Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha RX-V585BL vs Pioneer Elite SC-LX904, 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 - 7.2 versus 11.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-V585BL has such a ratio W/Ohm - 80/8, 145/6, while the Elite SC-LX904 has a power of 140/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-V585BL it is 0.09%, but for the Elite SC-LX904 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-V585BL received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the Elite SC-LX904 is equipped with ES9026PRO 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-V585BL and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. 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 Yamaha RX-V585BL works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, but the Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora.
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-V585BL and the Elite SC-LX904. 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-V585BL has 4/1, and the Elite SC-LX904 has 7/3. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is supported by the RX-V585BL and the Elite SC-LX904. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-V585BL has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the Elite SC-LX904, 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-LX904.
Unlike the RX-V585BL where 2 Multi zones is provided, the Elite SC-LX904 works with 3 Multi zones. For voice control in the RX-V585BL is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, but in the Elite SC-LX904 is used Amazon Alexa. There is an ECO mode in RX-V585BL. The Yamaha RX-V585BL and the Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 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.