Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Yamaha RX-V4A

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Review of Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 versus Yamaha RX-V4A will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 received 8.8 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V4A was rated 6.5 points. The release date of Elite SC-LX704 is 2019, and RX-V4A is 2020. Elite SC-LX704 is better suited for home theater use than the RX-V4A. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 over Yamaha RX-V4A

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V4A over Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V4A supports a 5.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the Elite SC-LX704 10 out of 10, and the RX-V4A - 7.

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-LX704 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-LX704 scored 8, and Yamaha RX-V4A scored 9 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-LX704 got 8 points, but Yamaha RX-V4A received 5 points.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V4A has 4/1 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 on Yamaha RX-V4A.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the Elite SC-LX704 has a Phono interface.

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-LX704 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 7 for the RX-V4A.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The Elite SC-LX704 works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the RX-V4A has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Yamaha RX-V4A.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX704 got 9 points, but the RX-V4A has 7.

Yamaha RX-V4A 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-LX704 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V4A got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the Elite SC-LX704.

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-LX704 licensed by IMAX.