Pioneer VSX-LX301 vs Onkyo TX-SR373

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The Pioneer VSX-LX301 vs Onkyo TX-SR373 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-LX301 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR373 was rated 4.2 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. VSX-LX301 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - TX-SR373.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX301 over Onkyo TX-SR373

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR373 over Pioneer VSX-LX301

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer VSX-LX301 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-SR373 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 VSX-LX301 this value is 170/6 W/Ohm, and for the TX-SR373 it is 135/6 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-SR373 - 5.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the VSX-LX301.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Pioneer VSX-LX301 has Pure Direct mode.

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-SR373 scored 5 out of 10.

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 VSX-LX301 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, Pioneer VSX-LX301 got 8 points, but Onkyo TX-SR373 received 6 points.

Pioneer VSX-LX301 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR373 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 VSX-LX301 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 VSX-LX301 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 5 for the TX-SR373.

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 VSX-LX301.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-LX301 got 8 points, but the TX-SR373 has 5.

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 VSX-LX301 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-SR373 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 VSX-LX301 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 VSX-LX301.