The Pioneer VSX-C 501 is an AV receiver that was released in the late 1990s. It features several channels of amplification and supports various surround sound formats. The receiver has a compact design, making it suitable for smaller setups. It offers multiple inputs for connecting various audio and video components, along with built-in processing for Dolby Digital and DTS formats. The device allows for a range of settings adjustments to optimize audio performance for different environments.