Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Sony STR-ZA810ES review

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AV receivers comparison chart

Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Sony STR-ZA810ES review

Pioneer VSX-LX303
vs
Sony STR-ZA810ES

Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Sony STR-ZA810ES – that is a question.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 7.2, 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 STR-ZA810ES has a power of 100/8. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the VSX-LX303 it is 0.08%, but for the STR-ZA810ES it is 0.09%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-LX303 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the STR-ZA810ES is equipped with 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Sony STR-ZA810ES can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors.

Video features

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 STR-ZA810ES. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the STR-ZA810ES has 6/2.Pioneer VSX-LX303 connectionsSony STR-ZA810ES connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the STR-ZA810ES. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. VSX-LX303 and STR-ZA810ES support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer VSX-LX303.

Additional features

Unlike the VSX-LX303 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the STR-ZA810ES works with 2 Multi zones. Voice control is performed using Google Assistant in both models. There is an ECO mode in neither AV receiver. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Sony STR-ZA810ES can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.

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General

Item

Pioneer VSX-LX303
Sony STR-ZA810ES

Model

VSX-LX303
STR-ZA810ES

Brand

Pioneer
Sony

Reviews

208
19

Amplifier

Channels

9.2
7.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

100/8, 200/6
100/8

Output impedance, Ohm

8, 6
8

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.08
0.09

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
384 KHz/32-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

MCACC
DCAC EX

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Advanced Sound Retriever, Hi-Res audio, Reflex Optimizer
Hi-Res audio

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1
1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay
AirPlay

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio
has not

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

7/2
6/2

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

2
2

Headphone output

1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

2
1

Coaxial digital input

1
1

Composite input

2
2

Component input/output

1/0
0/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
USB, phones, setup mic

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR10
HDR10

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

analog to HDMI

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG
HLG

Additional features

Voice control

Google Assistant
Google Assistant

App control

iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android

Display

colour OSD
colour OSD

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
network, USB

Other additional features

IP Control
NFC

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

3
2

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
speaker, preout

Zone HDMI output

Multi-room control

FlareConnect
Music Center

RS-232

1
1

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/1
1/1

DC trigger output (12V)

2
0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

AIFF
AIFF, Ogg Vorbis

Power

Operational power consumption, W

750
240

Standby consumption, W

0.15
0.5

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43.5 x 17.3 x 37/17 x 6.8 x 14.6
43 x 15.6 x 33.1/16.9 x 6.1 x 13

Weight, kg/lbs

13.5/29.8
9.1/20

Other

Release year

2018
2017
Pioneer VSX-LX303
Sony STR-ZA810ES
Pioneer VSX-LX303
Sony STR-ZA810ES

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 8.2
  • 7.4
  • 8.2Pioneer VSX-LX303
  • 7.4Sony STR-ZA810ES