Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 vs Onkyo TX-SR494

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 and Onkyo TX-SR494 takes place. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 received 8.5 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR494 was rated 5.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that Elite VSX-LX304 has better performance than TX-SR494.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 over Onkyo TX-SR494

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR494 over Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-SR494 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 VSX-LX304 this value is 225/6 W/Ohm, and for the TX-SR494 it is 135/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 9 of 10 for both receivers.

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, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 scored 8, and Onkyo TX-SR494 scored 5 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304.

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 VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304 got 7 points, but Onkyo TX-SR494 received 6 points.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR494 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 Elite VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304 were rated 8 out of 10 against the 6 for the TX-SR494.

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 Elite VSX-LX304.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite VSX-LX304 got 9 points, but the TX-SR494 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 VSX-LX304 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 VSX-LX304 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-SR494 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 VSX-LX304 licensed by IMAX.