It makes sense comparing Denon AVRX4400H vs Pioneer VSX-LX301 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVRX4400H has 9.2 versus 7.2 for Pioneer VSX-LX301. Regarding power, then AVRX4400H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 125/8, 165/6 when VSX-LX301 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is 0.05% for the AVRX4400H but 0.08% for the VSX-LX301.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for AVRX4400H and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-LX301. Both the AVRX4400H and the VSX-LX301 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Denon AVRX4400H has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVRX4400H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora,iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Napster, and the VSX-LX301 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
These units support HDR technology. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Denon AVRX4400H has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX301. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVRX4400H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The AVRX4400H supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the VSX-LX301. An ECO mode is only available for the AVRX4400H. Both AVRX4400H and VSX-LX301 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.