Denon HEOS AVR vs Pioneer VSX-LX504

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon HEOS AVR and Pioneer VSX-LX504 takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon HEOS AVR received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 was rated 8.8 points. The release date of HEOS AVR is 2017, and VSX-LX504 is 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that VSX-LX504 has better performance than HEOS AVR.

Main advantages Denon HEOS AVR over Pioneer VSX-LX504

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX504 over Denon HEOS AVR

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon HEOS AVR supports 5.1-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-LX504 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 VSX-LX504 this value is 120/8 W/Ohm, and for the HEOS AVR it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the HEOS AVR 5 out of 10, and the VSX-LX504 - 9.

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 on the VSX-LX504.

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 markedly different, Denon HEOS AVR scored 7, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 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 HEOS AVR got 5 points, but Pioneer VSX-LX504 received 8 points.

Denon HEOS AVR is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the VSX-LX504 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 HEOS AVR were rated 5 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-LX504.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available on the Pioneer VSX-LX504.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Pioneer VSX-LX504.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the HEOS AVR got 4 points, but the VSX-LX504 has 9.

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 HEOS AVR got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX504 got 8.

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 VSX-LX504 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 on the VSX-LX504.

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. The VSX-LX504 licensed by IMAX.