It makes sense comparing Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Yamaha RX-V485 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 has 9.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485. Regarding power, then Elite SC-LX704 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 135/8 when RX-V485 has a power of 80/8, 145/6. The THD is 0.08% for the Elite SC-LX704 but 0.09% for the RX-V485.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, ES9026PRO 384 KHz/32-bit for Elite SC-LX704 and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485. Both the Elite SC-LX704 and the RX-V485 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. 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 SC-LX704 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, and the RX-V485 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM.
Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz 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.
The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 has 7/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V485. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the RX-V485. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. The Elite SC-LX704 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The Elite SC-LX704 supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the RX-V485. The Elite SC-LX704 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, and the RX-V485 - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-V485. Both Elite SC-LX704 and RX-V485 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the Elite SC-LX704 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the Elite SC-LX704.