Denon AVR-X1600H vs Pioneer VSX-LX301

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

AVR-X1600H vs VSX-LX301 comparison chart

Denon AVR-X1600H vs Pioneer VSX-LX301 review

Denon AVR-X1600H
vs
Pioneer VSX-LX301

An overview of Denon AVR-X1600H and Pioneer VSX-LX301 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X1600H received 7.6 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX301 was rated 8 points. The release date of AVR-X1600H is 2019, and VSX-LX301 is 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that AVR-X1600H is inferior in audio processing features to VSX-LX301.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X1600H over Pioneer VSX-LX301

  • Include HDMI eARC function.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX301 over Denon AVR-X1600H

  • 100/8 W/Ohm RMS makes it more productive compared to 80/8 W/Ohm RMS in another receiver in the review.

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

AVR-X1600H
7
VSX-LX301
8

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 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-X1600H it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
Channels7.27.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm80/8, 120/6100/8, 170/6
Output impedance, Ohm8, 68, 6
Frequency response10Hz-100KHz10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, %0.080.08

Audio features

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

AVR-X1600H
10
VSX-LX301
10

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.

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
Digital to analog converter (DAC)384 KHz/32-bitAK4458 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibrationAudyssey MultEQ XTMCACC
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio featuresAudyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Compressed Audio RestorerAdvanced Sound Retriever, Hi-Res audio, Reflex Optimizer

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

AVR-X1600H
8
VSX-LX301
8

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

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
Wi-Fi2.4/5GHz
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)11
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlay, AirPlay 2AirPlay
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesDeezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Mood MixDeezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio

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, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

AVR-X1600H
8
VSX-LX301
8

Denon AVR-X1600H is equipped with 6/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX301 has 7/2 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 only on Denon AVR-X1600H.

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 Denon AVR-X1600H in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-LX301 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
HDMI input/output6/17/2
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP)HDCP 2.3HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE)22
Headphone output1 x 6.31 x 6.3
Optical digital input22
Coaxial digital input11
Composite input22
Component input/output0/01/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectorsUSB, HDMI, phones, setup micUSB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX
Multi channel preamp output

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 AVR-X1600H were rated 6 out of 10 against the 9 for the VSX-LX301.

AVR-X1600H
6
VSX-LX301
9

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 with Pioneer VSX-LX301.

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR10
4K signal pass-through4K/60Hz4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversionanalog to HDMI
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video featuresHLG, BT.2020x.v.Color, BT.2020

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X1600H got 10 points, but the VSX-LX301 has 8.

AVR-X1600H
10
VSX-LX301
8

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 AVR-X1600H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVR-X1600H has the ECO mode.

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI
App controliPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Amazon KindleiPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Displaycolour OSDcolour OSD
TunerAM, FMAM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware updatenetwork, USBnetwork, USB
Other additional featuresIP Control, Web Controlhas not

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.

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
Multi-room zones22
Zone audio outputspeaker, preoutspeaker, preout
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room controlHEOS AppFlareConnect
RS-23201
Remote control input/output (IR)0/01/1
DC trigger output (12V)02

Multichannel surround

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

AVR-X1600H
7
VSX-LX301
7

AVR-X1600H VSX-LX301
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height VirtualizationDolby Digital Plus
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other)DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESSDTS Neo:X
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo
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