Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Onkyo TX-SR494 review

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Rating 5 5

AV receivers comparison chart

Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Onkyo TX-SR494 review

Pioneer VSX-LX303
vs
Onkyo TX-SR494

Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Onkyo TX-SR494 – 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 TX-SR494 has a power of 135/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-LX303 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the TX-SR494 is equipped with AKM 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Onkyo TX-SR494 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The VSX-LX303 has access to the Spotify service.

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 TX-SR494. Video scaling is only possible with the VSX-LX303. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the VSX-LX303.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the TX-SR494 has 4/1.Pioneer VSX-LX303 connectionsOnkyo TX-SR494 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-LX303 and the TX-SR494. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. VSX-LX303 and TX-SR494 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 TX-SR494 works with 2 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in neither AV receiver. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Onkyo TX-SR494 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
Onkyo TX-SR494

Model

VSX-LX303
TX-SR494

Brand

Pioneer
Onkyo

Reviews

208
148

Amplifier

Channels

9.2
7.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

100/8, 200/6
135/6

Output impedance, Ohm

8, 6
6

Frequency response

10Hz-100KHz
10Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.08
0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

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

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

MCACC
AccuEQ

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

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

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

2.4/5GHz

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
1 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

AirPlay

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio
has not

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

7/2
4/1

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
0

Component input/output

1/0
0/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

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

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
DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG, BT.2020

Additional features

Voice control

Google Assistant

App control

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

Display

colour OSD
fluorescent

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

network, USB
USB

Other additional features

IP Control
has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

3
2

Zone audio output

speaker, preout
speaker

Zone HDMI output

Multi-room control

FlareConnect
has not

RS-232

1
0

Remote control input/output (IR)

1/1
0/0

DC trigger output (12V)

2
0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization

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, DTS-EXPRESS

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

AIFF
has not

Power

Operational power consumption, W

750
490

Standby consumption, W

0.15
0.1

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
43.5 x 16.1 x 32.7/17 x 6.3 x 12.6

Weight, kg/lbs

13.5/29.8
8.2/18.1

Other

Release year

2018
2019
Pioneer VSX-LX303
Onkyo TX-SR494
Pioneer VSX-LX303
Onkyo TX-SR494

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 8.2
  • 5.5
  • 8.2Pioneer VSX-LX303
  • 5.5Onkyo TX-SR494