Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 vs Sony STR-AN1000 review

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The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 vs Sony STR-AN1000 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 has 9.2 versus 7.2 for Sony STR-AN1000. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX505 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/8, 230/6 when STR-AN1000 has a power of 165/6. The THD is 0.08% for the Elite VSX-LX505 but 0.09% for the STR-AN1000.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for Elite VSX-LX505 and 192 KHz/32-bit for the STR-AN1000. Both the Elite VSX-LX505 and the STR-AN1000 support Bi-amping. The Sony STR-AN1000 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-LX505 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, and the STR-AN1000 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-LX505 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/2 HDMI connectors of the Sony STR-AN1000. 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-AN1000. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. The Elite VSX-LX505 has 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 STR-AN1000. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the STR-AN1000. Both Elite VSX-LX505 and STR-AN1000 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.