Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Yamaha R-N803BL review

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Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Yamaha R-N803BL comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-LX303 has 9.2 versus 2.0 for Yamaha R-N803BL. Regarding power, then VSX-LX303 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 200/6 when R-N803BL has a power of 100/8, 160/4. The THD is 0.08% for the VSX-LX303 but 0.01% for the R-N803BL.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for VSX-LX303 and ESS SABRE (9006AS) 192 KHz/24-bit for the R-N803BL. Only the VSX-LX303 supports Bi-amping feature. 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 Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The VSX-LX303 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the R-N803BL can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Sirius XM. Only the VSX-LX303 provides HDMI signal transmission in standby mode. The VSX-LX303 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the R-N803BL. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-LX303. Only the VSX-LX303 supports HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC). Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present in only the VSX-LX303. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. The VSX-LX303 supports voice control via Google Assistant, and the R-N803BL - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. An ECO mode is only available for the R-N803BL. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer VSX-LX303.

Multichannel surround

Only the VSX-LX303 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-LX303.