Onkyo TX-RZ840 vs Pioneer VSX-LX301

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An overview of Onkyo TX-RZ840 and Pioneer VSX-LX301 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-RZ840 received 8.4 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX301 was rated 8 points. The release date of TX-RZ840 is 2019, and VSX-LX301 is 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that VSX-LX301 is inferior in audio processing features to TX-RZ840.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ840 over Pioneer VSX-LX301

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX301 over Onkyo TX-RZ840

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 8 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Onkyo TX-RZ840 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-LX301 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 TX-RZ840 this value is 180/6 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-LX301 it is 170/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-RZ840 9 out of 10, and the 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.

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 equal and was rated 8 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, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Competitors in our review have 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 Onkyo TX-RZ840.

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 TX-RZ840 were rated 8 out of 10 against the 9 for the VSX-LX301.

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.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-RZ840 got 9 points, but the VSX-LX301 has 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 TX-RZ840 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant.

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

Onkyo TX-RZ840 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX301 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 TX-RZ840 licensed by IMAX.