Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 vs Sony STR-AZ5000ES review
The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 vs Sony STR-AZ5000ES that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.
Amplifier
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX105 has 7.2 versus 11.2 for Sony STR-AZ5000ES. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX105 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 210/6 when STR-AZ5000ES has a power of 130/8. The THD is 0.08% for the Elite VSX-LX105 but 0.09% for the STR-AZ5000ES.
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 STR-AZ5000ES. Both the Elite VSX-LX105 and the STR-AZ5000ES support Bi-amping. The Sony STR-AZ5000ES can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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 STR-AZ5000ES can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix.
Video features
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
Each receiver has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs.
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 STR-AZ5000ES. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. The Elite VSX-LX105 has 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 STR-AZ5000ES. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the STR-AZ5000ES. Both Elite VSX-LX105 and STR-AZ5000ES 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.