What is better - Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 vs Denon HEOS AVR?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 11.2 versus 5.1, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the Elite SC-LX904 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 140/8, while the HEOS AVR has a power of 50/8, 65/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the Elite SC-LX904 it is 0.08%, but for the HEOS AVR it is 0.05%. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer Elite SC-LX904. Both Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 and Denon HEOS AVR can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, but the Denon HEOS AVR works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the Elite SC-LX904 and the HEOS AVR. Video scaling is only possible with the Elite SC-LX904. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the Elite SC-LX904.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the Elite SC-LX904 has 7/3, and the HEOS AVR has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the Elite SC-LX904. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The Elite SC-LX904 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the HEOS AVR, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer Elite SC-LX904. For voice control in the Elite SC-LX904 is used Amazon Alexa, but in the HEOS AVR is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in neither AV receiver. The Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the Elite SC-LX904. Only in the Elite SC-LX904 realized a DTS:X surround technology.