Sony STR-DN1040 vs Pioneer SC-LX801 review

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The Sony STR-DN1040 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, Sony STR-DN1040 has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer SC-LX801. Regarding power, then STR-DN1040 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/6 when SC-LX801 has a power of 140/8, 200/6, 255/4. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1040 but 0.08% for the SC-LX801.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 96 KHz/24-bit for STR-DN1040 and ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit for the SC-LX801. Both the STR-DN1040 and the SC-LX801 support Bi-amping. 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 Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Only the SC-LX801 supports Spotify. 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. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the SC-LX801.

Extensive connections

Each receiver has 8/2 HDMI inputs/outputs. 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. The SC-LX801 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The STR-DN1040 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the SC-LX801. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both STR-DN1040 and SC-LX801 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the SC-LX801 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the SC-LX801.