Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 vs Sony STR-AZ7000ES review
It makes sense comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 vs Sony STR-AZ7000ES 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-LX305 has 9.2 versus 13.2 for Sony STR-AZ7000ES. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX305 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 225/6 when STR-AZ7000ES has a power of 150/8. The THD is 0.08% for the Elite VSX-LX305 but 0.09% for the STR-AZ7000ES.
Audio features
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for Elite VSX-LX305 and 192 KHz/32-bit for the STR-AZ7000ES. Both the Elite VSX-LX305 and the STR-AZ7000ES support Bi-amping. The Sony STR-AZ7000ES 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-LX305 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, and the STR-AZ7000ES 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
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/2 HDMI connectors of the Sony STR-AZ7000ES.
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-AZ7000ES. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. The Elite VSX-LX305 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Additional features
The Elite VSX-LX305 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the STR-AZ7000ES. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the STR-AZ7000ES. Both Elite VSX-LX305 and STR-AZ7000ES 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.