The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Yamaha RX-V385 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-LX303 has 9.2 versus 5.1 for Yamaha RX-V385. Regarding power, then VSX-LX303 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 200/6 when RX-V385 has a power of 70/6. The THD is 0.08% for the VSX-LX303 but 0.09% for the RX-V385.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for VSX-LX303 and Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-V385. 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. Only the VSX-LX303 supports Spotify.
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.
The Pioneer VSX-LX303 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V385. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the RX-V385. 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. The VSX-LX303 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-V385. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer VSX-LX303.
Only the VSX-LX303 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-LX303.