Denon AVR-S740H vs Pioneer SC-LX801 review

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The Denon AVR-S740H vs Pioneer SC-LX801 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-S740H has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer SC-LX801. Regarding power, then AVR-S740H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 75/8, 110/6 when SC-LX801 has a power of 140/8, 200/6, 255/4. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/32-bit for AVR-S740H and ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit for the SC-LX801. Only the SC-LX801 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Denon AVR-S740H has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-S740H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, and the SC-LX801 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora. 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. The SC-LX801 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR-S740H. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Denon AVR-S740H has 6/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer SC-LX801. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. 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 2.2. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The AVR-S740H supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the SC-LX801. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S740H. Both AVR-S740H and SC-LX801 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.