Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 110/8, 170/4, while the Elite VSX-LX505 has a power of 120/8, 230/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 it is 0.06%, but for the Elite VSX-LX505 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 received the model ESS SABRE 384 KHz/32-bit, but the Elite VSX-LX505 is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. The model AVENTAGE RX-A1080 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM, Napster, Qobuz, but the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud.
Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the Elite VSX-LX505. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has 8/3, and the Elite VSX-LX505 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the Elite VSX-LX505. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has HDMI CEC. The AVENTAGE RX-A1080 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the Elite VSX-LX505, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the AVENTAGE RX-A1080 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, but in the Elite VSX-LX505 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in AVENTAGE RX-A1080. The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A1080 and the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.