHz/5.6MHz/2.8MHz DSD Playback (via USB or wired network)
Dolby TrueHD Playback (USB only)
Yes (with future firmware update)
Digital Core DSP Engine
Analog Devices Sharc x2+TI
Aureus x1
AIR Studios Sound Tuning
ESS SABRE32
Ultra DAC (ES9016S)
2.2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Multi-Channel
Pro
3
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
9-Band
Yes
0.5 feet
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Direct / Pure Direct
12
Yes
2ch(2.8MHz / 5.6MHz / 11.2MHz)
32 bit
Yes
Yes
Multi
500 ms at 48k/ 400 ms at 96k/ 200 ms at 192k
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (1080p to 4K)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
8 In (7 Rear, 1 Front) / 2 Out
Yes (5GHz/2.4GHz)
Yes
2 In (Assignable)
USB Memory
Yes
2 In (Assignable)
7 In
Yes
5 In (Optical 3, Coaxial 2)
11.2ch + Zone 2/ Zone 3 Preout
Yes
USB & HDMI
40
Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Powered ZONE 2 Audio/ZONE 3
All Audio Sources
All Audio Sources
A.B
Yes
2 In / 1 Out
Yes
Yes
Surround Back/Height 1/Height 2/Speaker B/Bi-Amp/Zone 2/Zone 3
Yes
Yes
Pioneer Control App
Yes
Yes
Brushed
Yes
Yes
11 Large
Yes
Yes
17.13 x 7.31 x 17.33" (435.10 x 185.67 x 440.18mm)
39.7 lbs (18.01kg)
889951000198
The Elite SC-LX901 featuring 11.2-ch Class D3 amplifier is fully-equipped for the latest multi-dimensional surround sound formats, DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, featuring the Reflex Optimizer for Dolby enabled speakers. With Ultra HD (4K/60p/4:4:4) upscaling/pass-through and HDR/BT.2020 standards ready, 4K images are ever more impressive. In addition to internet radio and various network streaming services, with Google Cast built-in you can use your mobile device to cast your favorite music to the SC-LX901. The multi-zone feature supports powered ZONE 2/ZONE 3 output.
200 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.9 %, 1ch Driven FTC)
140 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven FTC)
AIR Studios Sound Tuning
DTS:X and Dolby Atmos
Works with Sonos
With Sonos Connect, the awesome home theater you've built around your Elite receiver can now be part of your existing Sonos Home Sound System or the start of a new one. Instantly upgrade the music streaming capability of your home theater with Sonos Connect and a free firmware update. After a simple set up, your Elite A/V receiver will seamlessly tie into Sonos, instantly waking, changing inputs and playing at the volume you command through the familiar Sonos app.
Class D3 Amplifier (Direct Energy HD Amplifier)
With the Class D3 Direct Energy High fidelity class D) Amplifier, the SC-LX901 is ready to meet the needs of the latest HD content. With our MOSFET, the Direct Power FET, this simple, high powered solution is provided to fully meet today's AV entertainment standards. The custom bypass capacitors further enhance the advantages of the Class D3 amplifier, producing powerful bass while also delivering the subtle details.
High-Power Simultaneous Multi-Channel Drive
With Class AB amplifiers, driving all channels at full power is only possible for a short time, at around 300 W to 400 W power output. The SC-LX901's Class D3Amplifier has the ability to simultaneously drive 11-channels at 850 W power output, while efficiently delivering dynamic content.
Quick-Response Sound
The Direct Power FET is directly connected to the print circuit board without any additional wiring. This simple structure maximizes audio performance by reduced noise and improved switching, offering a quick-responding sound, perfect for digital content playback.
High Efficiency
The Class D3 Amplifier has been designed with a simple structure to take a straight and short signal path, resulting in improved sound quality.
Improved Circuit Design
The SC-LX901 is equipped with dedicated ICs on the circuit board, all in the pursuit of delivering crisp, clean sound. The operational amplifier IC for processing small signal is set apart from the amplifying section to prevent mutual interference. This allows clear signal to be transmitted to the Direct Power FET.
Low Heat Generation
The simple form of the Direct Power FET has the advantage of improved thermal characteristics. In addition to the upper-side heat dissipation from the heat sink, the circuit board's heat radiation feature is also utilized for downward heat dissipation, providing efficient cooling for a superior performance.
Separate Design for Analog Small Signal
Dedicated ICs are lavishly used on the circuit in pursuit of ideal sound. The Op-amp IC for processing small signal is set apart from the amplifying section to prevent mutual interference. This allows clear signal to be transmitted to the Direct Power FET. Additionally, the Rubycon chip film capacitor MU 25p further reduces the influence of residue noise from the high power section.
ESS SABRE32 Ultra DAC
The highly acclaimed 192 kHz/32-bit ESS SABRE32 Ultra DAC (ES9016S) is adopted to deliver exceptional sound, with ultra-low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio. It offers jitter-free performance for an astounding audio reproduction with rich deep bass, maximizing the full potential of Pioneer's Class D3 amplifiers.
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
The power transformer features minimum leakage flux, ensuring low noise with increased S/N ratio.
Dolby Vision
Dolby Vision transforms your TV experience with dramatic imaging-incredible brightness, contrast and color that bring entertainment to life before your eyes. This receiver will transmit Dolby Vision signals and metadata in pass-through mode from source to your display. Learn more about Dolby Vision.
Multi-Dimensional Excitement with Dolby Atmos
The SC-LX901 is compatible with 7.2.4ch/7.2.2ch/5.2.4ch configuration of the latest home theater sound platform, Dolby Atmos. The SC-LX901can reproduce object-oriented compatible movies/music in smooth, curving movements or the realistic three-dimensional movement overhead by utilizing Dolby Atmos Enabled and/or in-ceiling speakers.
Dolby Atmos Room Requirements
Using the Pioneer Elite Dolby Atmos Enabled Speakers you will need the following in order to use the Dolby Atmos-enabled capability of these speakers, the listening room ceiling should have horizontal flat hard surface (for audio reflection) and a height of 8' to 14'.
DTS:X
DTS:X is the next-generation audio codec from DTS that leverages object-based audio to enable new immersive and interactive audio experiences. Since DTS:X can automatically adapt the audio to the existing channels and speaker system, no specific speaker layout is required. Experience an immersive soundscape with incredibly rich and life-like audio.
Chromecast Built-in
The SC-LX901 has Chromecast Built-in, the same technology behind Chromecast, so you can use your mobile device to cast your favorite music, radio or podcasts to the SC-LX901. You can control the audio from anywhere in the house using Cast-enabled apps running on your personal device-iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet, Mac and Windows laptop and Chromebook.
Ultra HD (4K/60p/4:4:4/24-bit) Upscaling/Pass-Through with HDCP 2.2
This feature lets you take advantage of the highest-quality video source for viewing on a 4K TV. With support for HDCP 2.2, you can enjoy premium content such as 4K videos with digital copy protection on a compatible display. What's more, the SC-LX901 is ready for the HDR (High Dynamic Range) and BT.2020 next generation video standards.
MCACC Pro Auto Room Tuning
MCACC Pro, the pinnacle of Pioneer's auto room tuning technology, analyzes the phase and group delay characteristics to precisely control phase differences between speakers. MCACC Pro corrects phase differences in all ranges and all channels, from phase difference in the original audio material to the sound emitted from the speakers. Required microphone included.
Full Band Phase Control
Pioneer's Phase Control technology effectively eliminates phase lag and significantly improves the multi-channel sound without any extra operation. Furthermore, The Full Band Phase Control technology focuses on the group delay in the speaker network filter and adjusts the phase of each unit as well as the group delay for each speaker. Multi-range speakers gain the sound coherence of full-range speakers, while retaining the wide frequency range advantage. In an environment where the phase of all units and all channels are precisely controlled, a remarkably clear sound location with a surrounding feel is achieved. In combination with MCACC Pro, the ideal multi-channel reproduction environment can be created, which faithfully replicates object audio and the intention of the original content developer
Reflex Optimizer
When using Dolby enabled speakers, high directivity sound reflects off the ceiling, while low directivity sound directly reaches the ears. This difference causes a phase shift, making the sound feel unbalanced. To solve this, the new technology optimizes the performance of your up-firing elevation speakers for your listening environment, by aligning the phase of direct and indirect sound, matching the basic tone and optimizing the upward-oriented frequencies. The result is overall seamless sound with Dolby enabled speakers, allowing the ideal reproduction of three dimensional surround sound.
Multi-room Audio Offers a Variety of Ways to Enjoy Music
FlareConnect shares audio from network and external audio input sources between compatible components. Enjoy effortless multi-room playback of LP records, CDs, network music services and more with supported components and speaker systems. Music selection, speaker grouping and playback management across the home are built into the Pioneer Remote App.
3D Space Frame Construction
The 3D Space Frame Construction is developed to clearly define the mechanical grounding of the chassis and make the structure strong enough to support heavy weight. Perfected by repeated CAE strength analysis and tests, this technology allows each part to deliver maximum performance. Interference is also reduced by separating and insulating the power supply, amp, analog circuit, digital circuit and video sections from one another. The SC-LX901 comes with this Advanced 3D Space Frame structure, featuring precise framework design, separating the power supply block and isolating the analog video/audio and digital functional blocks into specific compartments. This reduces interference by flat cables between the blocks and improves the operating characteristics to accurately reproduce even the most delicate signals.