Pioneer vs Yamaha AV Receivers Comparison

Struggling to decide between Yamaha vs Pioneer AV receivers? With a comparison of their features, it can be easier than ever to make the perfect pick. While both offer outstanding sound quality, great connectivity options, and user-friendly interfaces, only you know what will work best for your media system needs!

Basic information about Yamaha and Pioneer

Yamaha and Pioneer are two brands well known for their excellent AV receivers. Both of these companies have been in the audio industry for many years, offering a wide range of products, from home theater receivers to portable units. Yamaha is a Japanese consumer electronics company specializing in AV receivers, amplifiers, speakers, and home theater systems. At the same time, Pioneer is a Japanese consumer electronics company known for specializing in car audio and navigation systems.

When it comes to choosing between Yamaha and Pioneer AV receivers, you should consider the features that each model offers as well as your own needs. Both brands offer great products with plenty of features, so no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to get an excellent audio experience.

Mid-price Yamaha and Pioneer receivers comparison

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

In this Pioneer's Elite SC-LX704 review we will take a look at one of the company's top-of-the-line AV receivers. It is a full-featured AV receiver with a bevy of advanced audio processing capabilities that should appeal to a wide range of users. While it's not the cheapest receiver on the market, it definitely offers a full performance.

Build and design

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 has a sleek and elegant design that will look great in any home theater setup. The front panel is glossy black with a silver Pioneer logo in the center. The rest of the receiver is made of high-quality materials and feels very solid. It's not too big or bulky, and the front panel is relatively uncluttered. The receiver also has a built-in AM/FM tuner and comes with remote control. From my point of view, the buttons on the remote are a bit small and cramped. Even so, they become convenient once you get used to them.

The SC-LX704 is relatively easy to set up. The onscreen display is clear and easy to navigate, and the receiver comes with a well-written manual that will help you get everything up and running in no time. Included setup microphone makes calibrating your speakers a breeze.

Features and specs

Let's see what features Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 hides inside. The receiver has a 9.2-channel amplifier and a power output of 140 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% THD). Thanks to the A/B speaker, it's possible to use two different types of speakers. At the same, the Bi-Amp mode allows using the front left and right channels for bi-amp operation with compatible speakers. In addition, Multi-Tone Control adjusts the sound of each individual channel to match your speakers.

The SC-LX704 has a variety of inputs and outputs, including HDMI, a subwoofer output, an RS-232C port for integration with custom control systems, and a USB port for connecting a storage device. You can wirelessly stream audio from your mobile devices, using built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or connect wirelessly to speakers and favorite services like Spotify, Pandora, and Tidal. There's also support for AirPlay, Chromecast, and DNLA. If you're into vinyl, the SC-LX704 has a phono input for connecting to a turntable.

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 also supports 4K Ultra HD pass-through with HDR support. This means that you'll be able to enjoy the latest and greatest in video quality, without having to worry about compatibility issues. The receiver comes with a variety of pre-set sound modes, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Surround, and DTS Neural:X. There's also a Cinema EQ mode that automatically adjusts the sound quality for movies and a Music EQ mode that does the same for music.

Sound quality

I've tested a lot of receivers before, and the Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 is definitely one of the finest. The calibration process, from my point of view, is better than many others. Besides, I tried to play the soundtrack of "Mad Max: Fury Road" with the Dolby Atmos enabled, and it sounded fantastic, with plenty of depth and detail. The explosions and gunfire were incredibly loud and realistically portrayed, and the sound stage was huge. The SC-LX704 handled music well, delivering a smooth and natural sound with good bass response. Even at higher volumes, the Pioneer is rich and full.

Verdict about Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Yamaha RX-A6A

Are you in the market for an amplifier that can handle all your audio and video needs? If so, Yamaha has a model that may interest you – the RX-A6A. So far, I've been very impressed with its quality, whether I was watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. Keep reading this Yamaha RX-A6A review to find out why.

Build and design

The Yamaha RX-A6A is a beautiful amplifier. It has a sleek, modern design with a black finish. It's also quite large, measuring in at 17-1/8 x 7-1/2 x 17-3/8 inches and 41.2 lbs, so you'll need some space for it.

But it's not just about looks – the RX-A6A is also built to last. It has a robust construction with a metal chassis and thick, heavy-duty speaker terminals that will last for years and can handle even the most strenuous listening sessions.

The front panel of the RX-A6A is quite simple, with just a few buttons and an LCD display. The buttons allow you to control basic functions such as power, volume, input selection, and sound mode. The LCD display provides information about the current settings and status of the amplifier. The back panel features more HDMI inputs and outputs, as well as a variety of other audio and video connections.

Features and specs

The Yamaha RX-A6A is a comprehensive amplifier, with plenty of features to satisfy even the most demanding user. It's a 9.2 channel receiver that can handle up to 150 watts per channel. The RX-A6A also features Yamaha's Compressed Music Enhancer, which restores lost detail and dynamic range in compressed music files. Multi-room listening is available here, so you can listen to music in 4 different rooms of your house or even in the backyard.

Bi-amp capability is included too, which allows you to use two amplifiers to drive your front speaker set. If you're concerned about expensive power bills, there's an ECO mode that cuts electricity use by up to 20%.

RX-A6A has a wide range of inputs and outputs, like 7 Inputs and 3 Outputs for HDMI. As an example, you can use them to connect with a Blu-ray player, cable box, gaming console, and other devices. I like that this model supports probably all current connecting options, including wireless: analog and digital, coaxial, USB connections, composite video inputs/outputs, network port, front AV input, a headphone output, WiFi, Bluetooth, and more. In fact, you can connect just about anything to it. If you are a fan of radio, here is a built-in FM-tuner quality too.

Some other specifications of Yamaha RX-A6A in terms of video quality include 4K Ultra HD pass-through, HDR support, and Dolby Vision, near-4K quality. You are able to get the most out of your current video collection. It also supports 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. And if you're a gamer, the RX-A6A has you covered with its low latency mode and various gaming modes that optimize the sound for different types of games.

Sound

My experience with the sound quality of the Yamaha RX-A6A has been overwhelmingly positive. The amplifier is able to deliver clear, crisp audio with excellent dynamics. Whether I was watching a movie or listening to music, I was always impressed by the powerful sound that this receiver produces and particularly with how well it handled gaming audio – gunshots and explosions sounded realistic and immersive. And its low latency mode ensures that there is no delay between what you see on the screen and what you hear, so you won't miss a single beat.

A listening mode selector that allows you to choose from three different listening modes: music, movie, or game. These modes optimize the sound for different types of content. A custom mode that you can use to create your own personal listening settings. For films, the cinema DSP mode creates a truly cinematic experience. There's also a dialogue lift mode that raises the level of dialogue in movies and TV shows to make it easier to hear. For music, the stereo mode creates a wide, spacious soundstage. And for games, the game mode provides an extra level of immersion.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-A6A

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 and Yamaha RX-A6A are high-quality receivers offering a range of home entertainment features. After comparing, I believe both receivers offer great value for their mid-level price points. Ultimately, while the Yamaha RX-A6A is a more expensive option, its top-of-the-line features and superior sound quality make it an excellent choice that will undoubtedly deliver value for your money.

Premium Yamaha and Pioneer receivers comparison

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

I've seen a lot of impressive AV receivers in recent years, and Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 might just be one of the best. It's packed with features, delivers excellent performance, and has one of the most user-friendly interfaces.

In this Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 review I will go over in detail the capabilities of this receiver and tell my honest opinion about them.

Build and design

The first thing that caught my eye about Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 is its elegant design. The entire receiver has a black finish with a hint of silver around the edges. It's a sleek look that will match any modern home theater setup. The receiver is solid and feels heavy, which gives me confidence that it will last for years. Overall, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 is surely among the best-looking and best-built receivers I've ever used.

The front panel of the receiver is very user-friendly, with large buttons and a bright display. The buttons provide feedback with a satisfying click. The display is large and easy to read, even in low light conditions.The rear panel of the receiver is just as well-designed as the front. All the inputs and outputs are clearly labeled and easy to access.

Features and specs

I would call the receiver powerful just because of its rated power output. It is said to deliver 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) with 0.08% THD. Besides, this Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 uses 32-bit / 384 kHz capable DACs that can produce high-resolution audio. In practice, it means that I can push the receiver to its limits, and it never skips a beat. It has 11.2 channels of audio processing, so it can handle even the most complex home theater setups consisting of up to 11 speakers.

The receiver is also compatible with Pioneer's Multi-Zone Technology, which allows you to play different audio sources in different rooms.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904's features include 8 HDMI inputs, 3 HDMI outputs, Hi-Res Audio playback, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There's also a USB port on the front panel, which makes it easy to connect a portable hard drive or thumb drive. I was able to hook up a TV, PlayStation, smartphone, laptop, and even a turntable. The AirPlay compatibility was especially handy, as it allowed me to easily stream audio from my iPhone to the receiver. By the way, there is no energy-saving ECO mode, which might be disappointing to some people.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the inclusion of HDCP 2.2 support. This ensures that the receiver will be able to handle the new 4K Ultra HD. The receiver also includes support for 3D pass-through, 4K upscaling, and HDR. I tested the receiver with a 4K TV, and it did an excellent job of upscaling lower resolution content. The list of advantages complements support for Dolby Atmos, DTS Neural:X, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, and other pro features.

Sound quality

Listening to music and watching movies on Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 was an absolute pleasure. The receiver delivered exceptional sound quality with crystal clear highs and thundering lows. I watched Captain Marvel and during the beginning of the movie, when Carol dreams and we see the explosion and the earth falling to the ground, there were numerous tiny elements in the soundtrack around me that I hadn't noticed with my old receiver. I never had to adjust the volume levels, even during explosions and other loud scenes.

Verdict about Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

Yamaha RX-A8A

If you're looking for a high-quality A/V receiver that will deliver the amazing audio experience you deserve? Well, Yamaha RX-A8A is worth considering.

With its comprehensive feature set and stellar sound quality, it is certain to exceed your expectations. In this Yamaha RX-A8A review, I'll explore some of the key features I personally tested and discuss how they can benefit you.

Build and design

First and foremost, Yamaha RX-A8A is a beautifully designed piece of hardware. It features a sleek and modern look that will complement any home theater setup. But looks aren't everything. It's also important that the receiver is solidly built and durable and made with high-quality components.

The front panel is packed with buttons and controls, so you'll have easy access to all the features. There's also a large display that provides information about the current status of the receiver. This is a great feature, especially for those who are new to A/V receivers. The back panel is loaded with ports and jacks, so you'll be able to connect all of your audio and video components.

Features and specs

In terms of specifications, Yamaha RX-A8A is one of the most powerful receivers on the market. It has 11 channels of amplification which means that you'll be able to connect up to 11 speakers all over your house. The receiver delivers 150 watts per channel, so it can easily handle even the most demanding home theater setups without any sound distortions or problems. In addition, High Slew Rate Amplifier, combined with Yamaha's own DSP processing, allows hearing every nuance of your favorite music tracks.

Yamaha RX-A8A is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options. It has 7 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, so you'll be able to connect all of your high-definition devices. There is also built-in Wi-Fi and a network port, so you can easily stream content from the internet or from your local network. RX-A8A is also a great choice for those who are looking for a receiver that can be used for home automation. I managed to download apps for iPhone, iPad, Android phone, and tablet. Actually, you are able to control your receiver with just a simple tap on your smartphone.

One of Yamaha RX-A8A's features is support for different video formats and high resolution. It can decode and playback videos in 4K Ultra HD resolution, so you'll be able to enjoy the latest blockbuster movies in stunning detail. There are also HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats included for the best possible viewing experience. Video Adjustment lets you automatically tune the image to match your specific preferences, for example, adjusting the contrast, brightness, and color saturation. VRR/ALLM/QMS/QFT support lets you enjoy smooth and lag-free gaming experiences, with no annoying image stuttering or tearing.

Sound quality

Of course, the most important thing about any A/V receiver is the sound quality. And the Yamaha RX-A8A doesn't disappoint. It has been designed with audiophiles in mind and delivers an amazing listening experience that will truly envelop you.

The receiver supports a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Yamaha's own CINEMA DSP 3D technology. It creates truly immersive and realistic sound both for movies and for music. Even if you have just a pair of speakers, MusicCast Surround mode will produce 3D sound. As for me, it feels like you are in a movie theater or a professional music studio. Moreover, with a calibration system set up, performance will be perfectly optimized for your room.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-A8A

The Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 and Yamaha RX-A8A are premium receivers offering excellent sound quality. Both models offer a range of advanced features, allowing users to customize their sound system. However, the Yamaha RX-A8A is a top choice for superior sound quality! Its advanced features and sleek design make it perfect for providing an immersive audio experience. Whether it be music, movies, or games, this audio receiver packs enough punch to make any listening experience truly extraordinary!

Budget Yamaha and Pioneer receivers comparison

Pioneer VSX-935

Take your home audio experience to the next level with the Pioneer VSX-935 AVR. This powerful receiver combines incredible sound quality and immersive surround capabilities for a truly stunning home theater system that you won't soon forget! The AVR is a great choice for those looking to amplify their home entertainment experience. Featuring advanced audio processing and surround sound capabilities, this receiver delivers an immersive theater-like atmosphere right in your living room! Find out what makes the Pioneer VSX-935 AVR a top choice for every user!

Build and design

The Pioneer VSX-935 is an impressive piece of equipment designed with the most advanced technology and a sleek, modern design. Its front terminals offer a great range of connections and ports, including USB 1 In for connecting external USB devices, MCACC Setup MIC In for setting up and ensuring accurate sound performance, Audio 1 In, which allows for connecting a stereo mini jack, and Phones 1 Out for connecting headphones.

HDMI connections are plentiful, with 6 HDMI inputs at the rear of the receiver and 2 HDMI outputs to maximize the number of devices connected. Digital audio input is further enabled by two optical one and coaxial connectors, while two analog audio inputs provide a great range of options for connecting other audio devices.

The receiver also has a USB port and 3.5mm stereo mini jack at the front, allowing quick and easy hooking up of other portable media, while its dimensions measure 17-1/8 x 6-13/16 x 14-9/16 inches, and it weighs 20.7 lbs. Combining all these features with a stylish, modern design and intuitive control layout, the Pioneer VSX-935 is an ideal choice for those seeking premium sound reproduction capabilities in their home audio setup.

The Pioneer VSX-935 is the perfect combination of performance and style, allowing you to create an immersive and powerful audio experience in your home.

Features and specs

The Pioneer VSX-935 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver designed to provide cinematic audio and video quality to your home cinema setup. It features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, allowing you to experience immersive surround sound with up to 7.1.2 channels of object-based audio and Dolby Surround upmixer and DTS Neural:X Upmixer options. The receiver also supports 8K video, with Ultra HD Upscaling that allows you to upscale 4K content up to 8K resolution. Additionally, it features Bluetooth®, Apple Music AirPlay 2, SONOS compatibility, and Chromecast built-in for streaming audio, as well as Alexa and Hey Google for voice control.

The Pioneer VSX-935 is powered by 80 watts per channel (8 ohms) and 170 watts per channel (6 ohms). It supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG video technologies and HDMI 2.1 specifications. With its multiple connectivity options and support for the latest audio and video technologies, the Pioneer VSX-935 is an excellent choice for a high-quality home cinema receiver.

Whether watching movies, listening to music, or playing your favorite games, this receiver offers the performance and flexibility needed to get the most out of your AV setup.

Sound quality

The Pioneer VSX-935 delivers incredible sound quality with its advanced audio processing and surround sound capabilities. Its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies offer a truly immersive theater-like atmosphere.

It features an incredible frequency response of 10 Hz to 100 kHz, allowing you to experience every sound in great detail. Additionally, it comes equipped with MCACC Pro Auto Room Tuning, which calibrates your audio setup and ensures optimal sound performance. With its 80 watts per channel (8 ohms) and 170 watts per channel (6 ohms) power output, you can enjoy a powerful and dynamic sound that brings your favorite movies and music to life. It has an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB, ensuring you hear the highest quality music and dialogue. The Pioneer VSX-935 is sure to improve your home entertainment experience dramatically. Its advanced audio technologies make it ideal for creating a top-of-the-line sound system. With its powerful output, dynamic sound quality, and wide range of features, this receiver is an excellent choice for any home theater enthusiast.

The strong bass and clear high-frequency sound of the Pioneer VSX-935 will ensure that you get the best sound for your music, movies, and gaming. Its advanced audio processing capabilities make it easy to customize your listening environment to match your tastes. Whether you're looking for theater-quality surround sound or a more personalized experience, this receiver has something for everyone.

Verdict about Pioneer VSX-935

Yamaha RX-V6A

In our Yamaha RX-V6A review you can get to know a few things, which make it stand out from others. First, it has a really powerful amplifier. This feature makes the device perfect for both larger rooms and home theaters.

The device’s advanced features and functionality make it a suitable option for those who want more control over their audio experience. This model also includes features like Yamaha's Own CINEMA DSP processing, which provides an unforgettable sound experience. Finally, the RX-V6A model has different built-in ways of connectivity that makes the device really easy for connecting to your favorite streaming services.

Design and its built

Let’s begin with the design of the model, which is relatively straightforward. For instance, when you are looking at the front side, we can notice a clean and minimalist design, with only a few buttons and regulation knobs. Generally speaking, its build quality is also fine, with a solid feel.

Let’s consider some more Yamaha RX-V6A specifications. As for dimensions, they are 17-1/8" x 6-3/4" x 14-7/8" inches. The model also weighs about 21.6 lbs., which gives it a premium feel. As for the back panel, it is where all the action is, with many ports and connections.

Overall, this design is elegant and practical. It should be more than enough to satisfy most users' needs and desires.

Moreover, it’s really easy to set up the Yamaha RX-V6A model, even if you haven’t done it before. The Yamaha model has a clear interface, so it will be easy for you to to control and operate it. The setup process does not require special knowledge or expertise. The receiver can be configured to work with most varieties of home theater systems and different audio components that you use.

Features

The Yamaha RX-V6A model is a popular 7.2-channel device, which produces deep, realistic sound and supports advanced streaming services for ultimate flexibility and convenience. I think practicality and power are two main things, which are worth our attention. With 100 W (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.06% THD, 2ch driven), the model has a lot of power in order to drive your speakers and also provide an unforgettable sound experience. It is a possibility to feel deep and clear sounds. This model supports bi-ampinng.

Owners of the device can use two amplifiers at the same time, if they want to power each of the left and right speakers, providing greater power and improved sound quality. Bi-amp capable models typically have special speaker terminals. Users are allowed to connect the two amplifiers and switches or menus in order to enable or disable the bi-amp function.

Besides, it includes a multi-room mode. Here we speak about one more interesting feature. You just need to download the MusicCast app if you want to control which room the sound is playing in. People can also use it to stream different sources to any of your rooms. It’s really comfortable, because it doesn’t require any additional remote control, only your smartphone.

The Yamaha RX-V6A includes a wide variety of ports for connecting a lot of types of devices, such as audio and video. It’s also important to check before buying, in order not to buy something else later. On this device you can notice seven HDMI inputs, two RCA stereo inputs, one optical digital input, and a subwoofer output.

In addition, this model includes a USB port that gives a possibility to connect a USB drive or a digital audio player. For radio fans, the RX-V6A includes a built-in AM and FM tuner. Besides, there are some other connectivities, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Such availability is really comfortable, because they are like alternative options, in the case of any problem. It provides an easy way of connection, giving you the maximum flexibility in usage. The AirPlay2 and Yamaha AirPlay app allows you to stream your favorite music directly from your personal Apple devices. The RX-V6A model is ideal for almost any home theater setup with all these great features.

This model provides an excellent video experience. Yamaha RX-V6A also has several audio features that will improve watching experience. It supports 4K Ultra HD video, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. People like and prefer this device for its 4K120AB, 8K60B, 4K60, and 24GBPS HDMI1-3 pass-through.

Sound

The Yamaha RX-V6A is an excellent option for people, who are looking for quality sound. It has many great features that will make your listening experience better. The receiver has a built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoder, ensuring that you'll get the best possible sound quality from your movies and music. It supports a wide variety of audio formats. It also features six channels of amplification to enjoy stereo sound even in large rooms. So, one of the best things about this receiver is the sound quality. It provides a clear and powerful sound that will make you feel right in the middle of the action.

The Yamaha RX-V6A also includes the YPAO Volume feature. It is a feature that automatically adjusts the receiver's volume to suit your preference.

Verdict about Yamaha RX-V6A

The Pioneer VSX-935 and Yamaha RX-V6A are popular home theater receivers offering excellent sound quality and feature-rich systems. Both offer 7.2 and 7.2 channel audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X support, and 4K/HDR pass-through for optimal image quality. As for me, Pioneer VSX-935 is better. With regard to their technical specifications, the two are nearly indistinguishable. If I had to pick, the Pioneer VSX-935 would be my unequivocal choice.

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