It makes sense comparing Pioneer VSX-LX102 vs Onkyo TX-8260 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-LX102 has 7.2 versus 2.0 for Onkyo TX-8260. Regarding power, then VSX-LX102 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8, 170/6 when TX-8260 has a power of 80/8, 160/6. The THD is 0.08% for the VSX-LX102 but 0.09% for the TX-8260.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4438 384 KHz/32-bit for VSX-LX102 and AK4452 384 KHz/32-bit for the TX-8260. Only the VSX-LX102 supports Bi-amping feature. The Pioneer VSX-LX102 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 VSX-LX102 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the TX-8260 can receive a content from TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. Only the VSX-LX102 provides HDMI signal transmission in standby mode. The VSX-LX102 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-8260. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-LX102. Only the VSX-LX102 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present in only the VSX-LX102. These compared receivers 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 VSX-LX102. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer VSX-LX102.
Only the VSX-LX102 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-LX102.