Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 9.2 channel 4K A/V Receiver (2019 model) Review
If you're an audiophile looking for an incredible sonic experience that goes beyond limits, then you definitely need to check out the Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304. It has 9.2 channels and delivers stunning 4K quality. It's perfect for anyone who wants to be completely immersed in their audio experience. This speaker is perfect for medium to large living spaces. It's like having a symphony hall right in your home, surrounding you with amazing cinematic sound. Let's get to know more about this.
Our Verdict
When it comes to A/V receivers, the LX304 will definitely grab your attention. The design and connectivity of this thing are amazing! It opens up so many possibilities! However, you should keep in mind that even though it's nearly perfect, there are still some small details to consider, like its weight and occasional HDMI quirks. For those who have a sophisticated taste, it can be seen as an investment. But for those who are more practical, it's something to consider.
PROS
- Stellar 9.2 channel surround sound
- Robust build quality and durability.
- Class D3 amplification for pristine audio
- Advanced MCACC room calibration system.
- Zone 2/Zone 3 powered outputs.
- User-friendly on-screen interface.
- Ample HDMI and streaming options.
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTSX.
CONS
- Higher price compared to competitors.
- Remote control design lacks innovation.
- Limited built-in streaming service support.
GENERAL
| Receiver Type | A/V Receiver |
|---|---|
| Number Of Channel | 9.2 Channel |
| Number Channel Processing | 9 |
| Audio Feature | Dolby Atmos , DTS:X |
| Video Feature | HDR10 , Dolby Vision , 4K Passthrough , 4K Upscaling |
| Watts Per Channel | 100 W |
| Zones | 3 |
| Radio | Internet Radio , Pandora , Spotify , Tidal , Deezer |
| Amplifier |
CONNECTIVITY
| Ethernet | Yes |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| USB | Yes |
| RCA LIne Input: | 6 |
| RCA LIne Output: | 1 |
| RCA Pre-Outs: | 11 |
| XLR Line Inputs: | 0 |
| XLR Pre-Outs: | 0 |
| Phono Input: | Yes |
| Optical Inputs: | 1 |
| Optical Output: | 0 |
| Coaxial Inputs: | 1 |
| Multi-Channel Input: | 0 |
| Headphone Out: | 1 |
| HDMI Inputs: | 7 |
| HDMI Outputs: | 2 |
| 8K Inputs: | 0 |
| Composite Video Input | 2 |
| Composite Video Output: | 1 |
| Component Video Input: | 1 |
| Component Video Output: | 1 |
| Front A/V Inputs: | 1 |
| Speaker A/B: | 0 |
AUDIO FEATURES:
| Maximum Channel Processing | 9.1 |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos Music | N/A |
| Dolby TrueHD | Yes |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Yes |
| Dolby Surround Upmixer | Yes |
| Dolby Pro Logic | N/A |
| Dolby Digital EX | N/A |
| Surround EX | N/A |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| DTS Neural:X | Yes |
| DTS Virtual:X | N/A |
| DTS Neo | N/A |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | Yes |
| DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | Yes |
| DTS 96/24 | Yes |
| DTS Express | Yes |
| DTS-ES | Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 |
| IMAX Enhanced | Yes |
| PCM | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
| Music Playback via USB | Yes |
| High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit |
| High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD |
| Gapless Playback | Yes |
| DSD via HDMI | Yes |
| DSD via USB | Yes |
| DSD to PCM Converter | Yes |
| USB DAC | Yes |
| Jitter Reduction | Yes |
| DTS Dialog Control | Yes |
| Dialog Enhancement | Yes |
| Dialog Level Adjustment | Yes |
| Dialog Normalization | Yes |
| Dialogue Lift | Yes |
| Compressed Music Enhancer | Advanced Sound Retriever |
| High-resolution Music Enhancer | N/A |
| Audyssey Dynamic EQ | N/A |
| Audyssey Dynamic Volume | N/A |
| Audyssey LFC | N/A |
| Audyssey Sub EQ HT | N/A |
| Audyssey DSX | N/A |
| Direct Mode | Yes |
| Pure Direct Mode | Yes |
| Independent Subwoofer Outputs | Yes |
| Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | Advanced MCACC |
| Audyssey App Support | Yes |
| Bass Sync | Yes |
| Optimized Bass Redirection | Yes |
VIDEO FEATURES:
| HDMI Version | 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Enhanced ARC | N/A |
| HDCP Version | 2.3 |
| HDR10+ | N/A |
| Dynamic HDR | N/A |
| Dolby Vision | Yes |
| HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | Yes |
| QMS (Quick Media Switching) | N/A |
| 3-D Ready | Yes |
| Video Signal Passthrough | Yes |
| Video Signal Upscaling | Yes |
| Analog To HDMI Upconversion | N/A |
| Component Video Upscaling | Yes |
| isf Certified Calibration Control | N/A |
AMPLIFIERS
| Channels | 9.2 |
|---|---|
| Front Wide Channel Support | N/A |
| Current Feedback Topology | Yes |
| Discrete Amplification | Yes |
| HDAM | Yes |
| THX™ Certification | N/A |
| Continuous 6 Ω Rated | Yes |
| Certified 4 Ω Performance | Yes |
| Bi-amp Capability | Yes |
GAMING FEATURES
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | N/A |
|---|---|
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | N/A |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) | N/A |
ZONES
| Zones | 3 |
|---|---|
| Powered Zones | 2 |
| Zone 2 Outs | 1 |
| Zone 3 Outs | 1 |
| RS-232C Interface | Yes |
| +12V Trigger Output | 2 |
RADIO
| Analog Tuner | FM/AM |
|---|---|
| Digital Radio | N/A |
| Internet Radio | TuneIn |
| Pandora | Yes |
| Spotify | Yes |
| Tidal | Yes |
| Deezer | Yes |
| SiriusXM Internet Radio | N/A |
| Napster | N/A |
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
| On-Screen Display | Yes |
|---|---|
| GUI Languages | 9 |
| Web Browser Control | Yes |
| IP Control for CI | Yes |
| Control4 SDDP | N/A |
| PreAmp Mode | N/A |
| Display | Yes |
| Remote Controller | Yes |
| Remote Control In/Out | 1/1 |
| LCD Display | Yes |
| Detachable Power Cord | Yes |
| Setup Assistant | Yes |
POWER
| Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 | 185 W |
|---|---|
| Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) | 215 W |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front) | 250 W |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front) | 220 W |
| Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front) | 130 W |
| Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 100 W (0.08% THD) |
| Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) | 225 W (10% THD) |
| Power Supply | AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Toroidal Transformer | N/A |
| Power Consumption | 750 W |
| No Sound Power | 65 W |
| Standby Power | 0.15 W |
BUILD
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 435 mm x 173 mm x 370.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-9/16" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs) |
| Chassis | Trans-stabilizer |
| Front Panel | Brushed Aluminum |
| Speaker Terminals | 11 |
| Large Speaker Terminals | 1 |
| Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | Yes |
| Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | Yes |
| High Grade Audio Components | Yes |
| ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | Yes |
| Auto Power off | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
SPECIFICATIONS
| THD digital | 0.08 % (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half Power) |
|---|---|
| Analog Distortion | 0.08 % (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half Power) |
| Phono Distortion | 0.08 % (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half Power)1 |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 200 mV/47 kΩ1 Rated Lineout Level and Impedance: 1 Rated Output digital: 1 S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A): 106 dB1 S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A): 80 dB1 S/N Ratio |
| Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | 3.5 mV/47 kΩ |
| Rated Lineout Level and Impedance | 1 V/470 Ω |
| Rated Output digital | 1 V/470 Ω |
| S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 106 dB |
| S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) | 80 dB |
| S/N Ratio (digital) | 106 dB |
| Phono RIAA Deviation | 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB |
| Frequency Response (Analog In) | 10 Hz - 100 kHz, +1 dB/-3 dB |
| DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz |
| DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz |
| Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | 1.0 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component and Composite) |
| Video Frequency Response | 5 Hz - 100 MHz (Component) |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T/IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX |
| Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | 2.4 GHz/5 GHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Frequency | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| USB Terminal | Type A, 5 V/1 A |
| FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 108 MHz |
| FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.) | Mono: 1.6 μV (16.4 dBf), Stereo: 25 μV (39.2 dBf) |
| FM S/N Ratio | Mono: 73 dB, Stereo: 70 dB |
| FM Harmonic Distortion (IHF, 1 kHz) | Mono: 0.5 %, Stereo: 0.5 %1 AM |
| AM Effective Sensitivity | 18 μV1 |
| AM Frequency | 522 kHz - 1611 kHz |
Design
The design of the LX304 is a perfect combination of style and practicality. Oh, it's got a really sleek design and easy-to-use controls that are perfect for modern preferences. The front HDMI input is really handy for quickly connecting devices, and the display is well-lit and easy to see, which shows that Pioneer cares about making their products user-friendly and easy to use.
One drawback is that it doesn't have Zone 2 and Zone 3 outputs, which means you can't set up multiple rooms. Also, it's pretty heavy, so if you have limited space, that might be a problem.
Connectivity
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 is the king when it comes to connectivity. It has a wide range of HDMI, analog, and digital inputs and outputs. This versatility means it can work with all kinds of devices, from old ones to the newest gadgets. The addition of Zone 2 and Zone 3 outputs is really cool! It lets users easily set up multiple rooms and enjoy their music throughout the house. Direct Energy HD Amplification takes your connectivity experience to the next level, making it even better in terms of efficiency and audio performance.
However, even though the LX304 is impressive, it still has its occasional hiccups. Users have been experiencing some occasional issues with the HDMI connection when switching between different sources. Although these disruptions are not a big deal and don't happen often, they do bring a small flaw to an otherwise perfect connectivity experience. If you're used to things going smoothly, you might want to think about these quirks.
Performance
The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 is seriously impressive when it comes to performance. It's like a sonic powerhouse! The audio quality is amazing! It delivers such clear, precise, and deep sounds that it's like listening to a symphony. This receiver is perfect for home theatre enthusiasts who have a keen ear for detail. It has a 9.2 channel setup and supports Dolby Atmos and DTSX, so you'll get an immersive audio experience. It creates an amazing sound experience that brings movies, music, and games to life. The experience it offers is absolutely amazing! It takes your entertainment to a whole new level of sonic brilliance. It's like going on a journey every time you use it.
But, there are some downsides to this excellence. The unit is quite heavy, which shows how well-built it is. However, if you have limited space or want to fit it into a complex home entertainment setup, you might want to keep that in mind. Also, you might notice that the receiver gets pretty hot if you use it for a long time. This is normal for high-performance receivers, but it could be a problem if you live in a warm climate or like to have movie marathons.
Where and When to Use
The LX304 is great for different types of homes, whether you have a small flat or a big living room. It's really versatile and can fit in well with any kind of home setup. This device stands out when it comes to movie nights and gaming sessions. It takes the entertainment experience to a whole new level!
However, the weight and power of the unit might be a bit too much for smaller spaces or for users who don't require a lot of audio power. Budget-conscious buyers might also want to consider the substantial investment required.
Compatible Devices
The LX304 is great at working well with lots of different devices. It supports all kinds of audio codecs and formats, so you can play your music however you like. The Direct Energy HD Amplification makes it even better by making sure it works with all kinds of speakers. This means you can set up your audio system exactly how you want it.
Some users might be disappointed if they prioritise wireless connectivity for mobile devices and find out that there is no built-in Bluetooth. Setting up and controlling Zone 2 and Zone 3 outputs might be a bit tricky for those who aren't too familiar with advanced audio setups.
Ease of Use
Even though the LX304 has some advanced features, it still provides a user-friendly experience. The Advanced MCACC room calibration system is great because it makes the initial setup process super easy. It automatically adjusts the audio settings to match the unique acoustics of your room. The on-screen menus are intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a breeze to operate. Plus, with Zone Controls, you can effortlessly manage different areas or zones, adding to the seamless experience.
However, the setup can be overwhelming for users who are not very familiar with audio equipment. Not having a front HDMI input might make the setup a bit more complicated, especially if you like to change things.
Cost
The LX304 is a great choice if you're looking for top-notch audio quality and performance. It's priced competitively in the high-end A/V receiver market, making it a worthwhile investment.
However, the price might be a bit of a turn-off for people on a budget, especially when you factor in the extra costs for good speakers and source components.
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