Pioneer VSX-LX304 vs Pioneer SC-79

      Pioneer VSX-LX304

      Pioneer SC-79
      90
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      84
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      North America Europe
      Australia and Asia
      USA
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      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 9.1 Channel Processing
      • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 9.1 Channel Processing
      • 150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • USB DAC
      • THX™Ultra2 Plus Certified
      • 4K/30Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-LX304
      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-79
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Amplifier
      7. Speaker Configurations
      8. Immersive Audio Formats
      9. HDMI
      10. Inputs and Outputs
      11. Evaluations
      12. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-LX304 to Pioneer SC-79 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. Both receivers have 9 channel amplifiers.


      Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79

      Pioneer VSX-LX304 was introduced in 2019. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.

      Pioneer SC-79 was introduced in 2013 and represented a flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/30Hz and upscales up to 4K/30p video signal.

      We evaluated Pioneer VSX-LX304 and Pioneer SC-79 and gave them scores of 90 and 84 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Pioneer VSX-LX304

      Pioneer SC-79

      Amplifier
      89
      Amplifier
      97
      Audio Features
      90
      Audio Features
      78
      Video Features
      95
      Video Features
      66
      Connectivity
      85
      Connectivity
      87
      Zones
      90
      Zones
      95
      Radio
      90
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      90
      OVERALL
      84

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-LX304 and Pioneer SC-79.

      PROS

      Pioneer VSX-LX304

      Pioneer SC-79

      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   IMAX Enhanced
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Google Assistant
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   High Power Output - 150 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   THX™ Certification
      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   USB DAC
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   9 HDMI Inputs
      •   5 HDMI Outputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   4 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer

      CONS

      Pioneer VSX-LX304

      Pioneer SC-79

      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer VSX-LX304

      Pioneer SC-79

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   3 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   Bluetooth 4․2
      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   RCA Line Inputs

      3. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-LX304

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-LX304 over Pioneer SC-79.

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      Pioneer VSX-LX304
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      Pioneer VSX-LX304 vs Pioneer SC-79
      Higher DAC Specs 384 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/32 Bit
      Dolby Atmos vs
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      IMAX Enhanced vs
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      HDR10 vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) vs up to 4K/30p
      Super Resolution vs
      Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth SBC, AAC vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      Works with SONOS vs
      DTS Play-Fi vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay
      USB Input 2 (1 Front) vs 1 Front
      Zone 2 Outs HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out (shared with Zone B line out) vs Component Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
      Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS vs FM/AM
      Tidal vs
      Deezer vs
      Bigger Power Supply 760 W vs 370 W
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 106 dB vs 103 dB
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz vs 2.8 MHz
      Wider AM Frequency Range 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Longer Warranty 3 Years vs 2 Years Parts & Labor

      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-79

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-79 over Pioneer VSX-LX304.

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      Pioneer SC-79
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      Pioneer VSX-LX304 vs Pioneer SC-79
      Higher Power Output 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support vs
      THX™ Certification vs Ultra2 Plus
      Bi-amp capability vs Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
      Air Studios Monitor Certification vs
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLIIz
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      Surround EX vs
      DTS Neo vs Neo:X
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      USB DAC vs 192kHz/32-bit
      Jitter Reduction vs plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
      Dialogue Lift vs via Dialog Enhancement
      Sound Retriever AIR vs
      Digital Noise Reduction vs
      High-resolution Music Enhancer vs Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
      Optimum Surround vs
      Wide Surround vs
      Headphone Surround vs
      Virtual Speakers vs
      Virtual Depth vs
      Higher MCACC Memory 1 vs 6
      Full Band Phase Control vs
      Precision Distance vs
      Polarity Check vs
      HDBaseT Compatible vs for MAIN/HDZONE (HDMI Extension via CAT5 Cable)
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Component****, Composite
      Stream Smoother vs
      Pure Cinema vs
      Video Parameter Adjustments vs Advanced Video Adjust - HD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black level
      MHL Input vs Android MHL 3D/Full-HD/Charge
      DLNA 1.5 vs
      More HDMI Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 9 (1 front)
      More HDMI Outputs 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2) vs 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      More Optical Inputs 1 vs 2
      More Optical Outputs vs 1
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 1 vs 2
      More RCA Line Outputs vs 1
      More RCA Pre-Outs 0.2 vs 11.2
      More Composite Video Inputs vs 5 (1 front)
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 2
      More Component Video Inputs vs 3
      More Component Video Outputs vs 1
      Speaker A/B vs
      adapterport vs
      More Zones 3 vs 4
      Zone 3 Outs vs Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 1 vs 2 / 1
      AVNavigator vs Built-in
      PreAmp Mode vs
      More Presets 40 vs 63
      Pandora vs
      Advanced Direct Construction [] vs Advanced Direct Construction
      More Speaker Terminals 9 vs 11
      More Large Speaker Terminals 9 vs 11
      3D Space Frame Construction vs
      Gold plated RCA terminals vs
      Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer vs
      Transformer Stabilizer vs
      Lower THD 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power) vs 0.04% (1 kHz, 130 W + 130 W, 8 Ω)

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Channel Processing9.19.1
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC Advanced MCACC
        New HDCP Version2.32.2
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Many HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)9 (1 front)
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        Phono Input
        Ethernet
        Zones34
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)up to 4K/30p
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few 8K Inputs
        No Digital Radio

      6. Amplifier

      Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79

      9 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-LX304 features 9 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-79 features 9 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

        THX™ Ultra2 Plus certification

        Pioneer SC-79 is THX™ Ultra2 Plus certified. This means that it brings the cinematic experience to large home theaters, 3,000 cubic feet (85 cubic meters) in size, with a viewing distance of 12 feet (4 meters) or greater from the screen.



        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Channels9.29.2
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignDirect EnergyClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification Ultra2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B

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        Pioneer VSX-LX304
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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer VSX-LX304's and Pioneer SC-79's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX304: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-79: Not supported.
        • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX304: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-79: Not supported.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX304: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-79: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX304: Does not support.
        • Pioneer SC-79: 9.2.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer VSX-LX304 is able to bi-amp up to 2 and Pioneer SC-79 is able to bi-amp up to 4 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

        8. Immersive Audio Formats

        Dolby Atmos

        Pioneer VSX-LX304 supports Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Pioneer VSX-LX304 supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
        • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Pioneer VSX-LX304 supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

        DTS:X

        Pioneer VSX-LX304 supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Pioneer VSX-LX304 supports DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
        • DTS Dialog Control: Both models have DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

        IMAX Enhanced

        Pioneer VSX-LX304 is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

        • What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.
        AUDIO DECODING Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

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        Pioneer SC-79
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        9. HDMI

        Pioneer VSX-LX304 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 MAIN and 1 SUB/ZONE 2.

        Pioneer SC-79 comes with 9 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 2 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-LX304: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.
          4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer SC-79: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
        • 4K Upscaling: Both receivers can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI sources. Pioneer SC-79 can also upscale from analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer SC-79 supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
        • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on Pioneer VSX-LX304 only).
        • HDCP Copy Protection: Pioneer VSX-LX304 is HDCP 2.3 and Pioneer SC-79 is HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

        HDR (High Dynamic Range)

        Pioneer VSX-LX304 supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

        Pioneer SC-79 does not support HDR. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.



        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible for MAIN/HDZONE (HDMI Extension via CAT5 Cable)
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.32.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)up to 4K/30p
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K up to 4K/30p

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        Pioneer VSX-LX304
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        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Pioneer VSX-LX304 and Pioneer SC-79 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer SC-79 has 11.2 preamplifier outputs which allows you to connect the receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest. Also, both receivers have 9 channel processing but have only 9 channel amplifiers, so they need external amplifiers connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach their maximum speaker configurations.
        • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 5 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer SC-79.
        • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-LX304 and 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-79 for digital audio connections.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX304
          Inputs:           7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-79
          Inputs:           9 (1 front)   Outputs: 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Pioneer VSX-LX304
          Inputs:           0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-79
          Inputs:           5   Outputs: 2.
        • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer SC-79 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer VSX-LX304
          Inputs:           0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-79
          Inputs:           3   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer VSX-LX304: HDMI, USB, Mini-Jack
        • Pioneer SC-79: HDMI, USB, Composite Video

        Pioneer VSX-LX304

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        Pioneer SC-79

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        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)9 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs12
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs12
        RCA Line Inputs5 (1 front)5
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs3
        Component Video Outputs1

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        Pioneer SC-79
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        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer VSX-LX304 and Pioneer SC-79 and gave them scores of 90 and 84 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        Pioneer VSX-LX304

        Pioneer SC-79

        OVERALL
        90
        OVERALL
        84

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        89
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Power Output - 100 W
        EXCELLENT
        97
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 150 W
        •   THX™ Certification

        Audio Features

        EXCELLENT
        90
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   No Front Wide Channel Support
        •   9.1 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI
        GOOD
        78
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   9.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI
        •   USB DAC

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        95
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        AVERAGE
        66
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        Connectivity

        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   Google Assistant
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   7 HDMI Inputs
        •   3 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   No Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 4․2
        EXCELLENT
        87
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   9 HDMI Inputs
        •   5 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet

        Zones

        EXCELLENT
        90
        •   3 Zones
        EXCELLENT
        95
        •   4 Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        90
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   Tidal
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        SeriesEliteElite
        ModelVSX-LX304SC-79
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryAustralia and AsiaUSA
        Release Year20192013
        PredecessorPioneer VSX-LX303 Pioneer SC-68
        SuccessorPioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-89
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Channels9.29.2
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)150 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignDirect EnergyClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification Ultra2 Plus
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineDigital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic) + Aureus™ Floating-Point DSP (TI)Texas Instruments Aureus
        DACAKM AK4458 & TI PCM5101ESS SABRE32 Ultra
        DAC Specs384 kHz/32 Bit192 kHz/32 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing9.19.1
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSDAIFF/WAV/Apple Lossless/FLAC/MP3/WMA/AAC/DSD 5.6Mhz
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSDApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC 192kHz/32-bit
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialog normalization
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
        Sound Retriever Advanced Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control All Channels All Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit32 Audio Processing
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround10 + 115 + Headphone Surround
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC Advanced MCACC
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory16
        Reflex Optimizer
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control Multi-Point
        EQ Bands9-Band9 (Advanced)
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment0.1 feet1/2 Inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible for MAIN/HDZONE (HDMI Extension via CAT5 Cable)
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.32.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)up to 4K/30p
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K up to 4K/30p
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter AdjustmentsAdvanced Video Adjust - HD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Google Assistant
        Chromecast Built-In
        Apple Siri
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL InputAndroid MHL 3D/Full-HD/Charge
        DLNA 1.5
        AirPlay AirPlay 2 AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection Made for iPhone, iPod and iPad (Airplay only) iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
        Remote App iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)9 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
        Optical Inputs12
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs12
        RCA Line Inputs5 (1 front)5
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.211.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs5 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs3
        Component Video Outputs1
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Mini-JackHDMI, USB, Composite Video
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Number of Zones34
        Powered Zones2 and 3 2 and 3
        Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out (shared with Zone B line out)Component Video, Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
        Zone 3 OutsComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out + Subwoofer
        Zone 4 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)2 (Main, Zone2, Zone 3, HDZone)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 12 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        On-Screen DisplayGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
        GUI Languages9
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
        HDMI Speaker B Link
        AV Navigator Built-in
        PC Set-UpWith Remote Maintenance
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSpeaker 9ch Out (FRONT, CENTER,SURROUND, SURROUND BACK/HEIGHT/Bi-AMP, ZONE 2)
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control (Lumius)
        RADIO Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Presets4063
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio TuneIn vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        ChassisInsulated Dual Chassis
        Front PanelBrushedAluminum (Hairline)
        Solid Aluminum Front
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals911
        Large Speaker Terminals911
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption760 W370 W
        No Sound Power75 W
        Standby Power0.15 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        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"        		435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm
        17-1/8" x 7-5/16" x 17-3/8"
        Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)544 mm x 287 mm x 443 mm
        21-7/16" x 11-5/16" x 17-7/16"
        Weight10.8 kg (23.8 lbs)17.6 kg (38.8 lbs)
        Weight of Package13.5 kg (29.8 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-79
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)150 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)200 W (1.0% THD)
        Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)185 W (10% THD)
        Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)170 W (1% THD)
        Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)255 W (1.0% THD)
        Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive850 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
        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
        THD0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)0.04% (1 kHz, 130 W + 130 W, 8 Ω)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ400 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance400 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance8 Ω - 600 Ω
        Rated Headphone Power Output85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
        Phono Overload70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5%)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)106 dB103 dB
        S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)80 dB
        Frequency Response (Analog In)5 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct/Pure Audio)
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz2.8 MHz
        USB DAC TerminalUSB2.0 (Type B)
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
        0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version4․2
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalVer. 2.0, 5 V, 500 mAUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
        FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
        AM Frequency522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty3 Years2 Years Parts & Labor

        * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
        ** - 480i/576i only
        *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
        **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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