Denon AVR-X4500H vs Pioneer VSX-LX303 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Denon AVR-X4500H vs Pioneer VSX-LX303 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 9.2. Regarding power, then AVR-X4500H has such a W/Ohm ratio - 125/8, 165/6 when VSX-LX303 has a power of 100/8, 200/6. The THD is 0.05% for the AVR-X4500H but 0.08% for the VSX-LX303.

Audio features

Competitors' digital to analog converter (DAC) is identical to AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Both the AVR-X4500H and the VSX-LX303 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-X4500H has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-X4500H can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, and the VSX-LX303 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). 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. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Denon AVR-X4500H has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX303. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-X4500H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 3 Multi-room zones. The AVR-X4500H supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, and the VSX-LX303 - Google Assistant. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X4500H. Both AVR-X4500H and VSX-LX303 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.