Pioneer VSX-LX301 vs Onkyo TX-NR656

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Pioneer VSX-LX301 versus Onkyo TX-NR656 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-LX301 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-NR656 was rated 7.2 points. The release date of VSX-LX301 is 2017, and TX-NR656 is 2016. As a result, it becomes clear that VSX-LX301 is a better option for home theater than TX-NR656.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX301 over Onkyo TX-NR656

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR656 over Pioneer VSX-LX301

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. Both receivers can handle the 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 VSX-LX301 this value is 170/6 W/Ohm, and for the TX-NR656 it is 160/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-LX301 10 out of 10, and the TX-NR656 - 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-LX301 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 VSX-LX301 scored 8, and Onkyo TX-NR656 scored 7 out of 10.

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

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 VSX-LX301 got 8 points, but Onkyo TX-NR656 received 7 points.

Pioneer VSX-LX301 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-NR656 has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 rivals in our comparison were rated 9 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-LX301 got 8 points, but the TX-NR656 has 7.

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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.