The Sony STRZA1100ES vs Pioneer VSX-LX503 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STRZA1100ES has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer VSX-LX503. Regarding power, then STRZA1100ES has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 90/6 when VSX-LX503 has a power of 120/8, 230/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STRZA1100ES but 0.08% for the VSX-LX503. Both the STRZA1100ES and the VSX-LX503 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only the VSX-LX503 has Bluetooth support. Only the VSX-LX503 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 Sony STRZA1100ES has 5/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX503. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the STRZA1100ES. 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-LX503 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The STRZA1100ES supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the VSX-LX503. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both STRZA1100ES and VSX-LX503 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.