Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Onkyo TX-RZ840 review

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Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Onkyo TX-RZ840 comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 9.2. Regarding power, then Elite SC-LX704 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 135/8 when TX-RZ840 has a power of 180/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, ES9026PRO 384 KHz/32-bit for Elite SC-LX704 and AKM 384 KHz/32-bit for the TX-RZ840. Both the Elite SC-LX704 and the TX-RZ840 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Both models have the ability to connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The Elite SC-LX704 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, and the TX-RZ840 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). 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 Elite SC-LX704 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-RZ840. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 has 7/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Onkyo TX-RZ840. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the TX-RZ840. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The Elite SC-LX704 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.3, versus HDCP 2.2 in the TX-RZ840. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 3 Multi-room zones. The Elite SC-LX704 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, and the TX-RZ840 - Google Assistant. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both Elite SC-LX704 and TX-RZ840 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.