Sony STR-DN1080 vs Pioneer VSX-LX301 review

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It makes sense comparing Sony STR-DN1080 vs Pioneer VSX-LX301 because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then STR-DN1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when VSX-LX301 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1080 but 0.08% for the VSX-LX301.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 96 KHz/24-bit for STR-DN1080 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-LX301. Both the STR-DN1080 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. 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 VSX-LX301 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

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-DN1080. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-LX301.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-DN1080 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX301. 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 VSX-LX301 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both STR-DN1080 and VSX-LX301 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.