It makes sense comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304 has 9.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V485. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX304 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 225/6 when RX-V485 has a power of 80/8, 145/6. The THD is 0.08% for the Elite VSX-LX304 but 0.09% for the RX-V485.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for Elite VSX-LX304 and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V485. Both the Elite VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304 has 7/2 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. The Elite VSX-LX304 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the RX-V485. The Elite VSX-LX304 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The Elite VSX-LX304 supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the RX-V485. The Elite VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304 and RX-V485 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the Elite VSX-LX304 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the Elite VSX-LX304.