Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Sony STR-ZA810ES

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 and Sony STR-ZA810ES takes place. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 received 8.8 points out of 10 possible, and Sony STR-ZA810ES was rated 7.4 points. The release date of Elite SC-LX704 is 2019, and STR-ZA810ES is 2017. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that Elite SC-LX704 has better performance than STR-ZA810ES.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 over Sony STR-ZA810ES

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA810ES over Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 7, 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 Sony STR-ZA810ES supports a 7.2-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 Elite SC-LX704 this value is 135/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA810ES it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the Elite SC-LX704 10 out of 10, and the STR-ZA810ES - 7.

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 Sony STR-ZA810ES 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-ZA810ES.

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 Sony STR-ZA810ES received 7 points.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Sony STR-ZA810ES has 6/2 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 on Sony STR-ZA810ES.

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 Sony STR-ZA810ES 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 STR-ZA810ES.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX704 got 9 points, but the STR-ZA810ES has 8.

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 Sony STR-ZA810ES got 7.

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.