Sony STR-AZ3000ES vs Pioneer VSX-LX505

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Sony STR-AZ3000ES and Pioneer VSX-LX505 takes place. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-AZ3000ES received 8.5 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX505 was rated 9.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2023. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that VSX-LX505 has better performance than STR-AZ3000ES.

Main advantages Sony STR-AZ3000ES over Pioneer VSX-LX505

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX505 over Sony STR-AZ3000ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 9.2-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 - 120/8/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-AZ3000ES 8 out of 10, and the VSX-LX505 - 9.

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 VSX-LX505 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 STR-AZ3000ES scored 8, and Pioneer VSX-LX505 scored 9 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-AZ3000ES.

MHL combines the functionality of the HDMI and MicroUSB interfaces and lets you connect any mobile devices to a receiver. The STR-AZ3000ES 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, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Competitors in our review have 6/2 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-LX505 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 STR-AZ3000ES were rated 9 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-LX505.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 10 out of 10.

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 STR-AZ3000ES got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX505 got 9.

Rivals in this competition licensed by IMAX.