It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Yamaha RX-V385 vs Pioneer Elite SC-LX704.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-V385 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 70/6, while the Elite SC-LX704 has a power of 135/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-V385 it is 0.09%, but for the Elite SC-LX704 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-V385 received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the Elite SC-LX704 is equipped with ES9026PRO 384 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704. Both Yamaha RX-V385 and Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Wireless Internet connection via WIFI is only possible with Elite SC-LX704. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. The Elite SC-LX704 has access to the Spotify service.
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 RX-V385 and the Elite SC-LX704. 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 RX-V385 has 4/1, and the Elite SC-LX704 has 7/3. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the RX-V385. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-V385 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the Elite SC-LX704, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer Elite SC-LX704. There is an ECO mode in RX-V385. The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the Elite SC-LX704. Only in the Elite SC-LX704 realized a DTS:X surround technology.