Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 vs Denon AVR-S950H

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An overview of Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 and Denon AVR-S950H will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 received 9.2 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-S950H was rated 7.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that AVR-S950H is inferior in audio processing features to Elite SC-LX904.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 over Denon AVR-S950H

Main advantages Denon AVR-S950H over Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 10 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 supports 11.2-channels sound, but Denon AVR-S950H supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the Elite SC-LX904 this value is 140/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-S950H it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the Elite SC-LX904 10 out of 10, and the AVR-S950H - 6.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the Elite SC-LX904.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 scored 8, and Denon AVR-S950H scored 7 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 got 9 points, but Denon AVR-S950H received 8 points.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-S950H has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of the Elite SC-LX904 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 8 for the AVR-S950H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX904 got 9 points, but the AVR-S950H has 10.

Denon AVR-S950H has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-S950H got 7.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. Only the Elite SC-LX904 licensed by IMAX.