Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Denon AVR-S540BT review

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Rating 5 5

AV receivers comparison chart

Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Denon AVR-S540BT review

Pioneer VSX-LX303
vs
Denon AVR-S540BT

Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Denon AVR-S540BT – that is a question.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 5.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-LX303 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 200/6, while the AVR-S540BT has a power of 70/8, 90/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-LX303 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the AVR-S540BT is equipped with 192 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer VSX-LX303. The model VSX-LX303 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer VSX-LX303 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Denon AVR-S540BT works with TIDAL, Pandora. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the VSX-LX303 and the AVR-S540BT. Video scaling is only possible with the VSX-LX303. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the AVR-S540BT has 5/1.Pioneer VSX-LX303 connectionsDenon AVR-S540BT connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-LX303 and the AVR-S540BT. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. VSX-LX303 and AVR-S540BT support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer VSX-LX303. There is an ECO mode in AVR-S540BT. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Denon AVR-S540BT can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the VSX-LX303. Only in the VSX-LX303 realized a DTS:X surround technology.

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General

Item

Pioneer VSX-LX303
Denon AVR-S540BT

Model

VSX-LX303
AVR-S540BT

Brand

Pioneer
Denon

Reviews

208
763

Amplifier

Channels

9.2
5.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

100/8, 200/6
70/8, 90/6

Output impedance, Ohm

8, 6
8, 6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.08
0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
192 KHz/32-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

MCACC
Audyssey MultEQ

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Advanced Sound Retriever, Hi-Res audio, Reflex Optimizer
Compressed Audio Restorer

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio
TIDAL, Pandora

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

7/2
5/1

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
2

Headphone output

1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

2
2

Coaxial digital input

1
1

Composite input

2
2

Component input/output

1/0
0/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
USB, phones, setup mic

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR10

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG
HLG, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control

Google Assistant

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Amazon Kindle

Display

colour OSD
colour OSD

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
USB

Other additional features

IP Control
has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

3
has not

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
has not

Zone HDMI output

has not

Multi-room control

FlareConnect
has not

RS-232

1
0

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/1
0/0

DC trigger output (12V)

2
0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

AIFF
AIFF

Power

Operational power consumption, W

750
310

Standby consumption, W

0.15
0.1

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43.5 x 17.3 x 37/17 x 6.8 x 14.6
43.5 x 15.2 x 30.4/17 x 6 x 12.6

Weight, kg/lbs

13.5/29.8
7.2/16.8

Other

Release year

2018
2018
Pioneer VSX-LX303
Denon AVR-S540BT
Pioneer VSX-LX303
Denon AVR-S540BT

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 8.2
  • 5.5
  • 8.2Pioneer VSX-LX303
  • 5.5Denon AVR-S540BT