Sony STR-DH790 vs Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Sony STR-DH790 versus Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DH790 received 5.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 was rated 8.8 points. The release date of STR-DH790 is 2018, and Elite SC-LX704 is 2019. As a result, it becomes clear that Elite SC-LX704 is a better option for home theater than STR-DH790.

Main advantages Sony STR-DH790 over Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 over Sony STR-DH790

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-DH790 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 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.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DH790 8 out of 10, and the Elite SC-LX704 - 10.

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, Sony STR-DH790 scored 6, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 scored 8 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible 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, Sony STR-DH790 got 7 points, but Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 received 8 points.

Sony STR-DH790 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 has 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Sony STR-DH790.

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 Sony STR-DH790 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 has the HDCP 2.3 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 STR-DH790 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 10 for the Elite SC-LX704.

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 Elite SC-LX704.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DH790 got 6 points, but the Elite SC-LX704 has 9.

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.

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-DH790 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 got 8.

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 Elite SC-LX704 licensed by IMAX.