Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 vs Denon AVR-X8500HA review

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It makes sense comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 vs Denon AVR-X8500HA because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 has 7.2 versus 13.2 for Denon AVR-X8500HA. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX105 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 210/6 when AVR-X8500HA has a power of 150/8, 190/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for Elite VSX-LX105 and 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-X8500HA. Both the Elite VSX-LX105 and the AVR-X8500HA support Bi-amping. The Denon AVR-X8500HA can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The Elite VSX-LX105 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, and the AVR-X8500HA can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10+ technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/120Hz 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.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-X8500HA. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the AVR-X8500HA. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The Elite VSX-LX105 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the AVR-X8500HA. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X8500HA. Both Elite VSX-LX105 and AVR-X8500HA can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.