Denon AVR-S960H vs Pioneer SC-LX901 – that is a question.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 11.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the AVR-S960H has such a ratio W/Ohm - 90/8, 125/6, while the SC-LX901 has a power of 140/8, 200/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer SC-LX901. Both Denon AVR-S960H and Pioneer SC-LX901 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Denon AVR-S960H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Qobuz, TuneIn Radio, but the Pioneer SC-LX901 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AVR-S960H and the SC-LX901. 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 AVR-S960H has 6/2, and the SC-LX901 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-S960H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The AVR-S960H has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the SC-LX901, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the AVR-S960H where 2 Multi zones is provided, the SC-LX901 works with 3 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in AVR-S960H. The Denon AVR-S960H and the Pioneer SC-LX901 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.