Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Onkyo TX-SR383

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Onkyo TX-SR383 takes place. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-LX303 received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR383 was rated 4.8 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that VSX-LX303 has better performance than TX-SR383.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX303 over Onkyo TX-SR383

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR383 over Pioneer VSX-LX303

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 VSX-LX303 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-SR383 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. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 100/8, 200/6/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-LX303 9 out of 10, and the TX-SR383 - 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.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Pioneer VSX-LX303 has Pure Direct mode.

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 Onkyo TX-SR383 scored 6 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-LX303 got 8 points, but Onkyo TX-SR383 received 6 points.

Pioneer VSX-LX303 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR383 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 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 6 for the TX-SR383.

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 VSX-LX303.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-LX303 got 9 points, but the TX-SR383 has 4.

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.

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 Onkyo TX-SR383 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.