Pioneer SC-LX59
A 9.2-channel AV receiver from 2015. With a lack of objective audio data, outdated specifications, and discontinued support, it cannot be recommended by today's standards.
Overview
The Pioneer SC-LX59 is a 9.2-channel AV receiver released in October 2015. Originally priced at 295,000 JPY (excluding tax), it featured a 190W×9-channel “Direct Energy HD” amplifier and an ESS SABRE32 Ultra digital-to-analog converter. It was positioned as a middle-class product with advanced features for its time, including Dolby Atmos support (with DTS:X available via an update) and 4K/60p pass-through functionality. It is now discontinued, and manufacturer support is no longer available.
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.2}\]It is difficult to determine the scientific validity of this product. The reason is that the manufacturer has disclosed almost no detailed measurement data that would serve as a basis for objectively evaluating its sound quality. The only published specification is the rated power output under the specific condition of 1.0% THD. Detailed graphs crucial for assessing audio performance, such as distortion at normal listening levels (e.g., 1W output), frequency response, or S/N ratio, are not provided. Furthermore, no reliable measured data from third-party organizations can be found. There is a lack of willingness to present performance to users based on scientific evidence, and its audio quality performance must be considered completely opaque.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.3}\]While it represented a standard technical level for 2015, it is completely outdated from today’s perspective. The搭載 technologies, such as the “Direct Energy HD Amp” and the ESS SABRE32 DAC, remain at a decade-old standard. The outdated interface is particularly critical. The HDMI complies with the 2.0 standard, supporting 4K/60fps, but it entirely lacks features now essential for home theater environments, such as 8K support, HDMI 2.1, eARC, 4K/120fps, VRR, and Dolby Vision. Its technical value is extremely low.
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{1.0}\]We will compare the product with others offering equivalent or superior functionality at its current used market price of approximately 61,800 JPY. Current new AV amplifiers capable of processing 9.2 or more channels, such as the Denon AVR-X3800H (around 130,000 JPY) and the Yamaha RX-A6A (around 200,000 JPY), are all significantly more expensive than 61,800 JPY. If we strictly limit the comparison to the “9+ channel surround playback function,” no new product can achieve this at this price. Therefore, the cost-performance score is 1.0. However, this result is based solely on comparing the number of channels.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.1}\]Reliability and support are at a critical level. As a discontinued product nearly 10 years old, the risk of failure due to the aging of electronic components is extremely high. It is reasonable to assume that official manufacturer repair support has already ended, making it hopeless to find parts or get repairs in case of a breakdown. Firmware updates have not been provided for many years, so it cannot cope with future compatibility issues. When purchased on the used market, there is generally no warranty from the seller, meaning you are on your own if it fails shortly after purchase. This is the most serious risk to consider.
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.2}\]The design philosophy of this product lacks modern rationality. The decision to release it without disclosing objective measurement data for its audio performance, leaving users unable to judge its capabilities, shows a disregard for a scientific approach. Furthermore, despite using a high-efficiency Class D amplifier, the adherence to a large, heavy 15.3kg chassis design is an outdated approach that fails to leverage the technology’s benefits and is not rational. From the perspective of modern product development, which values transparency of information and rational design, this is a significant deviation.
Advice
Under no circumstances can we recommend purchasing the Pioneer SC-LX59. The manufacturer has not provided the objective data necessary to judge the product’s core audio performance, making its capabilities completely unknown. In addition, considering its outdated HDMI standard that does not support the latest video formats, coupled with the extremely high risk of failure and lack of support for a discontinued product, there is no reason to choose this device. The used price of 61,800 JPY may seem attractive, but investing in outdated technology with unknown performance is unwise. Purchasing a new, current entry-level AV amplifier would be a far superior choice in every aspect—performance, features, and long-term peace of mind.
(2025.7.24)