The Sony STR-DN1080 vs Pioneer SC-LX801 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DN1080 has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer SC-LX801. Regarding power, then STR-DN1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when SC-LX801 has a power of 140/8, 200/6, 255/4. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1080 but 0.08% for the SC-LX801.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 96 KHz/24-bit for STR-DN1080 and ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit for the SC-LX801. Both the STR-DN1080 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. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The STR-DN1080 can work with the audio stream from TIDAL, Pandora, 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 STR-DN1080. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the SC-LX801.
The Sony STR-DN1080 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer SC-LX801. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the STR-DN1080. 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.
The STR-DN1080 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the SC-LX801. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both STR-DN1080 and SC-LX801 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.