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Pioneer VSX-LX51 AV Receiver Review

Author	Danny Phillips
Published	25th Jan 2009
Manufacturer	Pioneer
Price	£633.04 (Exc VAT)
as reviewed	£728.00 (Inc VAT)
Latest Price	Click here

Design
Features
Performance
Value
Overall

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If you're looking for an AV receiver to pair with your new Blu-ray player then the VSX-LX51 offers all the features you need and then some. Pioneer tells us that many of its customers are buying this receiver together with the BDP-51FD Blu-ray deck and we can see why - not only do they complement each other aesthetically, but their well-matched feature lists also make them ideal bedfellows.

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Design-wise, the LX51 is a class act. Dressed all in black, it boasts an understated elegance but the subtle blue lights inject a touch of hi-tech glitz. It's covered in knobs and buttons, which makes it far from minimal, but because everything blends into the black fascia you don't really notice the clutter.

There's a well-sized display panel, which communicates all of the relevant info in a clear manner, such as the current sound mode or audio format. The dials on either side are for changing the input and volume level, and the panel of front connections includes composite, analogue stereo and optical digital inputs, a USB port and an input for the MCACC setup microphone (more on this later).

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Like any AV receiver worth its salt, the back panel is teeming with connections. The inclusion of three Deep Colour-compatible HDMI inputs and one output is a definite highlight, and we like the fact that one of the inputs is specifically designated for a Blu-ray player. You won't be stuck for digital audio inputs either, with three optical ports (and one output) plus two of the coaxial variety, plus you'll also find 7.1-channel analogue inputs and more analogue stereo, composite video and S-video inputs and outputs than you'll ever need. Elsewhere there are three sets of component video inputs (and one output), as well as a generous array of sockets for custom installation use.

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Gdub said on 26th January 2009

Danny P my good lad ~ I hate it when people say “there are two types of people in the world” but there are two types of people in the world. Those that see 3 HDMI ports on a £633.04 receiver and think “Oh that’s plenty” and those that see 3 HDMI ports on a £633.04 receiver and think “Oh the humanity!!!”. I am the latter and it appears you are the former. But please allow me to explain.

As far as I know, a PS3 is still a very capable Blu-ray and DVD player. Furthermore all Blu-ray players can upconvert DVDs, feel free to correct me on this is if I’m wrong, so having a PS3, a Blu-ray player, and an upscalling DVD player would be…uh what is the word….Bullocks. But having Sky HD, an Xbox360, and a Blu-ray player is a far more legitimate possibility for filing 3 HDMI ports.

Now, If John Archer finds it a disappointment for a £650 Toshiba Regza TV to “only have only three HDMIs when most premium sets provide four these days” then why should a similarly priced AV receiver not be held to the same standard?

I think it is even more essential to have a minimum 4 HDMI ports on an AV receiver than it is on a TV because if you are willing to spend the extra money for an AV receiver, speakers, speakers stands or mounts, wiring, and the endure the headache of setting it all up then you are also likely to be the kind of chap that: (a) has a large collection of videos on his computer network that he’d like to view on his big plasma or LCD via a HTPC (Home Theatre PC) or similar device ; (b) might consider buying a camcorder like the Canon HG20 or the Panasonic HDC-SD100, both of which won the coveted TrustedReviews “Recommended” rating and both of which sport a HDMI output; or (c) would enjoy the everlasting comfort associated with knowing he has one free HDMI port on his AV receiver should some unexpectedly delicious technology arrive that would make use of said HDMI port.

The Pioneer VSX-LX51 is undeserving of a 9/10 for features when AV receivers from Onkyo or other companies feature 4 HDMI ports for similar prices and therefore undeserving of the TrustedReviews “Recommended” rating. The VSX-LX51 may give excellent performance, but it lacks in features and value.

5.1 and 7.1 surround setups are more popular than ever. I’d love to see TrustedReviews review more AV Receivers. Head to head comparisons of receivers of similar prices from different manufacturers would be most enjoyable.

Keep up the good work TR ;)

Danny P my good lad ~ I hate it when people say “there are two types of people in the world” but there are two types of people in the world. Those that see 3 HDMI ports on a £633.... more

Danny P said on 27th January 2009

Gdub - I was actually conceding that you had a point!

SteveB said on 30th March 2009

Looks very nice....but out of my price range. I have opted for the 1018AH model.....it has no tuner but still has Kuro Link and most of the features this one does....which is good ... more

MSHughes said on 8th June 2009

The number of HDMI ports is, to a certain extent, moot as you can always use a, um, don't know exactly what they're called properly but essentially an HDMI Hub/Switch. Af... more

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