Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Yamaha RX-A880, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the Elite SC-LX704 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 135/8, while the RX-A880 has a power of 100/8, 160/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the Elite SC-LX704 it is 0.08%, but for the RX-A880 it is 0.06%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the Elite SC-LX704 received the model ES9026PRO 384 KHz/32-bit, but the RX-A880 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 and Yamaha RX-A880 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, but the Yamaha RX-A880 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. 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-LX704 and the RX-A880. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the Elite SC-LX704 has 7/3, and the RX-A880 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-A880. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The Elite SC-LX704 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the RX-A880, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the Elite SC-LX704 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the RX-A880 works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the Elite SC-LX704 is used Amazon Alexa, but in the RX-A880 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in RX-A880. The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 and the Yamaha RX-A880 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.