Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 vs Pioneer Elite SC-87 review

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The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 vs Pioneer Elite SC-87 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 9.2. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX304 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 225/6 when Elite SC-87 has a power of 140/8, 190/6, 240/4. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for Elite VSX-LX304 and ESS SABRE 192 KHz/32-bit for the Elite SC-87. Both the Elite VSX-LX304 and the Elite SC-87 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Only the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The Elite VSX-LX304 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, and the Elite SC-87 can receive a content from Pandora. 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. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the Elite VSX-LX304.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer Elite SC-87. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present in only the Elite VSX-LX304. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 3 Multi-room zones. An ECO mode is only available for the Elite SC-87. Both Elite VSX-LX304 and Elite SC-87 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the Elite VSX-LX304.