Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Pioneer VSX-LX102 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Pioneer VSX-LX102 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then STR-ZA3100ES has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when VSX-LX102 has a power of 80/8, 170/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STR-ZA3100ES but 0.08% for the VSX-LX102. Both the STR-ZA3100ES and the VSX-LX102 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-LX102 supports Spotify. 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-LX102 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the STR-ZA3100ES. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Sony STR-ZA3100ES has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX102. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the STR-ZA3100ES. 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-LX102 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is only available for the VSX-LX102. Both STR-ZA3100ES and VSX-LX102 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.