It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DH770 vs Pioneer VSX-LX301 because they both are able to give some premium features.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then STR-DH770 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 105/6 when VSX-LX301 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DH770 but 0.08% for the VSX-LX301.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for STR-DH770 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-LX301. Both the STR-DH770 and the VSX-LX301 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 VSX-LX301 supports Spotify.
These units support HDR technology. 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 VSX-LX301 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-DH770. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-LX301.
The Sony STR-DH770 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX301. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the VSX-LX301. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The VSX-LX301 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer VSX-LX301.
Only the VSX-LX301 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-LX301.