The Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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-ZA3100ES has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer SC-LX801. Regarding power, then STR-ZA3100ES has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when SC-LX801 has a power of 140/8, 200/6, 255/4. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-ZA3100ES but 0.08% for the SC-LX801. Both the STR-ZA3100ES 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. 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. The SC-LX801 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-ZA3100ES. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Sony STR-ZA3100ES 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-ZA3100ES. 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-ZA3100ES 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-ZA3100ES 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.