Pioneer SC-LX901 Installation guide

Basic
Manual
Hookup
Step1: Speaker Layout ........................................................... 3
Step2: Connect the Speakers ............................................... 10
Step3: Connect the TV ......................................................... 12
Step4: Connect the AV Components .................................... 14
Step5: Multi-zone Connection ............................................... 18
Step6: Connect Other Cables ............................................... 21
Setup
Step7: Power On & Initial Setup ........................................... 22
HDMI Setup .......................................................................... 23
Playback
Basic Playback ..................................................................... 24
Network Functions ................................................................ 25
Others ................................................................................... 27
Part Names
Front Panel ........................................................................... 30
Rear Panel ............................................................................ 31
Remote Controller ................................................................ 32
Display .................................................................................. 32
The Basic Manual includes information needed when starting up and
also instructions for frequently used operations. The Advanced Manual
has more detailed information and advanced settings.
SC-LX901
AV RECEIVER
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix

2
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
What's in the box
1. Main unit 2. Remote controller (RC-927R) ×1, Batteries (AAA/R03) ×2
3. Indoor FM antenna ×1 4. AM loop antenna ×1 5. Speaker setup microphone ×1
6. Power cord ×1
Glossary
Dolby Atmos
This unit supports playback in the Dolby Atmos format which provides 360e sound placement. Unlike existing
surround systems, Dolby Atmos doesn't rely on channels, but rather enables the accurate placement of sound
objects that have independent motion in a three-dimensional space with even greater clarity. Dolby Atmos is an
optional audio format on Blu-ray Discs and achieves a three-dimensional sound field by introducing a sound field
above the listener.
ARC
The ARC (Audio Return Channel) feature transfers TV audio signals via HDMI cable so that you can play the
audio from the TV through this unit. Connection to an ARC compatible TV is complete with one HDMI cable. Refer
to the instruction manual for your TV to see if it supports ARC. (
 P12)
HDMI CEC functionality
Control features such as linking input switching with the input selector and players conforming to the CEC
standard, switching audio output and volume using the remote controller of a CEC-compliant TV, and
automatically switching this unit to standby when the TV is turned off (
 P14)
HDMI Standby Through
Video and audio signals from AV components can be transmitted to the TV even if this unit is in standby (
 P14)
Before start
CAUTION: Connect speakers with 4 Ω to 16 Ω impedance. The power cord must be connected only after
all other cable connections are completed. We will not accept responsibility for damage arising from the
connection of equipment manufactured by other companies.
1
2
56
34

3
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
Step1: Speaker Layout
＊1
＊2
＊3
＊1: 22e〜30e, ＊2: 90e〜120e, ＊3: 135e〜150e
12
Front Speakers
3
Center Speaker
45
Surround Speakers
6
Powered Subwoofer
78
Surround Back Speakers
7.1-Channel System
Front speakers output front stereo sound and a center
speaker outputs center sound such as dialogs and vocals.
Surround speakers create back sound field. Powered
subwoofer reproduces bass sounds and creates rich
sound field.
Surround back speakers improve the sense of
envelopment created by the back sound field and provide
a more realistic sound field. Furthermore, by installing
surround back speakers, you can select the Dolby Atmos
listening mode, which realizes the most up-to-date 3D
sound, when the input format is Dolby Atmos.
The front speakers should be positioned at ear height,
while the surround speakers should be positioned just
above ear height. Center speaker should be set up facing
the listening position.
Placing the powered subwoofer between the center
speaker and a front speaker gives you a natural sound
even when playing music.
The optimal positioning is for surround back speakers to
be at ear height.
0If you are including surround back speakers in the
setup, surround speakers are required.
Hookup
Go To "Hookup" (
 P10)


4
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
＊1
＊2
＊3
3´ (0.9 m)
or more
3´ (0.9 m)
or more
＊1: 22e〜30e, ＊2: 90e〜120e, ＊3: 135e〜150e
9:
Height Speakers
$
$
Front High Speakers
Rear High Speakers
Height Speakers;
Front High Speakers/
Rear High Speakers
These are types of height speakers. Furthermore, by
installing height speakers, you can select the Dolby
Atmos listening mode, which realizes the most up-to-date
3D sound including overhead sounds, when the input
format is Dolby Atmos.
Front high speakers or rear high speakers should be
situated at least 0.9 m higher than the front speakers.
Front high speakers should be situated directly above the
front speakers and the distance between the rear high
speakers should match the distance between the front
speakers. Both should be set up facing the listening
position. Note that with height speakers you can install up
to two sets; Height 1 Speaker and Height 2 Speaker.
Go To "Hookup" (
 P10)


5
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
＊1
＊2
＊3
＊1: 30e〜55e, ＊2: 65e〜100e, ＊3: 125e〜150e
9:
Height Speakers
$
$
$
Top Front Speakers
Top Middle Speakers
Top Rear Speakers
Height Speakers;
Ceiling Speakers
These are types of height speakers. Furthermore, by
installing height speakers, you can select the Dolby
Atmos listening mode, which realizes the most up-to-date
3D sound including overhead sounds, when the input
format is Dolby Atmos.
Fit top front speakers on the ceiling forward of the seating
position, top middle speakers on the ceiling directly above
the seating position, and top rear speakers on the ceiling
behind the seating position. The distance between each
pair should match the distance between the two front
speakers. Note that with height speakers you can install
up to two sets; Height 1 Speaker and Height 2 Speaker.
0Dolby Laboratories recommends placing this type of
height speakers to obtain the best Dolby Atmos effect.
Go To "Hookup" (
 P10)


6
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
＊1
＊2
＊3
＊1: 22e〜30e, ＊2: 90e〜120e, ＊3: 135e〜150e
9:
Height Speakers
$
$
$
Dolby Enabled Speakers (Front)
Dolby Enabled Speakers (Surround)
Dolby Enabled Speakers (Surround Back)
Height Speakers;
Dolby Enabled Speakers
(Dolby Speakers)
These are types of height speakers. Dolby enabled
speakers are special speakers designed to face the
ceiling so that sound is heard after bouncing off the ceiling
so that sound appears to be coming from overhead.
Furthermore, by installing height speakers, you can select
the Dolby Atmos listening mode, which realizes the most
up-to-date 3D sound including overhead sounds, when
the input format is Dolby Atmos.
Place them either above the front speakers or above the
surround speakers or surround back speakers. Note that
with height speakers you can install up to two sets; Height
1 Speaker and Height 2 Speaker.
Go To "Hookup" (
 P10)


7
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
＊1
＊2
＊3
Speaker B Speaker B
＊1: 22e〜30e, ＊2: 90e〜120e, ＊3: 135e〜150e
Speaker B System
Apart from the main speaker system (Speaker A System),
you can also connect another system of front speakers to
be the Speaker B System. When you do so, you can
switch the same audio to output from A, B, or A+B. Switch
with "Speakers" in AV Adjust (
 P28).
Depending on the configuration of the main speaker
system, it is possible to connect a Speaker B System
supporting Bi-Amping (
 P8) to improve quality of the
bass and treble.
Go To "Hookup" (
 P10)
Go To "Hookup" (
 P11)



8
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
＊1
＊2
＊3
＊1: 22e〜30e, ＊2: 90e〜120e, ＊3: 135e〜150e
12
Front Speakers (Bi-Amping)
3
Center Speaker (Bi-Amping)
45
Surround Speakers (Bi-Amping)
Bi-Amping the Speakers
It is possible to connect front speakers, a center speaker,
and surround speakers supporting Bi-Amping to improve
quality of the bass and treble. The effects and placements
for speakers are the same as for a system that doesn't
use Bi-Amping speakers.
The following shows the combinations you can connect
with Bi-Amping speakers.
– Front speakers only
– Front speakers and center speaker
– Front speakers and surround speakers
– Center speaker and surround speakers
– Front speakers, center speaker, and surround
speakers
Except for a case where only the front speakers are Bi-
Amping connected, when multiple speakers are combined
in a Bi-Amping connection, the maximum speaker
configuration is 5.1 ch.
Go To "Hookup" (
 P11)


9
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
Speaker combinations
In any of the combinations, up to two powered subwoofers can be connected.
Points to note with speaker combinations
＊1: It is not possible to use Speaker B, Bi-AMP, and ZONE speakers at the same time. However, with 2.1
ch to 7.1 ch, it is possible to use Bi-AMP (FRONT) and ZONE 2 speakers at the same time.
＊2: You can also use Bi-Amping connections with Speakers B.
＊3: If front speakers are to be Bi-Amping connected, height speakers need to be connected to the
HEIGHT 2 jacks.
＊4: ZONE 2 speakers need to be connected to the HEIGHT 1 jack, ZONE 3 speakers need to be
connected to the SURROUND BACK jacks, and height speakers need to be connected to the
HEIGHT 2 jacks.
HEIGHT 1/HEIGHT 2
When connecting 2 sets of height speakers, the height speaker combinations you can choose are as follows.
– Height 1 Speaker: Top Middle, Height 2 Speaker: Rear High
– Height 1 Speaker: Front High, Height 2 Speaker: One of Rear High/Top Middle/Top Rear/Dolby Enabled
Speaker (Surround)/Dolby Enabled Speaker (Surround Back)
– Height 1 Speaker: Top Front or Dolby Enabled Speaker (Front), Height 2 Speaker: One of Rear High/Top
Rear/Dolby Enabled Speaker (Surround)/Dolby Enabled Speaker (Surround Back)
When connecting only one set of height speakers, select one type of height speakers from the types
available.
Speaker
Channels FRONT CENTER SURROUND SURROUND
BACK HEIGHT 1 HEIGHT 2 SP B
＊1
(Speaker B) Bi-AMP
＊1
ZONE 2
＊1
(  P19)
ZONE 3
＊1
(  P20)
2.1 ch
＊2
FRONT
3.1 ch
＊2
FRONT,
FRONT/CENTER
4.1 ch
＊2
FRONT,
FRONT/SURROUND
5.1 ch
＊2
FRONT,
FRONT/CENTER,
FRONT/SURROUND,
CENTER/SURROUND,
FRONT/CENTER/
SURROUND
6.1 ch
＊2
FRONT
7.1 ch
＊2
FRONT
2.1.2 ch
＊3
FRONT
＊4
3.1.2 ch
＊3
FRONT
＊4
4.1.2 ch
＊3
FRONT
＊4
5.1.2 ch
＊3
FRONT
＊4
6.1.2 ch
＊3
FRONT
7.1.2 ch
＊3
FRONT
4.1.4 ch
5.1.4 ch
6.1.4 ch
7.1.4 ch

10
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
Step2: Connect the Speakers
2
1
3/8˝
(10 mm)
Speaker B
OR ᴧᴧ
1 Speaker cable, 2 Subwoofer cable
Standard Connections
Refer to the illustration to connect the speaker system.
＊Depending on the combination of speakers, you may need to
connect to other jacks. See "Points to note with speaker
combinations" (P9) for details.
Make sure the exposed wires of the speakers do not stick out of
the speaker terminals when connecting. If the exposed wires of
the speakers touch the rear panel or the + and – wires touch each
other, the protection circuit will be activated.

11
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
Connections with Bi-Amping speakers
When using Bi-Amping connections for Front Speakers
With a Center Speaker
With Surround Speakers
With the Speaker B system
For high-
frequency
For low-
frequency
For high-
frequency
For low-
frequency
For high-
frequency
For low-
frequency
For high-
frequency
For low-
frequency
In case of Bi-Amping connection, refer to the instruction manual of your speakers.

12
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
Step3: Connect the TV
HDMI IN (ARC)
1
TV
1 HDMI cable
TV-1 (ARC TV)
This describes the connections for a TV that supports the
ARC (Audio Return Channel) feature. By connecting with
a single HDMI cable, you can not only output the video
input to this unit to the TV, but you can also play the sound
from the TV through this unit. Choose an HDMI IN jack on
the TV that supports ARC when connecting.
Another TV or projector can be connected to the HDMI OUT SUB
jack. This jack does not support ARC. For details about how to
output video from the HDMI OUT SUB jack (P24)
Setup
0Settings are required to use the ARC function.
Select "Yes" in "5. Audio Return Channel" (
 P23)
in the Initial Setup.
0Please refer to the TV's operation manual for
directions on connections and setup for the TV.

13
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
12
TV
1 HDMI cable, 2 Digital optical cable
TV-2 (Non-ARC TV)
This describes the connections for a TV that does not
support the ARC (Audio Return Channel) feature. By
connecting with both an HDMI cable and a digital optical
cable, you can not only output the video input to this unit
to the TV, but you can also play the sound from the TV
through this unit.
If the TV doesn't have a DIGITAL OPTICAL OUT jack, use
an analog audio cable and connect the TV's ANALOG
AUDIO OUT jack to the AUDIO IN TV jack on this unit.
0Connection with a digital optical cable is not necessary
if you will watch TV through a device such as a cable
set-top box (that is, not use a tuner built into the TV)
that you have connected to the INPUT jack on this unit.
Another TV or projector can be connected to the HDMI OUT SUB
jack. This jack does not support ARC. For details about how to
output video from the HDMI OUT SUB jack (P24)

14
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
Step4: Connect the AV Components
BD/DVD
GAME
1
Cable/Satellite set-top
box
Streaming media
player
1 HDMI cable
HDMI AV Components
This is an example of connection with an AV component
that has an HDMI jack. With connection to an AV
component that conforms with the CEC (Consumer
Electronics Control) standard, you can use features such
as the HDMI CEC feature that links with the input selector,
and the HDMI Standby Through feature which allows you
to play video and audio from AV components on the TV
even when this unit is in standby mode.
0To play 4K or 1080p video, use a high speed HDMI
cable. Further, to enjoy HDCP2.2 compatible video,
connect to the HDMI IN1 to IN5 jacks.
You can connect a device such as a video camera to the AUX
INPUT HDMI jack on the front panel.
Setup
0HDMI setup (
 P23) is required to use the HDMI
CEC and HDMI Standby Through features. Make
settings after all connections are complete.
0To enjoy digital surround sound including Dolby
Digital, audio output should be set to "Bitstream
output" on the connected Blu-ray Disc player or
other device.

15
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
OR
1
23
BD/DVD
1 Component video cable, 2 Digital coaxial cable, 3 Analog audio cable
Non-HDMI AV Components
This is an example of connection with an AV component
that does not have an HDMI jack. Make the connections
to the AV component to match the jacks it has. When
video input connection is to the BD/DVD jack, the audio
input connection should also be to the BD/DVD jacks, and
so on, so that you connect the video input jacks to the
jacks with the same name as the audio input jacks. Note
that video signals input to the VIDEO IN jack or the
COMPONENT VIDEO IN jacks will be converted to HDMI
video signals and then output from the HDMI OUT jack.
0To enjoy digital surround playback in formats such as
Dolby Digital, you need to make a connection for audio
signals with a digital coaxial cable or digital optical
cable.
0It is possible to change assignment of the input jacks
you see in the illustration at left, so you can also
connect to any jack other than BD/DVD. For details,
see the Advanced Manual.
Setup
0The COMPONENT VIDEO IN jacks are
compatible only with 480i or 576i resolution. When
you input video signals to the COMPONENT
VIDEO IN jacks, set the output resolution of the
player to 480i or 576i. Select interlace if there is no
option for 480i, etc. If your player does not support
480i or 576i output, use the VIDEO IN jack.
0To enjoy digital surround sound including Dolby
Digital, audio output should be set to "Bitstream
output" on the connected Blu-ray Disc Player or
other device.

16
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
OR
CD
2
1
Turntable
1 Digital optical cable, 2 Analog audio cable
Audio Components
Example of a connection with an Audio Component.
Connect a CD player using a digital optical cable or
analog audio cable. You can also connect a turntable that
has an MM-type cartridge to the PHONO jack.
0If the turntable has a built-in audio equalizer, connect it
to an AUDIO IN jack other than the PHONO jack.
Further, if the turntable uses an MC type cartridge,
install an audio equalizer compatible with the MC type
cartridge between the unit and the turntable, then
connect to any AUDIO IN jack other than the PHONO
jack.
If the turntable has a ground wire, connect it to the SIGNAL GND
terminal of this unit.

17
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
1
BD/DVD
Projector, etc.
1 Component video cable
Component Video Monitor
Use a component video cable to connect a TV or projector
that has component video input jacks rather than an
HDMI input jack. To output video from the COMPONENT
VIDEO OUT jacks, you must connect the external AV
components using a component video cable.

18
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
Step5: Multi-zone Connection
TV
ZONE2
MAIN ROOM
1
1 HDMI cable
ZONE 2 TV
You can enjoy content from a Blu-ray Disc player on a TV
equipped with an HDMI input jack in the separate room
(ZONE 2) by playing a Blu-ray Disc player in the main
room (where this unit is located), or play the content from
another AV component. Only the video from devices
connected to the HDMI IN1 to IN5 jacks can be played on
the TV in the separate room.
Setup
0Settings are required in Initial Setup, "4. Multi
Zone Setup" (
 P23) to enjoy this feature.
0
The audio from externally connected AV
components can only be played in ZONE 2 when the
audio is analog or 2ch PCM audio.
It may also be
necessary to convert the audio output of the AV
component to PCM output.

19
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
ZONE2
ZONE 2 SPEAKER
ZONE 2 PRE/LINE OUT
1
MAIN ROOM
LINE
IN
2
ᴧ
＊Depending on the combination of speakers, you
may need to connect to other jacks. See "Points to
note with speaker combinations" (P9) for details.
1 Analog audio cable, 2 Speaker cable
ZONE 2 PRE/LINE OUT /
ZONE 2 SPEAKER
You can enjoy audio in the separate room by, for example, playing a
Blu-ray Disc player in the main room (where this unit is located) and
listening to internet radio in the separate room (ZONE 2).
Connections with an AV component
Connect with HDMI IN 1 to 5 if you want to output an
external AV component to ZONE 2. If the AV component
doesn't have an HDMI jack, connect using a digital optical
cable, digital coaxial cable, or analog audio cable.
ZONE 2 PRE/LINE OUT
It is possible to play 2 ch sources in a separate room while
sources with a maximum of 11.1 ch are being played in the main
room. Connect the ZONE 2 PRE/LINE OUT jacks of the unit and
the LINE IN jacks of the pre-main amplifier or the power amplifier
in a separate room with an analog audio cable.
ZONE 2 SPEAKER
It is possible to connect speakers in a separate room and
play 2 ch sources.
0You can play through a maximum of 9.1 channels in the
main room during ZONE 2 playback.
Setup
0Settings are required in Initial Setup, "4. Multi
Zone Setup" (
 P23) to enjoy this feature.
0 The audio from externally connected AV
components can only be played in ZONE 2 when the
audio is analog or 2ch PCM audio. If you have
connected to this unit with an HDMI cable or digital
optical/coaxial cable, may be necessary to convert
the audio output of the AV component to PCM output.

20
> Before start > Hookup > Setup > Playback > Part Names > Advanced Manual
Troubleshooting | Appendix
1
MAIN ROOM
LINE
IN
ZONE3
ZONE 3 SPEAKER
ZONE 3 PRE/LINE OUT
2
ᴧ
BD/DVD
＊Depending on the combination of speakers, you
may need to connect to other jacks. See "Points to
note with speaker combinations" (P9) for details.
1 Analog audio cable, 2 Speaker cable
ZONE 3 PRE/LINE OUT /
ZONE 3 SPEAKER
Along with the main room and ZONE 2, you can also
enjoy audio in yet another room (ZONE 3).
Connections with an AV component
To output the audio of an external AV component to ZONE
3, connect using an analog audio cable. Output to ZONE
3 is not possible when you connect with an HDMI cable or
digital optical/coaxial cable.
ZONE 3 PRE/LINE OUT
It is possible to play 2 ch sources in a separate room while
sources with a maximum of 11.1 ch are being played in
the main room. Connect the ZONE 3 PRE/LINE OUT
jacks of the unit and the LINE IN jacks of the pre-main
amplifier or the power amplifier in a separate room with an
analog audio cable.
ZONE 3 SPEAKER
It is possible to connect speakers in a separate room and
play 2 ch sources.
0You can play through a maximum of 7.1 channels in the
main room during ZONE 3 playback.
Setup
0Settings are required in Initial Setup, "4. Multi
Zone Setup" (
 P23) to enjoy this feature.