Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Onkyo TX-SR393

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To get informed with the specs of the receivers, we suggest you read the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 and Onkyo TX-SR393 review. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 received 8.8 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR393 was rated 5.2 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. This review shows us that the Elite SC-LX704 is a better choice as a home AV receiver than the TX-SR393.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 over Onkyo TX-SR393

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR393 over Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

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 Elite SC-LX704 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-SR393 supports a 5.2-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 TX-SR393 it is 80/8 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 TX-SR393 - 6.

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 Elite SC-LX704.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 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 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 Onkyo TX-SR393 scored 6 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only 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, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 got 8 points, but Onkyo TX-SR393 received 6 points.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR393 has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 Onkyo TX-SR393 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 7 for the TX-SR393.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX704 got 9 points, but the TX-SR393 has 6.

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

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-SR393 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.