Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha CX-A5200 vs Pioneer Elite SC-LX904, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the CX-A5200 it is 0.06%, but for the Elite SC-LX904 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the CX-A5200 received the model ESS SABRE PRO (ES9026) 384 KHz/32-bit, but the Elite SC-LX904 is equipped with ES9026PRO 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer Elite SC-LX904. Both Yamaha CX-A5200 and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 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 CX-A5200 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, but the Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the CX-A5200 and the Elite SC-LX904. 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 is the same - 7/3. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the Elite SC-LX904. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The CX-A5200 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the Elite SC-LX904, 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 3 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the CX-A5200 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, but in the Elite SC-LX904 is used Amazon Alexa. There is an ECO mode in CX-A5200. The Yamaha CX-A5200 and the Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 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.