Onkyo TX-SR353 vs Pioneer Elite SC-85 review

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Onkyo TX-SR353 vs Pioneer Elite SC-85 comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Onkyo TX-SR353 has 5.1 versus 9.2 for Pioneer Elite SC-85. Regarding power, then TX-SR353 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 140/6 when Elite SC-85 has a power of 135/8, 175/6, 220/4. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for TX-SR353 and ESS SABRE 192 KHz/32-bit for the Elite SC-85. Only the Elite SC-85 supports Bi-amping feature. The Pioneer Elite SC-85 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Both models do not have WI-FI support. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Only the Elite SC-85 supports Spotify.

Video features

HDR is not available on each model. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The Elite SC-85 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-SR353. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is not supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Onkyo TX-SR353 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer Elite SC-85. 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 in only the TX-SR353. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is only available for the Elite SC-85. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer Elite SC-85.

Multichannel surround

Only the Elite SC-85 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The receivers do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X.