Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304

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Let's compare Denon AVR-X8500HSP versus Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X8500HSP received 9.6 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 was rated 8.5 points. The release date of AVR-X8500HSP is 2018, and Elite VSX-LX304 is 2019. And as a result of the comparison, AVR-X8500HSP seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than Elite VSX-LX304.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X8500HSP over Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304

Main advantages Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 over Denon AVR-X8500HSP

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 10 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-X8500HSP supports 13.2-channels sound, but Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 supports a 9.2-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 AVR-X8500HSP this value is 150/8 W/Ohm, and for the Elite VSX-LX304 it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X8500HSP 10 out of 10, and the Elite VSX-LX304 - 9.

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. Denon AVR-X8500HSP 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, Denon AVR-X8500HSP scored 9, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 scored 8 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, Denon AVR-X8500HSP got 10 points, but Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 received 7 points.

Denon AVR-X8500HSP is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Denon AVR-X8500HSP.

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 AVR-X8500HSP were rated 9 out of 10 against the 8 for the Elite VSX-LX304.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X8500HSP got 10 points, but the Elite VSX-LX304 has 9.

Only the Denon AVR-X8500HSP 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

Denon AVR-X8500HSP got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 got 8.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Only the Denon AVR-X8500HSP has Auro-3D on its feature list.

Rivals in this competition licensed by IMAX.