Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Yamaha RX-S602, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 5.1, 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 RX-S602 has a power of 80/8, 125/6. 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 RX-S602 is equipped with Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Yamaha RX-S602 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 Yamaha RX-S602 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz.
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 RX-S602. Video scaling is only possible with the VSX-LX303. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the VSX-LX303.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the RX-S602 has 4/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-LX303 and the RX-S602. 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 RX-S602, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer VSX-LX303.
Unlike the VSX-LX303 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the RX-S602 works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the VSX-LX303 is used Google Assistant, but in the RX-S602 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in RX-S602. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Yamaha RX-S602 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.