What is better - Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Denon DRA-800H?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 2.0, 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 DRA-800H has a power of 100/8, 120/6. 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 DRA-800H is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer VSX-LX303. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Denon DRA-800H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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 DRA-800H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. 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 DRA-800H. Video scaling is only possible with the VSX-LX303. 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 DRA-800H has 5/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-LX303 and the DRA-800H. 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 DRA-800H, 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 DRA-800H works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the VSX-LX303 is used Google Assistant, but in the DRA-800H is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in DRA-800H. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Denon DRA-800H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the VSX-LX303. Only in the VSX-LX303 realized a DTS:X surround technology.