Denon AVR-S960H vs Pioneer VSX-LX503

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Being able to compare Denon AVR-S960H 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, Denon AVR-S960H received 7.8 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 was rated 8.6 points. The release date of AVR-S960H is 2020, and VSX-LX503 is 2018. VSX-LX503 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the AVR-S960H.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S960H over Pioneer VSX-LX503

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX503 over Denon AVR-S960H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Denon AVR-S960H 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 AVR-S960H it is 90/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S960H 6 out of 10, and the VSX-LX503 - 9.

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 on the VSX-LX503.

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, Denon AVR-S960H scored 10, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 scored 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Denon AVR-S960H.

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.

Denon AVR-S960H is equipped with 6/2 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 Denon AVR-S960H.

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 Denon AVR-S960H in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 has the HDCP 2.2 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 AVR-S960H were rated 8 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-LX503.

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 AVR-S960H works with the 4K/120Hz video, and the VSX-LX503 has the 4K/60Hz.

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 only on Denon AVR-S960H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-S960H got 10 points, but the VSX-LX503 has 8.

Only the Denon AVR-S960H 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.