Pioneer VSX-LX305 vs Pioneer VSX-522-K

      Pioneer VSX-LX305

      Pioneer VSX-522-K
      92
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      60
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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)
      • HDMI 2.1
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
      • 8K Passthrough, 8K Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 5.1 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)

      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-LX305
      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-522-K
      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-LX305 to Pioneer VSX-522-K 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. The Pioneer VSX-LX305 has 9 channel and the Pioneer VSX-522-K has 5 channel amplifiers.


      Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K

      Pioneer VSX-LX305 was introduced in 2021. 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 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K video signal.

      Pioneer VSX-522-K was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 1080/60p video signal.

      We evaluated Pioneer VSX-LX305 and Pioneer VSX-522-K and gave them scores of 92 and 60 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-LX305

      Pioneer VSX-522-K

      Amplifier
      89
      Amplifier
      71
      Audio Features
      90
      Audio Features
      64
      Video Features
      100
      Video Features
      46
      Connectivity
      88
      Connectivity
      57
      Zones
      91
      Zones
      55
      Radio
      90
      Radio
      59
      OVERALL
      92
      OVERALL
      60

      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-LX305 and Pioneer VSX-522-K.

      PROS

      Pioneer VSX-LX305

      Pioneer VSX-522-K

      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   IMAX Enhanced
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   HDMI 2.1
      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   VRR
      •   QFT
      •   8K Passthrough
      •   8K Upscaling
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Works with Amazon Alexa
      •   Google Assistant
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   6 8K Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Analog Tuner

      CONS

      Pioneer VSX-LX305

      Pioneer VSX-522-K

      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W
      •   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
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   No Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   4 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No Ethernet
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal


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

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer VSX-LX305

      Pioneer VSX-522-K

      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   3 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   Bluetooth 4․2
      •   7.1 Channel Processing

      3. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-LX305

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-LX305 over Pioneer VSX-522-K.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-LX305
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      Pioneer VSX-LX305 vs Pioneer VSX-522-K
      More Channels 9.2 vs 5.1
      Higher Power Output 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
      Bi-amp capability vs
      More Channel Processing 9.1 vs 7.1
      Dolby Atmos vs
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio vs
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 vs
      IMAX Enhanced vs
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, LPCM, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC
      Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 192 kHz/24 bit vs 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD vs
      Gapless Playback vs
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input vs 2-ch Input
      Dialog Enhancement vs
      More Tone Control Channels All Channels vs Front L/R Channels
      Manual MCACC vs
      Auto Phase Control Plus vs
      Standing Wave Control Multi-Point vs
      HDR10 vs
      HDR10+ vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) vs
      Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
      QMS vs
      Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through vs
      VRR vs
      QFT vs
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC) vs up to 1080p
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K vs
      Wi-Fi vs
      Bluetooth SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD vs
      Works with Amazon Alexa vs
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      Works with SONOS vs
      DTS Play-Fi via Pioneer Music Control App vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs
      Remote Controll App Pioneer Remote App vs
      More HDMI Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 4
      More HDMI Outputs 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2) vs 1
      More 8K Inputs 6 vs
      USB Input 2 (1 Front) vs 1 Front
      More RCA Line Inputs 4 vs 3
      Phono Input vs
      Ethernet vs
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB, Mini-Jack vs USB
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      More Zones 3 vs 1
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output 2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA) vs
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 1 vs 0 / 0
      IP Control for CI vs
      Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS vs FM/AM
      More Presets 40 vs 30
      Internet Radio TuneIn vs
      Spotify vs
      Tidal vs
      Deezer vs
      More Speaker Terminals 9 vs 5
      More Large Speaker Terminals 9 vs 2
      Bigger Power Supply 760 W vs 415 W
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 106 dB vs 98 dB
      Wider AM Frequency Range 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Longer Warranty 3 Years vs 1 Year
      Check out other receivers which are frequently compared to Pioneer VSX-LX305.
      Onkyo TX-NR7100
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      9.2 channel

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      7.2 channel

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      Pioneer VSX-935
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      9.4 channel

      105 W

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      9.2 channel

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      Denon AVR-X2800H
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      7.2 channel

      95 W

      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-522-K

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-522-K over Pioneer VSX-LX305.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-522-K
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      Pioneer VSX-LX305 vs Pioneer VSX-522-K
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLII
      DTS Neo vs Neo:6
      More RCA Pre-Outs 0.2 vs 2.1 (Surr Back/Front Height)
      More Composite Video Inputs vs 2
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 1

      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-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live™ Room Correction MCACC Auto
        New HDCP Version2.32.2
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No Digital Radio
        No Pandora

      6. Amplifier

      Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K

      9 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-LX305 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.

      5 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-522-K features 5 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).


        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Channels9.25.1
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Amplifier DesignDirect EnergyDirect Energy
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability

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        Pioneer VSX-LX305
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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer VSX-LX305's and Pioneer VSX-522-K's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX305: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-522-K: Not supported.
        • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX305: 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 VSX-522-K: Not supported.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX305: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-522-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer VSX-LX305 is able to bi-amp up to 2 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-LX305 supports Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Pioneer VSX-LX305 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-LX305 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-LX305 supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Pioneer VSX-LX305 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-LX305 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-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLII
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:6
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

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        Pioneer VSX-522-K
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        9. HDMI

        Pioneer VSX-LX305 comes with 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support and 1 inputs with 4K support. It has 2 outputs - 1 MAIN and 1 SUB/ZONE 2.

        Pioneer VSX-522-K comes with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

        • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-LX305: 6 out of 7 inputs pass up to 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC) and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
          1080/60p Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-522-K: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
        • 8K Upscaling on Pioneer VSX-LX305: It can upscale 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K from HDMI sources.
        • 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-LX305 only).
        • HDCP Copy Protection: Pioneer VSX-LX305 is HDCP 2.3 and Pioneer VSX-522-K is HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • Quick Media Switching (QMS): With HDMI 2.1a, Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates. QMS eliminates A/V blackouts by using VRR technology to change frame rates, allowing instant changes from 24Hz to 60Hz frame rate, and anywhere in-between. The viewer never sees blank screens and gets a seamless experience (available on Pioneer VSX-LX305 only).
        • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

        HDR (High Dynamic Range)

        Pioneer VSX-LX305 supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

        Pioneer VSX-522-K 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.


        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

        Pioneer VSX-LX305 supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) which allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.


        Gaming Features

        Pioneer VSX-LX305 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        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 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC)up to 1080p
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K

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        Pioneer VSX-LX305
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        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Pioneer VSX-LX305 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer VSX-522-K has 2.1 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, Pioneer VSX-522-K has 7 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach its maximum speaker configuration.
        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 4 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-LX305 and 3 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-522-K for connecting sources with analog outputs.
        • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connections on both receivers.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Pioneer VSX-LX305
          Inputs:           7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
          8K Inputs: 6.
        • Pioneer VSX-522-K
          Inputs:           4   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Pioneer VSX-LX305
          Inputs:           0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer VSX-522-K
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer VSX-LX305: HDMI, USB, Mini-Jack
        • Pioneer VSX-522-K: USB

        Pioneer VSX-LX305

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        Pioneer VSX-522-K

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        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)4
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)1
        8K Inputs6
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs11
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs11
        RCA Line Inputs43
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.22.1 (Surr Back/Front Height)
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs

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        Pioneer VSX-522-K
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        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer VSX-LX305 and Pioneer VSX-522-K and gave them scores of 92 and 60 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-LX305

        Pioneer VSX-522-K

        OVERALL
        92
        OVERALL
        60

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        89
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Power Output - 100 W
        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W

        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
        AVERAGE
        64
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   7.1 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

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        100
        •   HDR10
        •   HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   HDMI 2.1
        •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
        •   VRR
        •   QFT
        •   8K Passthrough
        •   8K Upscaling
        POOR
        46
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough

        Connectivity

        EXCELLENT
        88
        •   eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Works with Amazon Alexa
        •   Google Assistant
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   7 HDMI Inputs
        •   3 HDMI Outputs
        •   6 8K Inputs
        •   USB Input
        •   RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   No Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 4․2
        AVERAGE
        57
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   No Wi-Fi
        •   No Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   4 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   No Ethernet

        Zones

        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   3 Zones
        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        90
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   Tidal
        AVERAGE
        59
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        SeriesElite
        ModelVSX-LX305VSX-522-K
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryAustralia and AsiaUSA
        Release Year20212012
        PredecessorPioneer VSX-LX304
        SuccessorPioneer VSX-523-K
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Channels9.25.1
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignDirect EnergyDirect Energy
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineDigital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic) + Aureus™ Floating-Point DSP (TI)Texas Instruments Aureus
        DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing9.17.1
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLII
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:6
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES 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
        Network Audio FormatsMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, LPCM, AIFF, DSD
        Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, LPCM, AIFF, DSDMP3, WMA, AAC
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz/24 bit 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction
        Auto Level Control2 Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialog normalization
        Dialogue Lift
        Sound Retriever Advanced (2ch) Advanced (2-Channel)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control All Channels Front L/R Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer
        Digital Filter Slow Mode
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround9+1 Mode DSP
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live™ Room Correction MCACC Auto
        Calibration MicrophoneMCACC/Dirac Live Setup MIC
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory11
        Reflex Optimizer
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control Multi-Point
        EQ Bands5-Band
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment0.1 Feet
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        PC Display
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDMI Version2.1
        HDBaseT Compatible
        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)
        DSC (Display Stream Compression)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K/60p RGB/YCbCr4:2:0/10-bit uncompressed or RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/12-bit compressed (TV needs DSC)up to 1080p
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter Adjustments
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Google Assistant
        Chromecast Built-In
        Apple Siri
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi via Pioneer Music Control App
        MHL Input
        DLNA 1.5
        AirPlay AirPlay 2
        Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad iPod, iPhone via front USB
        Remote AppPioneer Remote App
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)4
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)1
        8K Inputs6
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs11
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs11
        RCA Line Inputs43
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.22.1 (Surr Back/Front Height)
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Mini-JackUSB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Number of Zones31
        Powered Zones2 and 3
        Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out (shared with Zone B line out)
        Zone 3 Outs
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 10 / 0
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        On-Screen DisplayComposite Video Only
        GUI Languages9
        AV Navigator
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker Configuration
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerSystem Remote Control
        RADIO Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Presets4030
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio TuneIn
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Front PanelBrushedBrushed
        Solid Aluminum Front
        Speaker Terminals95
        Large Speaker Terminals92
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption760 W415 W
        Standby Power0.15 W0.4 W
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        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 168 mm x 342.5 mm
        17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/2"
        Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)536 mm x 265 mm x 458 mm
        21-1/8" x 10-7/16" x 18-1/16"
        Weight10.4 kg (22.9 lbs)8.7 kg (19 lb 3 oz)
        Weight of Package13.5 kg (29.8 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer VSX-522-K
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 W (1% 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)
        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)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ
        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 dB98 dB
        S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))79 dB
        S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)80 dB
        Frequency Response (Analog In)10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct/Pure Audio)
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version4․2
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA
        USB TerminalFront : Ver.2.0, 5 V/0.5 A
        Rear : Ver.2.0, 5V/1 A        		USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 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 Years1 Year

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

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