Pioneer UDP-LX500 – 4K UHD player to steal Oppo’s crown

The Pioneer UDP-LX500, the all-singing-and-dancing new universal disc player, has finally gone official. After teasing a new player back in April, Pioneer then previewed its new Ultra HD Blu-ray player at a Japanese AV show in June. Now, we have confirmation that it’s coming to the UK.

Pioneer UDP-LX500

The UDP-LX500 has been designed to handle rapid rotation speeds of up to 5,000 rpm, a necessity with the release of UHD Blu-ray discs. The UDP-LX500 delivers high-speed stability through its rigid construction and low centre of gravity.

The Pioneer UDP-LX500 achieves further video quality improvements by minimising noise loops in the circuitry to guarantee high-quality signal transmission.

Furthermore, digital noise is reduced on the circuit board by adopting a six-layer IVH (interstitial via hole) construction technique. The digital signal wiring has been routed to minimise ground impedance, by dramatically improving S/N (Signal-to-Noise ratio) during the processing of video and audio. The result is improved precision of the high-capacity transmission speed of 18Gbps which this latest HDMI standard now makes possible.

To deliver the full potential of the sound quality contained in UHD Blu-ray Discs, the UDP-LX500 employs audio boards designed with a focus on preserving signal purity. Additionally, it also features a direct function for analogue connection and Pioneer’s PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System) for HDMI connection.

Replaces your CD player

As expected, the UDP-LX500 will also make a superb audio player. With two-channel analogue playback is improved through noise reduction around the power supply and ground and a ‘Direct function’ that turns off the digital audio and video circuits.

The UDP-LX500 supports three HDMI output modes:

‘Separate’ mode enables high-quality transmission by separating video and audio via the main/sub HDMI outputs.

‘Single’ mode routes both video and audio output via the main HDMI output

‘Pure Audio’ mode which delivers an audio-only output from the sub HDMI terminal.

As well as CD’s, you can also play your Super Audio CDs (SACD), Blu-ray, Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D discs on the UDP-LX500.

Price and availability

The UDP-LX500 will be available in September priced at £999.