Consider the VSX-LS505 ------------------ amzn.to/46qZwZJ Maybe the RP-500SA II Atmos --------- amzn.to/45u400i Get Early Access to Reviews, Yard Sales and More... ⚔www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Support the Channel on SubscribeStar 🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Support the Channel on Patreon
Z you know what ?? I has build my ATMOS home theatre ... and it's better than ANY atmos cinema in the country...... SO good time for you to have a "new direction" in the hobby! Good luck! You will be AMUSED I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!!!!!! Thank You!
i think it is the same experience... Z you know what ?? I has build my ATMOS home theatre ... and it's better than ANY atmos cinema in the country...... SO good time for you to have a "new direction" in the hobby! Good luck! You will be AMUSED I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!!!!!! Thank You!
Thanks for trying this out Z - I watch your videos with headphones on, or through my surround home theater system (partially thanks to YOU my wallet hurts) - that is to say I don’t watch your stuff from my phone’s speaker or laptop, etc. Here’s my take based on your DJI swap: not better, as the stereo pickup on this DJI camera is WAY off with phasing. It’s basically trying to separate your voice into mid and side (if that makes sense), so your voice’s positioning is super wonky. If you are going this route moving forward I’d recommend switching back to the GoPro…; or downmixing your audio to mono in post/on cam; or getting a wireless lapel mic (DJI sells them and I believe it’ll connect to your camera) for your spoken track and the camera’s stereo track for environment. Just my two cents - keep goin!
@@ZReviews Have you used the web interface custom installer login? Use a PC web browser to login to VSX-LX505 IP address. Login using the username ciuser password ciuser. You're welcome.
If you think the Dolby Surround Upmixer does a good job with a stereo source, you need to try the Auro3D Auromatic upmixer on a properly setup Auro layout. Don't get me wrong, the DSU is really good but I 1000% prefer the Auromatic. When switching back and forth, I find the DSU is VERY aggressive at forcing all voices to the center and I find that extremely annoying when watching sports for instance. The announcers should be less in my face. I also like the Auro3D philosophy of use hieghts for a cohesive sound field vs, Atmos' maximize speaker separation for pinpoint localizations. The former gives a larger sound while the later may be more precise but relies on the studio and sound engineer to have the time and budget to do it right.
The door keeps crud out of the headphone output that no one ever uses. I have a $3k Denon avr and the remote is still plastic junk with no backlight. The best thing about it is that it says made in Japan on the back.
When Z get's really passionate, that's both the most interesting videos to watch, but also the most difficult. You move your head a lot when you are irate.
Good review Z. The DGI was great, clear regarding video and audio. The thing with the stereo to Atmos is something called Dolby Atmos height virtualizer and you are correct it is good and unique.
Yes it is better the speakers are on axis pointing to the listeners. There’s just no way to know how the sound wave will bounce off a ceiling plus the timing to get to the listener’s ears to the seating position.
Great review Z I’m just wondering if there is a big enough difference from the onkyo rz50 does anyone know if it’s worth the extra thanks again Z RIP THE DOOR OFF HAHA
Tv: Samsung s90c 65" Reciever: Sony str-an1000 Speakers: jamo studio series s 803 Atmos speaker: klipsch R40s Sub: BIC Acoustech PL-200 Player: Ps5 Slowly making my setup.
Thank you for this review Z. Nothing wrong with your presentation. This Pioneer VSX-LS505 is only worth about $500 at most in my opinion. This is a fine beginner HT system, but I wouldn't give it too much praise. In 2023 $1000 needs to give you a better offering than what Pioneer is offering up. When 3rd world countries can compete with true audiophile type audio gear....That speaks volumes. We are over paying for the run of the mill audio equipment these days. It seems every one from everywhere can compete in this arena.
I agree.. Majority of these receivers are priced by hype and not by actual sound, and features which comes with them. Paying more for marketing jargon. Then there's inflation by greedy economy and from popular reviewers hyping products up which causes a price hike. A person who knows the real value of the components inside these overpriced receivers will make more sense of the corporate need for charging extra.
I had the 305 and was so disappointed sold it and got the onkyo tx rz 50 and the amps are a night and day difference. Even the processing is a lot better.if you want a good atmos music blu-ray get the 50th anniversary dark side of the moon blu-ray it's out standing.
1) I've never had dirac set my speakers back to large. Use the real PC version of the app, the PC version lets you add a target curve. 2) the new denon 3800, 4800 and 6800, etc does real auro, and has dirac. 3) problem with atmos is, it shouldn't be about: "it's good for 1 minute in the 120 minute movie". That's why you use auro 3d upmixer to ANY format to auro. Then the movie is good for 120/120 minutes
I'm gradually working on my setup at my apartment in my room. Getting out of OTR trucking and into local work eventually, once I find something. But working on an HTPC setup with a 5.1.2 system eventually. Be nice to swap from my laptop back over to a full on flagship desktop pc build. Getting an 85" Sony Bravia 9 before long. Audio has been one thing I've been working on figuring out. I want nice audio for games, movies, music, and anime. But I don't want to go overkill for a 10'x12' room in an apartment complex with neighbors lol. Got a list of stuff I've been watching for prices, wait for a good deal. But looking at the Pioneer VSX-LX305 as my AVR. As for speakers I've been eyeing either the Klipsch reference 5.1.2 theater bundle or Sony SSCS 5.1.2 bundle. Pretty close in price. Picking out audio is difficult, its more complicated than looking at a chart of numbers, benchmarks, and prices.. Building a PC or picking a TV/Monitor I like is relatively easy. At any rate kinda sticking to the $2000 pice point an below for my audio. I already have some good headphones and a DAC. Now its just down to getting a good AVR and speakers that are suitable for the space, and not gonna be a waste due to my living environment.
Amazing rant loved it! Just picked up the VSX-LX305 for a 3.1.2 (front dolby atmos) system. So I understand after doing DIRAC on the Pioneer Remote App just leave it in "Surround" mode? I also found the lack of info on the display and the "info" button on the remote/HDMI/TV display frustrating
Would love to see you try and setup all pre outs going to Fosi V3's. Like 6 of them to the Pioneer or a mini dsp. That would be sick. Love these Mad science home theater hour episodes. Cheers.👏👏👏
Omg… I thought it was a test room or shop demo room… all those speakers! 😮 Btw, agree with you regarding the Pioneer remote control. I have an old old old old SC LX57, and the remote sucks! You have to press really hard on the ridiculously small buttons to get a reaction.
Did the requisite Cerave, Anime cream special sauce come with the 505 Receiver or was that an add-On?? Wink, Wink... Hey, Seriously, nice review.. A bit bipolar, but I did get actual real content and knowledge for a decision I am making as I write this! My choices are the Pioneer vs Onkyo z50... Thank your for this!
The small setting in reflective from the 2000's when all 5.1 speakers were "tiny". My first 5.1 Yamaha all in one box, came with tiny speakers. Best, D
Nice to see you can turn the LEDs off. I know some like them but when you’re watching a movie in a dark room Blue LEDs become spotlights 💀🍿 Edit: Oh yea smoother video with the new setup ✅
Got this one at the start of the year. The measurements on audiosciencereview suggest a limit in power with ok dac performance. Kef 350s are easy to run tho, so I dont mind. I would also recommend them, since they have great directivity and you want to fix frequency response with room correction either way. What sealed the deal for me was dirac live. After calibrating I was happy and never touched it again. So for the unit was a treat to work with and never hindered my fun. Maybe marantz and denon stepped up with dirac live with license included, but I dont know. So all in all, I can recommend it
Many UA-cam reviewers say the Onkyo RZ50 and the Pioneer LX505 are basically the same. Have you tried the RZ50 and also heard the "faux Atmos" processing? This added benefit is very intriguing! I am trying to decide between the two since both routinely go on sale.
The 505 and RZ50 are near twins. At original MSRP the 505 was actually $100 more. There are small differences between them, but they are really almost identical. One weird quirk, the 505 only allows 1 single crossover that all speakers have to share. They added individual crossovers on the far more expensive 805.
Running 4 angled Atmos on my 505, 2 front, 2 rear, and I highly recommend backing off the volume output on those about 2-3db (on a meter), otherwise it’ll mess up the bias of the room, especially the rear ones.
When you say angled, do you mean the bouncy house speakers or are they mounted on the ceiling? I would never go back to bouncy house unless it’s only in the rear. The way our ears are shaped, you’ll always be able to tell the fronts are speaker toppers.
This video made me realize that Pioneer revivers are now made by Onkyo. I have both a Pioneer Elite and Onkyo receiver. The thing that gave it away was the remote. The remote in this video is the same as my Onkyo Remote.
This is correct. Onkyo, Pioneer, Integra are all sister products that are nearly identical with only small differences separating them. The 505 is pretty much the same as the Onkyo RZ50 (a bit cheaper at MSRP) and Integra DRX 5.4 (more expensive).
Amen to the remote issues.. I have a Sony TV with a CRA-PO-LA remote ! Wish some companies would improve these little remotes that kick their otherwise good products in the shins.
do you have or can you do a detailed video on how you recommend setting up your pc to your sounds system? I know you mention it in many videos but can you do 1 focused vid. Thx
dunno if you already have a tutorial on how to conect everything so get it working, if you do could i have a link please? im starting to build my "lego" sound for my living room, just got a old sony receiver and some speakers so im looking for the path to follow for upgrades and how to actually connect them to the set up with out breaking anything. Atm my chain its tv-receiver- LR Speakers and subwoofer, so im guessing next step would be, a proper dac and a central speaker? and then an amp? and then upgrade the receiver?
Hi im just getting into all this stuff is the lx 503 any good ive seen one on ebay what i can buy its at £500 or would you say save up and get something from a proper shop. I heard the pioneer 505 on youtube compared to marantz cinema 50 onlyo rz50 and denon a3800h i think i liked the sound of the pioneer but from youtube lol but i see everyone goin on about the rz50 dont have that much money just want a decent receiver good for music and movies i do want atmos and dtsx 9 or 11 channels not bothered about 8k or anything dont even have a 4k tv lol only have monitor audio hd speakers tbough but at some point il be off for klipsch i like the sound of those rp6000f fronts but yeh just not a clue what av to choose :(
I just bought the RZ50 on Amazon for $999 The RZ70 is now going for $2k but the 50 will be sufficient for my use. It’s internal amplifiers have been reviewed to have good sound quality.
If you press the dimmer button on the remote a few times the front panel turns off and there's a small red light instead of blue. I connected my Buchardt A700s to this avr and did a dirac room correction up to 300hz. If you have the time I recommend you try the A700s with proper room correction they will blow your mind. Another negative with this avr is that there's no 60hz crossover for subwoofers. It goes from 50hz to 80hz.
That is something that I missed mentioning. The lack of crossover steps for the speakers was very very annoying. No way to find tune. Although i wonder if dirac or their correction can pick any value
@@ZReviewsDirac crossover in the lx505 is restricted to 50hz, 80hz, 100hz, etc. The crossover value is assigned to every speaker and cant be customized. I think the lx805 with dirac bass control will find the best crossover frequency for each speaker.
I see youre using MPC-HC. Nice. If you are using K-Lite codec pack for all the codecs and to make it far easier (Witch you should be, you might fix the issues youre having) In the setup wizard it will give you some settings from LAV Audio decoder such as mixing, Im curious if you set is as 7.1 in there ands its LAV thats doing the mixing for you and not the receiver. It does do a fantastic job. Its the blue LAV Audio decoder in your taskbar or in the right click menu under filters Also MadVR will give you the best video quality btw, just make sure you set the setting up at least for the devices and use Control+J to make sure things like 10 bit are working witch you might find isnt set correcting in Nvidia.
@@ZReviews..Unfortunately..no clean areas to do it ..maybe in the next house ..but I’d prefer a two channel music room or a serious upgrade to my headphone stack..maybe a Woo23 😅 and a Denafrips DAC 😎
This video highlights the massive difference between having a recirver and a dedicated amplifier for home theater...even a cheap amplifier generally sounds better than the 2 channel driven built in amps that receivers use. Given the price point of the Pioneer, it may be a cheap solution vs buying an expensive processor.
You need to get the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K...wire it so you get lossless music...then listen to music in Atmos. It is the only reason it exists in my rack and the only way I listen to music in my HT (even with 8000 FLAC on my NAS)
I suspect the AMPs in these units are limited intentionally as most speakers in homes these days are small satellites. Setting the processor to small, diverting low freq to the self powered subs. As such they don't intend to see much draw from a set of full range apeakers. The lower the power req to drive the mains and surrounds would inevitably result in lower THD overall.
Fantastic set up dude. Are you worried at all about all the electronics in a basement that are prone to water leaks? Do you have a serous drainage system set up?
When the house is built its put on top of a hill. And he's never had water down here even during the worst rains. Plus ventilation and dehumidification
@@ZReviews please have multiple dehumidifiers running in that basement, and possibly a large battery backup for them --- I'd hate to know how many dollars in damage you'd have if you went away on vacation and all that electronic stuff exposed to high humidity!
@@fredwerza3478 36k minisplit and a separate dehumidifier if needed, but it isn't bad at all. Keep it at 40-45% in the summer and it just isn't humid in the winter. Got a 12 pack of hygrometers when I moved in.
@@ZReviews OK cool --- hope you got a backup generator to run the minisplit during a power outage? Just way too much electronics in the basement to take chances.
The difference between 2 atmos channels and 4 atmos channels is huge. I highly recommend 4 if you can manage it. Also the build quality on that Panasonic is atrocious. Hopeful the internals aren't built like crap.
@@fredwerza3478 oh I have no first hand experience with the new Sony amps, which is why I’d be curious to hear Z’s impressions. I use Audussey right now and it is meh.
I think any room correction software has a hard time with purpose built theaters with exact symmetry. After weeks of f’ing with this amp, both Dirac and MCACC in my 505 made my theater sound too compressed. The nail in the coffin was scenes that had crowd noise sounded dull and nonexistent. Doing a manual tune using a DB meter, and my ear turned this amp from great, to unbelievable! So in short, trust your ear.
I fire mine up occasionally. running it into a Marantz NR1607. Of course the TV and the receiver fight for who controls aspect ratio. That's the main bummer. It's not fidelity but the nostalgia feels are real.@@ZReviews
You know what, I'm very new to all this but I noticed that too about dirac like if I lost some control but idk if I can run it then turn up some of my speakers ? Also I had a pioneer and I loved being able to just mute certain speakers man, I have onkyo rz 50 and yea it's been awesome especially for a beginner like me but still if I am able to mute certain speakers I haven't figure it out yet
specifically* sorry, not specific songs of that format just the ones made for the Headphones... because they are God awful until you do that... not Atmos mixes or binaural either, actual Sony 3D mixes
I been using Marantz receivers for the past decade. Gotta say that they have some of these problems, but they are definitely built better than Pioneer Elite.
I will say the Denon remotes are better I have the Denon RC - 1217 and the remote is a lot better but then again every receiver brands has its ups and downs so it's always a catch-22 of what you need most.
Z is talking truth. Most movies with Atmos are mixed poorly. DSP can fix this. Try the new Sony ES receivers. Keep patient the idea of a Atmos 9.x.4 channel system all driven by an intel computer with individual SPDIF out is right around the corner.
Nobody will EVER build a "zero margin" improvement into any product anytime, anywhere. The true cost of parts is probably around $100. Adding $100 will double the price of the unit.
Think about motorcycles, a 650 and 1000 CC version of the same model bike cost roughly the same amount to manufacture, but the 1000 CC has a hefty retail price increase over the smaller CC bike.
I had to check because I didn’t even think it was possible to use Atmos with Windows but apparently it is, it’s just a pain in the ass. I Would definitely recommend using a smart tv or dvd player. Also surprised Zeos liked Dirac. I was super excited to try it for the first time but it made my system sound worse also tried Audyssey and it wasn’t any better.
I think Dirac depends a LOT on what you are using it with. These speakers are already pretty High end and I have a good room for reflections etc. If you have a hard to fix room I can see it making things wonky.
I have this receiver. In my case I used included microphone and used dirac live set up through my phone app. Sounds was trash. After that I used UMIK-1 microphone through computer software dirac live. Was much better, just had to gain base up a bit for my liking. Also I build my own DIY stereo amp do drive main speakers video here ua-cam.com/video/gD3ypntBF8c/v-deo.htmlsi=oTTF4_5vGZyE_tu2
Oh Finallly something main stream. Get some Denons, marantz and Yamahas too please. Also get some Atmos Soundbars, Bose 900, Samsung q990c, etc to review. Please make videos that could be relevant to the general public. Will boost your views exponentially.
Marantz and Denon have better solutions but of course there is price for it. its 2 diamonds. Build quality, better parts, newer processing, better remotes 'and can go with different Types of Amps. PREAMP for active speakers or normal AMP for normal passive speakers. Plus you get Auro and DTS also. More fun to play
yeah which is why this still gets the nod. $1000 for the processing is worth it. BUT I'd love competent amps for that much. Guess you need an extra grand.
@ZReviews After a closer look, the button layout is exactly the same, but some buttons are labeled a bit differently. Seems like Pioneer and Onkyo may use the same subcontractor to supply their remote with slight customizations for each brand. I agree with your issue with the mute button placement. Crappy design choice.
Love that all this shit is possible but I'be got an old guy's rant here; have you tried watching a film on a cheap TV recently? I mean out of the box with no soundbar or 2.1 enhancement. The trend for mastering for multi speaker audio solutions has f*cked the experience for the ordinary viewer; and try to equalise volume on most streaming or broadcast services is just a joke. Seems there needs to be at least 2 sound mixes. One that provides the home cinematic FX experience whatever that is and then a second that is essentially mixed only for voice, with paired back music and FX. Call it the Senior channel for old codgers if you will or 'pure centre'. I hate to think of the audiophile community being adversely impacted but this needs addressing before pensioner power overwhelms the market and clarity swings back to be the dominant requirement and all production standards revert to the standards of the 1950s i.e. some great films but more focus on the plots and the scores e.g. the DamBusters or Lawrence of Arabia etc. Great films and you can hear every line that is spoken. Yes it's less 'natural' but it beats having to turn on the subtitles which is a thing now even for youngsters. As for actors who deliberately mumble well that's a whole other rant ....
Consider the VSX-LS505 ------------------ amzn.to/46qZwZJ
Maybe the RP-500SA II Atmos --------- amzn.to/45u400i
Get Early Access to Reviews, Yard Sales and More...
⚔www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Support the Channel on SubscribeStar
🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Support the Channel on Patreon
Z you know what ?? I has build my ATMOS home theatre ... and it's better than ANY atmos cinema in the country...... SO good time for you to have a "new direction" in the hobby! Good luck! You will be AMUSED
I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!!!!!! Thank You!
@@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experimentsnext rabbit hole Atmos vs Auro 3D
Earned a sub, hilarious 😂
Do you like this video filmed with the DJI Pocket 2 instead of the GoPro?
i think it is the same experience...
Z you know what ?? I has build my ATMOS home theatre ... and it's better than ANY atmos cinema in the country...... SO good time for you to have a "new direction" in the hobby! Good luck! You will be AMUSED
I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!!!!!!!! Thank You!
Thanks for trying this out Z - I watch your videos with headphones on, or through my surround home theater system (partially thanks to YOU my wallet hurts) - that is to say I don’t watch your stuff from my phone’s speaker or laptop, etc. Here’s my take based on your DJI swap: not better, as the stereo pickup on this DJI camera is WAY off with phasing. It’s basically trying to separate your voice into mid and side (if that makes sense), so your voice’s positioning is super wonky.
If you are going this route moving forward I’d recommend switching back to the GoPro…; or downmixing your audio to mono in post/on cam; or getting a wireless lapel mic (DJI sells them and I believe it’ll connect to your camera) for your spoken track and the camera’s stereo track for environment.
Just my two cents - keep goin!
@@Ted- I ordered the new Pocket 3 that just came out. So I will test again
I like the width and view of the GoPro a bit more.. but i guess it's a trade off for stable video.. versus view angle?
@@ZReviews Have you used the web interface custom installer login? Use a PC web browser to login to VSX-LX505 IP address. Login using the username ciuser password ciuser. You're welcome.
That Clip I kept mentioning -- ua-cam.com/video/oUzrAQed-yk/v-deo.html Just showing the RP-500SA II Atmos Speakers
Wow the new camera really looks awesome. Super smooth and not nauseating.
If you think the Dolby Surround Upmixer does a good job with a stereo source, you need to try the Auro3D Auromatic upmixer on a properly setup Auro layout. Don't get me wrong, the DSU is really good but I 1000% prefer the Auromatic. When switching back and forth, I find the DSU is VERY aggressive at forcing all voices to the center and I find that extremely annoying when watching sports for instance. The announcers should be less in my face. I also like the Auro3D philosophy of use hieghts for a cohesive sound field vs, Atmos' maximize speaker separation for pinpoint localizations. The former gives a larger sound while the later may be more precise but relies on the studio and sound engineer to have the time and budget to do it right.
Which is out of your control. Doesn't make sense
Run 5.1.4 it’s definitely better than 7.1.2. Dolby+ with Dolby surround or dts neural x on 5.1.4 is a huge improvement, Atmos config works well too.
Z, I added a second sub [Monoprice] to the left side of my 7.1, Changed everything. [Six year old Emotiva on the right]. Best, D.
The door keeps crud out of the headphone output that no one ever uses. I have a $3k Denon avr and the remote is still plastic junk with no backlight. The best thing about it is that it says made in Japan on the back.
At least you have that
When Z get's really passionate, that's both the most interesting videos to watch, but also the most difficult. You move your head a lot when you are irate.
how did the DJI Pocket 2 fair? I feel like it is way more smooth.
@@ZReviewsI didn’t watch the whole thing mostly listening cause I’m at work, but I think it did fine!
@@ZReviews yo Z, I have vertigo, and get dizzy hella quick...The cam did great, seems smoother during pans and such movements.
Good review Z. The DGI was great, clear regarding video and audio. The thing with the stereo to Atmos is something called Dolby Atmos height virtualizer and you are correct it is good and unique.
You dont want to bounce Atmos channels anyway. Thats the worst way to experience Atmos.
You did it 100% correct for having just two Atmos channels.
Yes it is better the speakers are on axis pointing to the listeners. There’s just no way to know how the sound wave will bounce off a ceiling plus the timing to get to the listener’s ears to the seating position.
Great review Z I’m just wondering if there is a big enough difference from the onkyo rz50 does anyone know if it’s worth the extra thanks again Z RIP THE DOOR OFF HAHA
Tv: Samsung s90c 65"
Reciever: Sony str-an1000
Speakers: jamo studio series s 803
Atmos speaker: klipsch R40s
Sub: BIC Acoustech PL-200
Player: Ps5
Slowly making my setup.
Thank you for this review Z. Nothing wrong with your presentation. This Pioneer VSX-LS505 is only worth about $500 at most in my opinion. This is a fine beginner HT system, but I wouldn't give it too much praise. In 2023 $1000 needs to give you a better offering than what Pioneer is offering up. When 3rd world countries can compete with true audiophile type audio gear....That speaks volumes. We are over paying for the run of the mill audio equipment these days. It seems every one from everywhere can compete in this arena.
I agree.. Majority of these receivers are priced by hype and not by actual sound, and features which comes with them. Paying more for marketing jargon. Then there's inflation by greedy economy and from popular reviewers hyping products up which causes a price hike. A person who knows the real value of the components inside these overpriced receivers will make more sense of the corporate need for charging extra.
“I’m terrible at marketing” -guy who has probably sold people on millions of dollars worth of audio equipment
Good to know what you like and give us great ideas and solutions 😊
6:34 Pioneer has done that blue LED since the 90s on their Elite products, there's LaserDisc players with that, my dad had one.
Being bad for 30 years doesn't mean you should still be bad.
@@ZReviews I like Blue LED's.
43:50 That bit about the bear and kitty cat is interesting. I'm gonna play with my LR speaker height now. Thanks Zeos.
Your Atmos demo was best I have ever heard
OK are you still loving the VSX-LS505?
I had the 305 and was so disappointed sold it and got the onkyo tx rz 50 and the amps are a night and day difference. Even the processing is a lot better.if you want a good atmos music blu-ray get the 50th anniversary dark side of the moon blu-ray it's out standing.
1) I've never had dirac set my speakers back to large. Use the real PC version of the app, the PC version lets you add a target curve.
2) the new denon 3800, 4800 and 6800, etc does real auro, and has dirac.
3) problem with atmos is, it shouldn't be about: "it's good for 1 minute in the 120 minute movie". That's why you use auro 3d upmixer to ANY format to auro. Then the movie is good for 120/120 minutes
This comment should be pinned. Anything Dolby is garbage gimmick.
Depends on the movie. Watch Jupiter Ascending in Atmos. You wont feel a need to upmix it with Auro.
I'm gradually working on my setup at my apartment in my room. Getting out of OTR trucking and into local work eventually, once I find something. But working on an HTPC setup with a 5.1.2 system eventually. Be nice to swap from my laptop back over to a full on flagship desktop pc build. Getting an 85" Sony Bravia 9 before long.
Audio has been one thing I've been working on figuring out. I want nice audio for games, movies, music, and anime. But I don't want to go overkill for a 10'x12' room in an apartment complex with neighbors lol.
Got a list of stuff I've been watching for prices, wait for a good deal. But looking at the Pioneer VSX-LX305 as my AVR. As for speakers I've been eyeing either the Klipsch reference 5.1.2 theater bundle or Sony SSCS 5.1.2 bundle. Pretty close in price.
Picking out audio is difficult, its more complicated than looking at a chart of numbers, benchmarks, and prices.. Building a PC or picking a TV/Monitor I like is relatively easy.
At any rate kinda sticking to the $2000 pice point an below for my audio. I already have some good headphones and a DAC. Now its just down to getting a good AVR and speakers that are suitable for the space, and not gonna be a waste due to my living environment.
Amazing rant loved it! Just picked up the VSX-LX305 for a 3.1.2 (front dolby atmos) system. So I understand after doing DIRAC on the Pioneer Remote App just leave it in "Surround" mode? I also found the lack of info on the display and the "info" button on the remote/HDMI/TV display frustrating
Would love to see you try and setup all pre outs going to Fosi V3's. Like 6 of them to the Pioneer or a mini dsp. That would be sick. Love these Mad science home theater hour episodes. Cheers.👏👏👏
Well well.. We may have to wait till November.. When the Monoblock versions are being shipped to me.. 3 of them..
@@ZReviews Ooo la la. Can't wait! 👍
Omg… I thought it was a test room or shop demo room… all those speakers! 😮
Btw, agree with you regarding the Pioneer remote control. I have an old old old old SC LX57, and the remote sucks! You have to press really hard on the ridiculously small buttons to get a reaction.
Did the requisite Cerave, Anime cream special sauce come with the 505 Receiver or was that an add-On?? Wink, Wink... Hey, Seriously, nice review.. A bit bipolar, but I did get actual real content and knowledge for a decision I am making as I write this! My choices are the Pioneer vs Onkyo z50... Thank your for this!
What do you think of the Yamaha Aventage A6A or A8A?
The small setting in reflective from the 2000's when all 5.1 speakers were "tiny". My first 5.1 Yamaha all in one box, came with tiny speakers. Best, D
Nice to see you can turn the LEDs off. I know some like them but when you’re watching a movie in a dark room Blue LEDs become spotlights 💀🍿
Edit: Oh yea smoother video with the new setup ✅
Got this one at the start of the year. The measurements on audiosciencereview suggest a limit in power with ok dac performance. Kef 350s are easy to run tho, so I dont mind. I would also recommend them, since they have great directivity and you want to fix frequency response with room correction either way. What sealed the deal for me was dirac live. After calibrating I was happy and never touched it again. So for the unit was a treat to work with and never hindered my fun. Maybe marantz and denon stepped up with dirac live with license included, but I dont know. So all in all, I can recommend it
That power limit will never be hit in the real world.
We are going to need a full basement tour!!!
I mean. It is possible But not recommended
Many UA-cam reviewers say the Onkyo RZ50 and the Pioneer LX505 are basically the same. Have you tried the RZ50 and also heard the "faux Atmos" processing? This added benefit is very intriguing! I am trying to decide between the two since both routinely go on sale.
The 505 and RZ50 are near twins. At original MSRP the 505 was actually $100 more. There are small differences between them, but they are really almost identical. One weird quirk, the 505 only allows 1 single crossover that all speakers have to share. They added individual crossovers on the far more expensive 805.
Outside of that crossover quirk, I would say buy the cheaper one.
Running 4 angled Atmos on my 505, 2 front, 2 rear, and I highly recommend backing off the volume output on those about 2-3db (on a meter), otherwise it’ll mess up the bias of the room, especially the rear ones.
When you say angled, do you mean the bouncy house speakers or are they mounted on the ceiling?
I would never go back to bouncy house unless it’s only in the rear.
The way our ears are shaped, you’ll always be able to tell the fronts are speaker toppers.
This video made me realize that Pioneer revivers are now made by Onkyo. I have both a Pioneer Elite and Onkyo receiver. The thing that gave it away was the remote. The remote in this video is the same as my Onkyo Remote.
Damn Really?
This is correct. Onkyo, Pioneer, Integra are all sister products that are nearly identical with only small differences separating them. The 505 is pretty much the same as the Onkyo RZ50 (a bit cheaper at MSRP) and Integra DRX 5.4 (more expensive).
Amen to the remote issues.. I have a Sony TV with a CRA-PO-LA remote ! Wish some companies would improve these little remotes that kick their otherwise good products in the shins.
do you have or can you do a detailed video on how you recommend setting up your pc to your sounds system? I know you mention it in many videos but can you do 1 focused vid. Thx
dunno if you already have a tutorial on how to conect everything so get it working, if you do could i have a link please? im starting to build my "lego" sound for my living room, just got a old sony receiver and some speakers so im looking for the path to follow for upgrades and how to actually connect them to the set up with out breaking anything.
Atm my chain its tv-receiver- LR Speakers and subwoofer, so im guessing next step would be, a proper dac and a central speaker? and then an amp? and then upgrade the receiver?
Any chance on sharing the source of the Volumes demo? I've searched online and haven't found it anywhere yet.
Hi im just getting into all this stuff is the lx 503 any good ive seen one on ebay what i can buy its at £500 or would you say save up and get something from a proper shop. I heard the pioneer 505 on youtube compared to marantz cinema 50 onlyo rz50 and denon a3800h i think i liked the sound of the pioneer but from youtube lol but i see everyone goin on about the rz50 dont have that much money just want a decent receiver good for music and movies i do want atmos and dtsx 9 or 11 channels not bothered about 8k or anything dont even have a 4k tv lol only have monitor audio hd speakers tbough but at some point il be off for klipsch i like the sound of those rp6000f fronts but yeh just not a clue what av to choose :(
I just bought the RZ50 on Amazon for $999 The RZ70 is now going for $2k but the 50 will be sufficient for my use. It’s internal amplifiers have been reviewed to have good sound quality.
I wonder how you feel about RZ-50 now
If you press the dimmer button on the remote a few times the front panel turns off and there's a small red light instead of blue. I connected my Buchardt A700s to this avr and did a dirac room correction up to 300hz. If you have the time I recommend you try the A700s with proper room correction they will blow your mind. Another negative with this avr is that there's no 60hz crossover for subwoofers. It goes from 50hz to 80hz.
That is something that I missed mentioning. The lack of crossover steps for the speakers was very very annoying. No way to find tune. Although i wonder if dirac or their correction can pick any value
@@ZReviewsDirac crossover in the lx505 is restricted to 50hz, 80hz, 100hz, etc. The crossover value is assigned to every speaker and cant be customized. I think the lx805 with dirac bass control will find the best crossover frequency for each speaker.
being a cat in that basement is a dream of mine
I see youre using MPC-HC. Nice.
If you are using K-Lite codec pack for all the codecs and to make it far easier (Witch you should be, you might fix the issues youre having)
In the setup wizard it will give you some settings from LAV Audio decoder such as mixing,
Im curious if you set is as 7.1 in there ands its LAV thats doing the mixing for you and not the receiver. It does do a fantastic job.
Its the blue LAV Audio decoder in your taskbar or in the right click menu under filters
Also MadVR will give you the best video quality btw, just make sure you set the setting up at least for the devices and use Control+J to make sure things like 10 bit are working witch you might find isnt set correcting in Nvidia.
I agree except MPC video renderer is better than MadVR at this point, try it out.
@@musingsbymarco5001 Ill give it a go but there's madvr beta 205 finding a beta download link and changing the number. Updated quite a lot
I prefer mpv
Greetings ☕️
I’m not going to do the Atmos thingy…
That being said I’ll watch and see if it changes my mind if it’s even worth it .
Oh by all means do it. Just do it right with the right gear.
@@ZReviews..Unfortunately..no clean areas to do it ..maybe in the next house ..but I’d prefer a two channel music room or a serious upgrade to my headphone stack..maybe a Woo23 😅 and a Denafrips DAC 😎
Speakers in the ceiling? Who am I? Hugh Hefner?
Dude you need some more speakers haha love it all man
WOW didn't know thay you hate ATMOS.......... welcome for ATMOS exp.
Very cool review entertaining as always. Bring us more! Yamaha still has all the adjustability
This video highlights the massive difference between having a recirver and a dedicated amplifier for home theater...even a cheap amplifier generally sounds better than the 2 channel driven built in amps that receivers use. Given the price point of the Pioneer, it may be a cheap solution vs buying an expensive processor.
You need to get the 3rd gen Apple TV 4K...wire it so you get lossless music...then listen to music in Atmos. It is the only reason it exists in my rack and the only way I listen to music in my HT (even with 8000 FLAC on my NAS)
I have the receiver and my only real complaint is the pause before the audio kicks in.
I suspect the AMPs in these units are limited intentionally as most speakers in homes these days are small satellites. Setting the processor to small, diverting low freq to the self powered subs. As such they don't intend to see much draw from a set of full range apeakers. The lower the power req to drive the mains and surrounds would inevitably result in lower THD overall.
There’s also a pc app that you can do Dirac correction with. Importing custom eq curves like Harmon +6db Bass sounds great.
Z, My 7.2 is so simple, "Even I did it". Onkyo Receiver and Zeo's Certified Speakers [Ha]. Yes it is EPIC. Best, D.
Fantastic set up dude. Are you worried at all about all the electronics in a basement that are prone to water leaks? Do you have a serous drainage system set up?
When the house is built its put on top of a hill. And he's never had water down here even during the worst rains. Plus ventilation and dehumidification
@@ZReviews please have multiple dehumidifiers running in that basement, and possibly a large battery backup for them --- I'd hate to know how many dollars in damage you'd have if you went away on vacation and all that electronic stuff exposed to high humidity!
@@fredwerza3478 36k minisplit and a separate dehumidifier if needed, but it isn't bad at all. Keep it at 40-45% in the summer and it just isn't humid in the winter. Got a 12 pack of hygrometers when I moved in.
@@ZReviews OK cool --- hope you got a backup generator to run the minisplit during a power outage? Just way too much electronics in the basement to take chances.
The difference between 2 atmos channels and 4 atmos channels is huge. I highly recommend 4 if you can manage it. Also the build quality on that Panasonic is atrocious. Hopeful the internals aren't built like crap.
It weighs nothing so..
Try to get your hands on one of the new Sony AVRs. Their new surround processing is supposed to be wild.
Better than Dirac? That is a tall order.
@@fredwerza3478 oh I have no first hand experience with the new Sony amps, which is why I’d be curious to hear Z’s impressions. I use Audussey right now and it is meh.
I think any room correction software has a hard time with purpose built theaters with exact symmetry. After weeks of f’ing with this amp, both Dirac and MCACC in my 505 made my theater sound too compressed. The nail in the coffin was scenes that had crowd noise sounded dull and nonexistent. Doing a manual tune using a DB meter, and my ear turned this amp from great, to unbelievable! So in short, trust your ear.
This was very entertaining
Do you recommend vsx-lx505 or marantz cinema 50? Thanks
As long as you get the Dirac license for the Marantz --- then go with that one
You need a composite or s-video input for your Laserdisc player, at least I do.
I honestly don't even know how it would integrate into an a system anymore.
I fire mine up occasionally. running it into a Marantz NR1607. Of course the TV and the receiver fight for who controls aspect ratio. That's the main bummer. It's not fidelity but the nostalgia feels are real.@@ZReviews
Z, just get the RZ50 or 70 it's often times on sale for the same price and better built. Only downside is it has the same remote.
It’s 2023 how hard is it to include a light up remote
They use to be stupid.. Now look at us.
You know what, I'm very new to all this but I noticed that too about dirac like if I lost some control but idk if I can run it then turn up some of my speakers ? Also I had a pioneer and I loved being able to just mute certain speakers man, I have onkyo rz 50 and yea it's been awesome especially for a beginner like me but still if I am able to mute certain speakers I haven't figure it out yet
As far as "real production" demos, Blade Runner 2049 has to be the best one I've come across so far.
its better than the monoprice one?
Have you any pioneer recievers for sale ?
Can you test the Sony MDR-MV1 headphones but only listen to the specific Sony 3D mixes?
specifically* sorry, not specific songs of that format just the ones made for the Headphones... because they are God awful until you do that... not Atmos mixes or binaural either, actual Sony 3D mixes
Someone said already
It’s a dust cover, that door, and that’s all.
I been using Marantz receivers for the past decade. Gotta say that they have some of these problems, but they are definitely built better than Pioneer Elite.
I will say the Denon remotes are better I have the Denon RC - 1217 and the remote is a lot better but then again every receiver brands has its ups and downs so it's always a catch-22 of what you need most.
Z is talking truth. Most movies with Atmos are mixed poorly. DSP can fix this. Try the new Sony ES receivers.
Keep patient the idea of a Atmos 9.x.4 channel system all driven by an intel computer with individual SPDIF out is right around the corner.
ooooo tell me more
Yea you must have gotten a bootleg receiver. I have the 105 powering klipsch 504c, 5000f and 502s just fine at reference. So 🤷🏻♂️
can you review atmos music vs non atoms music?
dude thats a huge basement!
11.2 channels equals 7.2.4
Hated hard on the flip down panel but like a half hour in i watched u use the smooth action panel to fix ur brain fog. It was funny
Nobody will EVER build a "zero margin" improvement into any product anytime, anywhere. The true cost of parts is probably around $100. Adding $100 will double the price of the unit.
OOOR. Just make it $1100 and they still make similar profits
Think about motorcycles, a 650 and 1000 CC version of the same model bike cost roughly the same amount to manufacture, but the 1000 CC has a hefty retail price increase over the smaller CC bike.
I had to check because I didn’t even think it was possible to use Atmos with Windows but apparently it is, it’s just a pain in the ass. I Would definitely recommend using a smart tv or dvd player. Also surprised Zeos liked Dirac. I was super excited to try it for the first time but it made my system sound worse also tried Audyssey and it wasn’t any better.
I think Dirac depends a LOT on what you are using it with. These speakers are already pretty High end and I have a good room for reflections etc. If you have a hard to fix room I can see it making things wonky.
This video doesn't stretch! 🙌
Yeah it is in 16x9.. But I think that is still just a you thing. Everyone else gets black bars or it just appears bigger.
@@ZReviews That's so weird because it only happens on your videos. Who knows. 🤷
This new mic you are using creates "ghost sounding" noise in left channel , makes it all weird when you talk
I have this receiver. In my case I used included microphone and used dirac live set up through my phone app. Sounds was trash. After that I used UMIK-1 microphone through computer software dirac live. Was much better, just had to gain base up a bit for my liking. Also I build my own DIY stereo amp do drive main speakers video here ua-cam.com/video/gD3ypntBF8c/v-deo.htmlsi=oTTF4_5vGZyE_tu2
I wonder if it would be fun to watch you learn to play an instrument on the 2nd channel.
Jupiter Ascending my friend. Jupiter Ascending. The best Atmos movie mix ever made.
Check it out immediately. It will convince you.
Why does the worst movie get the good sound editors?
Oh Finallly something main stream. Get some Denons, marantz and Yamahas too please. Also get some Atmos Soundbars, Bose 900, Samsung q990c, etc to review. Please make videos that could be relevant to the general public. Will boost your views exponentially.
Marantz and Denon have better solutions but of course there is price for it. its 2 diamonds.
Build quality, better parts, newer processing, better remotes 'and can go with different Types of Amps. PREAMP for active speakers or normal AMP for normal passive speakers.
Plus you get Auro and DTS also. More fun to play
yeah which is why this still gets the nod. $1000 for the processing is worth it. BUT I'd love competent amps for that much. Guess you need an extra grand.
@14:38 .. you got a ground in case you want to ground something ? hellooooo ... a turntable maybe? mr audio...
41:53 "Fuck everybody else."
- Ayn Rand, probably
The what kind of dell is that Zeos killed me 😂
Wait a sec. Why is that pioneer remote identical to the remote to my Onkyo TX-NR7100?
GREAT QUESTION!!
@ZReviews After a closer look, the button layout is exactly the same, but some buttons are labeled a bit differently. Seems like Pioneer and Onkyo may use the same subcontractor to supply their remote with slight customizations for each brand.
I agree with your issue with the mute button placement. Crappy design choice.
Love that all this shit is possible but I'be got an old guy's rant here; have you tried watching a film on a cheap TV recently? I mean out of the box with no soundbar or 2.1 enhancement. The trend for mastering for multi speaker audio solutions has f*cked the experience for the ordinary viewer; and try to equalise volume on most streaming or broadcast services is just a joke. Seems there needs to be at least 2 sound mixes. One that provides the home cinematic FX experience whatever that is and then a second that is essentially mixed only for voice, with paired back music and FX. Call it the Senior channel for old codgers if you will or 'pure centre'. I hate to think of the audiophile community being adversely impacted but this needs addressing before pensioner power overwhelms the market and clarity swings back to be the dominant requirement and all production standards revert to the standards of the 1950s i.e. some great films but more focus on the plots and the scores e.g. the DamBusters or Lawrence of Arabia etc. Great films and you can hear every line that is spoken. Yes it's less 'natural' but it beats having to turn on the subtitles which is a thing now even for youngsters. As for actors who deliberately mumble well that's a whole other rant ....
That receiver is routinely on sale for $699
Good. Its probably worth that.
I was laughing like crazy
Becuz the good the bad and the ugly. Peace butter!
onkyo Z50's build is as same as this.
This is the definition of too much audio