Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Yamaha RX-V383BL

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Being able to compare Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 and Yamaha RX-V383BL gave us an insight into what of them would be better for home theater configuration. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 received 8.8 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V383BL was rated 5 points. The release date of Elite SC-LX704 is 2019, and RX-V383BL is 2017. Elite SC-LX704 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the RX-V383BL.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 over Yamaha RX-V383BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V383BL over Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 5, 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-V383BL supports a 5.1-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-V383BL - 5.

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 only on the Elite SC-LX704.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 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.

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-V383BL scored 5 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704.

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

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the Elite SC-LX704 only.

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-V383BL received 5 points.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V383BL has 4/1 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 Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Yamaha RX-V383BL has the HDCP 2.2 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-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 9 for the RX-V383BL.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX704 got 9 points, but the RX-V383BL has 5.

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-LX704 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa. Yamaha RX-V383BL 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-V383BL 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.