An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Denon AVR-X3800H comparison definitely makes sense.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-LX303 has 9.2 versus 9.4 for Denon AVR-X3800H. Regarding power, then VSX-LX303 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 200/6 when AVR-X3800H has a power of 105/8, 135/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for VSX-LX303 and 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-X3800H. Both the VSX-LX303 and the AVR-X3800H support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The VSX-LX303 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the AVR-X3800H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix.
HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Pioneer VSX-LX303 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/3 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-X3800H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-X3800H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The VSX-LX303 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-X3800H. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The VSX-LX303 supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the AVR-X3800H. The VSX-LX303 supports voice control via Google Assistant, and the AVR-X3800H - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X3800H. Both VSX-LX303 and AVR-X3800H 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.