Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 vs Sony STR-AZ1000ES

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The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 versus Sony STR-AZ1000ES comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 received 8.5 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-AZ1000ES was rated 8.4 points. The release date of Elite VSX-LX305 is 2021, and STR-AZ1000ES is 2023. Identified advantages have shown that Elite VSX-LX305 is better over STR-AZ1000ES mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 over Sony STR-AZ1000ES

Main advantages Sony STR-AZ1000ES over Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Sony STR-AZ1000ES 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. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 100/8, 225/6/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the Elite VSX-LX305 9 out of 10, and the STR-AZ1000ES - 8.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Sony STR-AZ1000ES has Pure Direct mode.

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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

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

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Sony STR-AZ1000ES.

MHL combines the functionality of the HDMI and MicroUSB interfaces and lets you connect any mobile devices to a receiver. The STR-AZ1000ES has MHL support for streaming content from external devices.

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 VSX-LX305 got 7 points, but Sony STR-AZ1000ES received 8 points.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-AZ1000ES has 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI-CEC helps gadgets attached to your TV to link back and forth with your TV via HDMI ports. It is become possible to control all linked devices with one remote. The STR-AZ1000ES features HDMI CEC.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the Elite VSX-LX305 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 VSX-LX305 were rated 8 out of 10 against the 9 for the STR-AZ1000ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite VSX-LX305 got 9 points, but the STR-AZ1000ES has 10.

Sony STR-AZ1000ES 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 8 points out of 10.

Rivals in this competition licensed by IMAX.