Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-LX303 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 200/6, while the Elite VSX-LX505 has a power of 120/8, 230/6. 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 Elite VSX-LX505 is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. The model VSX-LX303 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 Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud.
Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the VSX-LX303 and the Elite VSX-LX505. 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 is the same - 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the Elite VSX-LX505. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Pioneer VSX-LX303 has HDMI CEC. The VSX-LX303 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the Elite VSX-LX505, 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 Elite VSX-LX505 works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the VSX-LX303 is used Google Assistant, but in the Elite VSX-LX505 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in neither AV receiver. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX505 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.