Sony STR-DN1080 vs Pioneer VSX-LX303 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Sony STR-DN1080 vs Pioneer VSX-LX303 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STR-DN1080 has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer VSX-LX303. Regarding power, then STR-DN1080 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/6 when VSX-LX303 has a power of 100/8, 200/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-DN1080 but 0.08% for the VSX-LX303.

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-LX303. Both the STR-DN1080 and the VSX-LX303 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-LX303 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. 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-LX303 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-DN1080. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-LX303.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-DN1080 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX303. 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-LX303 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The STR-DN1080 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the VSX-LX303. The STR-DN1080 supports voice control via Google assistant, and the VSX-LX303 - Google Assistant. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both STR-DN1080 and VSX-LX303 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.