Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 vs Yamaha R-N602BL review

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Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 vs Yamaha R-N602BL, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the Elite VSX-LX304 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 225/6, while the R-N602BL has a power of 115/8, 105/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the Elite VSX-LX304 it is 0.08%, but for the R-N602BL it is 0.01%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the Elite VSX-LX304 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the R-N602BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304. Both Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 and Yamaha R-N602BL can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet access via WIFI is possible on both units. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, but the Yamaha R-N602BL works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode can provide only the Elite VSX-LX304. Video scaling is only possible with the Elite VSX-LX304. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the Elite VSX-LX304. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304. HDMI eARC is not supported by the Elite VSX-LX304 and the R-N602BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 has HDMI CEC. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in R-N602BL. The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the Elite VSX-LX304. Only in the Elite VSX-LX304 realized a DTS:X surround technology.