Sound System Review: Pioneer CX500 (XV-CX500 / S-CX500)

What does one think of when one spots 7500W PMPO screaming on a sound system box? Entry-level karaoke machines were the first thing that came to our minds. But digging into the box and beholding the actual product gave us a 1800 perspective on the Pioneer CX500 component receiver and speaker set. The CX500 comes with a 5.1-channel system: a total of six satellites, a woofer, a receiver, and an accompanying power unit. The system comes in metallic-grey with a matte black look.

What's unique about this series is the receiver's low profile. Unlike typical mini-components, this one has its power unit separated from the main receiver, letting users hide the former from sight. The receiver is unusually long, leaving some to wonder about what's inside. As a receiver, its amplifier unit shares space with other components, taking up the additional space at the rear of the chassis, along with heatsinks. This Pioneer makes use of an all-satellite design; the use of six speakers for a 5.1 system may seem rather odd, but this is because the signal for the center is split between two cubes instead of just one prominent speaker.

The receiver also doubles as a DVD player and hosts a CD/DVD drive, which can be accessed with the large eject button at the top front. The unit hosts a number of modern features - no tape decks here. There's a host of video interfaces from component, composite to S-video output, stopping short of including an HDMI port. The antenna loops for AM and FM signals are separated. An RCA line-in jack is present at the rear. All six speakers are powered by the receiver through their respective jacks. There are even more interfaces at the front for easy access, and these include the microphone and mic level knob, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and two input sources: a 3.5mm audio-in jack and a USB port. MP3s, WMAs, and photos can be loaded from USB flash drives and digital audio players. Card readers are also supported, but not external HDDs. This extra playback capability also extends to the optical medium, where photos and DivX videos can be played.

The CX500 delivers powerful sounds from its speakers, and the two center blocks are indeed prominent when it comes to voice and the mids. The sound quality comes off with a warm and somewhat bright tone. The subwoofer on the other hand can be powerful when X-Boom is on, providing the extra oomph for music or movies, The woofer and the satellites don't clash for the listener's attention, providing sound that's balanced, yet full of power. Majority of the advanced controls are with the remote control as well as the OSD when the component is hooked up to a T\/.

Overall, the looks and the sounds of the CX500 matches the young and trendy lifestyle.