Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Denon AVR-S970H – that is a question.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 7.2, 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-S970H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-LX303 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the AVR-S970H is equipped with 192 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Denon AVR-S970H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. 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-S970H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix.
Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the VSX-LX303 and the AVR-S970H. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the AVR-S970H has 6/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AVR-S970H. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The VSX-LX303 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the AVR-S970H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the VSX-LX303 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the AVR-S970H works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the VSX-LX303 is used Google Assistant, but in the AVR-S970H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in AVR-S970H. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Denon AVR-S970H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.