Sony STRZA1100ES vs Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

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The Sony STRZA1100ES vs Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Sony STRZA1100ES received 6.6 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 was rated 9.2 points. The release date of STRZA1100ES is 2017, and Elite SC-LX904 is 2019. Elite SC-LX904 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - STRZA1100ES.

Main advantages Sony STRZA1100ES over Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 over Sony STRZA1100ES

Amplifiers

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

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STRZA1100ES supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 supports a 11.2-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 STRZA1100ES it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STRZA1100ES 7 out of 10, and the Elite SC-LX904 - 10.

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, Sony STRZA1100ES scored 5, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 scored 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting. Of the two receivers reviewed, only Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 has a built-in Bluetooth.

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, Sony STRZA1100ES got 6 points, but Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 received 9 points.

Sony STRZA1100ES is equipped with 5/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 has 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Sony STRZA1100ES in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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-LX904 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 STRZA1100ES were rated 7 out of 10 against the 10 for the Elite SC-LX904.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STRZA1100ES got 7 points, but the Elite SC-LX904 has 9.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The Elite SC-LX904 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa.

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

Sony STRZA1100ES got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 got 8.

Rivals in this competition licensed by IMAX.