Pioneer VSX-LX301 vs Yamaha RX-V6A

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Let's compare Pioneer VSX-LX301 versus Yamaha RX-V6A for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-LX301 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V6A was rated 7.4 points. The release date of VSX-LX301 is 2017, and RX-V6A is 2020. And as a result of the comparison, VSX-LX301 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than RX-V6A.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX301 over Yamaha RX-V6A

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V6A 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. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 100/8, 170/6/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-LX301 10 out of 10, and the RX-V6A - 7.

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 Yamaha RX-V6A scored 9 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 Yamaha RX-V6A received 7 points.

Pioneer VSX-LX301 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V6A has 7/1 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 on Yamaha RX-V6A.

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 VSX-LX301 in the HDCP 2.2 version, and Yamaha RX-V6A has the HDCP 2.3 version.

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 7 for the RX-V6A.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The VSX-LX301 works with the 4K/60Hz video, and the RX-V6A has the 4K/120Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available on Yamaha RX-V6A.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-LX301 got 8 points, but the RX-V6A has 9.

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 RX-V6A can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri. Yamaha RX-V6A has the ECO mode.

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 Yamaha RX-V6A got 6.