It makes sense comparing Denon AVR-X1600H vs Pioneer VSX-LX301 because they both are able to give some premium features.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then AVR-X1600H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8, 120/6 when VSX-LX301 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 384 KHz/32-bit for AVR-X1600H and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-LX301. Both the AVR-X1600H and the VSX-LX301 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 Denon AVR-X1600H has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-X1600H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Mood Mix, and the VSX-LX301 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-LX301 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR-X1600H. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-LX301.
The Denon AVR-X1600H has 6/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX301. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-X1600H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The AVR-X1600H supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.3, versus HDCP 2.2 in the VSX-LX301. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X1600H. Both AVR-X1600H and VSX-LX301 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.