Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Yamaha RX-V385

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Let's make the Pioneer VSX-LX303 versus Yamaha RX-V385 comparison. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-LX303 received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Yamaha RX-V385 was rated 5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. After comparison, it will become clear that among these two devices, the VSX-LX303 is more suitable for the role of the heart of home theater system.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX303 over Yamaha RX-V385

Main advantages Yamaha RX-V385 over Pioneer VSX-LX303

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 5, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Yamaha RX-V385 supports a 5.1-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-LX303 this value is 200/6 W/Ohm, and for the RX-V385 it is 70/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-LX303 9 out of 10, and the RX-V385 - 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 VSX-LX303.

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 VSX-LX303 scored 8, and Yamaha RX-V385 scored 5 out of 10.

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 VSX-LX303 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 VSX-LX303 got 8 points, but Yamaha RX-V385 received 6 points.

Pioneer VSX-LX303 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Yamaha RX-V385 has 4/1 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-V385.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the VSX-LX303 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 VSX-LX303 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 8 for the RX-V385.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-LX303 got 9 points, but the RX-V385 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 VSX-LX303 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant. Yamaha RX-V385 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-LX303 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Yamaha RX-V385 got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Pioneer VSX-LX303 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the VSX-LX303.