Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 vs Yamaha RX-V481BL

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 versus Yamaha RX-V481BL comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 received 8.5 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V481BL was rated 5.6 points. The release date of Elite VSX-LX304 is 2019, and RX-V481BL is 2016. As a result, it becomes clear that Elite VSX-LX304 is a better option for home theater than RX-V481BL.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 over Yamaha RX-V481BL

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V481BL over Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 5, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V481BL 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. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the Elite VSX-LX304 this value is 225/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V481BL it is 80/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the Elite VSX-LX304 9 out of 10, and the RX-V481BL - 8.

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 Yamaha RX-V481BL.

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-LX304 got 7 points, but Yamaha RX-V481BL received 5 points.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V481BL has 4/1 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 Elite VSX-LX304 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-LX304 were rated 8 out of 10 against the 6 for the RX-V481BL.

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 only with Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite VSX-LX304 got 9 points, but the RX-V481BL has 7.

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 VSX-LX304 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa. Yamaha RX-V481BL 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 VSX-LX304 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V481BL 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 VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304.

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 VSX-LX304 licensed by IMAX.