Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer SC-LX801 vs Denon AVRX4300H, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the SC-LX801 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 140/8, 200/6, 255/4, while the AVRX4300H has a power of 125/8, 165/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the SC-LX801 it is 0.08%, but for the AVRX4300H it is 0.05%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the SC-LX801 received the model ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit, but the AVRX4300H is equipped with 192 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer SC-LX801 and Denon AVRX4300H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer SC-LX801 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, but the Denon AVRX4300H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. 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 SC-LX801 and the AVRX4300H. 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 SC-LX801 has 8/2, and the AVRX4300H has 8/3. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the SC-LX801 and the AVRX4300H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. SC-LX801 and AVRX4300H support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 3 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in AVRX4300H. The Pioneer SC-LX801 and the Denon AVRX4300H 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.