Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 vs Yamaha RX-A8A review
It makes sense comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 vs Yamaha RX-A8A 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-LX505 has 9.2 versus 11.2 for Yamaha RX-A8A. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX505 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/8, 230/6 when RX-A8A has a power of 150/8. The THD is 0.08% for the Elite VSX-LX505 but 0.06% for the RX-A8A.
Audio features
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for Elite VSX-LX505 and 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-A8A. Both the Elite VSX-LX505 and the RX-A8A support Bi-amping. The Yamaha RX-A8A 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. Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud - all of these streaming services have found application in each of the models.
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-LX505 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/3 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-A8A.
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 RX-A8A. 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-LX505 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the RX-A8A. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-A8A. Both Elite VSX-LX505 and RX-A8A 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.