Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 vs Pioneer VSX-LX503

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Being able to compare Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 and Pioneer VSX-LX503 gave us an insight into what of them would be better for home theater configuration. According to the results of our review, Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 received 7.5 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 was rated 8.6 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. VSX-LX503 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the AVENTAGE RX-A680.

Main advantages Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 over Pioneer VSX-LX503

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX503 over Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-LX503 supports a 9.2-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-LX503 this value is 120/8 W/Ohm, and for the AVENTAGE RX-A680 it is 115/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 9 of 10 for both receivers.

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 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, Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 got 6 points, but Pioneer VSX-LX503 received 8 points.

Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 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 Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680.

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 Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the VSX-LX503 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 AVENTAGE RX-A680 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-LX503.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVENTAGE RX-A680 got 10 points, but the VSX-LX503 has 8.

Only the Yamaha AVENTAGE RX-A680 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

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