Pioneer VSX-LX305 vs Pioneer SC-95

       
       

      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

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 11.2 Channel Processing
      • 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

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

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-LX305 to Pioneer SC-95 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-LX305 Pioneer SC-95

      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 SC-95 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) video signal.


      We evaluated Pioneer VSX-LX305 and Pioneer SC-95 and gave them scores of 91 and 89 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 SC-95

      Amplifier
      89
      Amplifier
      91
      Audio Features
      90
      Audio Features
      90
      Video Features
      100
      Video Features
      83
      Connectivity
      88
      Connectivity
      86
      Zones
      91
      Zones
      97
      Radio
      84
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      91
      OVERALL
      89

      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 SC-95.

      PROS

      Pioneer VSX-LX305

      Pioneer SC-95

      •   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
      •   Digital Radio
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   High Power Output - 135 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   11.2 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   4 HDMI Outputs
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   4 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify

      CONS

      Pioneer VSX-LX305

      Pioneer SC-95

      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal
      •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR


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

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer VSX-LX305

      Pioneer SC-95

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

      3. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-LX305

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-LX305 over Pioneer SC-95.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-LX305 vs Pioneer SC-95
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
      IMAX Enhanced vs
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, LPCM, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      Reflex Optimizer 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 4K/60p (4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K vs up to 4K/60p (4:4:4)
      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 AirPlay
      More 8K Inputs 6 vs
      USB Input 2 (1 Front) vs 1 Front
      More RCA Line Inputs 4 vs 3
      Phono Input vs
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB, Mini-Jack vs HDMI, USB
      Zone 2 Outs HDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out (shared with Zone B line out) vs RCA Pre/Line Out
      Digital Radio vs
      Tidal vs
      Deezer vs
      Bigger Power Supply 760 W vs 330 W
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 106 dB vs 101 dB
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz vs 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
      Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac vs IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
      Newer Bluetooth Version 4․2 vs 2․1 + EDR
      Longer Warranty 3 Years vs 2 Years Parts & Labor
      Check out other receivers which are frequently compared to Pioneer VSX-LX305.

      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-95

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-95 over Pioneer VSX-LX305.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-LX305 vs Pioneer SC-95
      Higher Power Output 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support vs
      Bi-amp capability vs Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
      Higher DAC Specs 192 kHz/24 Bit vs 192 kHz/32 Bit
      More Channel Processing 9.1 vs 11.2
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      DTS Neo vs Neo:X (before firmware update)
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      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
      Virtual Speakers vs (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
      Higher MCACC Memory 1 vs 6
      Full Band Phase Control vs
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Component****, Composite
      MHL Input vs 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
      More HDMI Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 8 (1 front)
      More HDMI Outputs 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2) vs 3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      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 13.2
      More Composite Video Inputs vs 2
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 2
      More Component Video Inputs vs 1
      Speaker A/B vs
      More Zones 3 vs 4
      More Powered Zones 2 and 3 vs 2, 3 and HDZone
      Zone 3 Outs vs RCA Pre/Line Out
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 1 vs 2 / 1
      AVNavigator vs Built-in
      Analog Tuner FM with RDS vs FM/AM
      More Presets 40 vs 63
      Pandora vs
      More Speaker Terminals 9 vs 11
      More Large Speaker Terminals 9 vs 11
      Transformer Stabilizer vs
      Lower THD 0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power) vs 0.04% (1 kHz, 110 W + 110 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-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Channel Processing9.111.2
        Dolby Atmos
        DTS:X up to with firmware update
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live™ Room Correction MCACC Pro
        HDR10
        New HDCP Version2.32.2
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD SBC, AAC
        Many HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        Ethernet
        Zones34
        Analog Tuner FM with RDS FM/AM
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

      6. Amplifier

      Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95

      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.

      9 channel Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-95 features 9 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.



        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Channels9.29.2
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignDirect EnergyClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B

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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer VSX-LX305's and Pioneer SC-95'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 SC-95: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
        • 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 SC-95: 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 and 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
        • 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 SC-95: 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-LX305: Does not support.
        • Pioneer SC-95: 9.2, 9.2.2.
        • Bi-Amp: Pioneer VSX-LX305 is able to bi-amp up to 2 and Pioneer SC-95 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-LX305 and Pioneer SC-95 support Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Both models support 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 and Pioneer SC-95 support DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Both models feature 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: Pioneer VSX-LX305 supports 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 SC-95
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X up to with firmware update
        DTS Neural:X with firmware update
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X (before firmware update)
        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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        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 SC-95 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 3 outputs - 2 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

        • 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.
          4K/60Hz Passthrough on Pioneer SC-95: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) video signal.
        • 8K Upscaling on Pioneer VSX-LX305: It can upscale 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K from HDMI sources.
          4K Upscaling on Pioneer SC-95: It can upscale up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer SC-95 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-LX305 only).
        • HDCP Copy Protection: Pioneer VSX-LX305 is HDCP 2.3 and Pioneer SC-95 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 SC-95 supports HDR10 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 SC-95
        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 4K/60p (4:4:4)
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K up to 4K/60p (4:4:4)

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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 SC-95 has 13.2 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, Pioneer SC-95 has 11 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 and Outputs: There are 4 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-LX305 and 3 pair of line inputs on Pioneer SC-95 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer SC-95.
        • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-LX305 and 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-95 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-LX305
          Inputs:
          7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
          8K Inputs: 6.
        • Pioneer SC-95
          Inputs:
          8 (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-LX305
          Inputs:
          0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-95
          Inputs:
          2   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-95 supports up to 1080i (1125i) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer VSX-LX305
          Inputs:
          0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-95
          Inputs:
          1   Outputs: 0.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer VSX-LX305: HDMI, USB, Mini-Jack
        • Pioneer SC-95: HDMI, USB

        Pioneer VSX-LX305

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

        Pioneer SC-95

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found
        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs6
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs12
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs12
        RCA Line Inputs43
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.213.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs1
        Component Video Outputs

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        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer VSX-LX305 and Pioneer SC-95 and gave them scores of 91 and 89 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 SC-95

        OVERALL
        91
        OVERALL
        89

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        89
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Power Output - 100 W
        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 135 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
        EXCELLENT
        90
        •   9.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   11.2 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   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
        GOOD
        83
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        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
        EXCELLENT
        86
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   8 HDMI Inputs
        •   4 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

        Zones

        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   3 Zones
        EXCELLENT
        97
        •   4 Zones

        Radio

        GOOD
        84
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   Tidal
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        12. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        SeriesEliteElite
        ModelVSX-LX305SC-95
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryEuropeNorth America
        Release Year20212015
        PredecessorPioneer VSX-LX304 Pioneer SC-85
        SuccessorPioneer SC-LX701
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Channels9.29.2
        Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)135 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignDirect EnergyClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front, Center, Surround, SP-B
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineDigital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic) + Aureus™ Floating-Point DSP (TI)Texas Instruments Aureus
        DACESS SABRE32 Ultra (ES9016S)
        DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/32 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing9.111.2
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X up to with firmware update
        DTS Neural:X with firmware update
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:X (before firmware update)
        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
        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, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
        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, 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
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialog normalization
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
        Sound Retriever Advanced (2ch) 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 Surround11 + 1
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC and Dirac Live™ Room Correction MCACC Pro
        Calibration MicrophoneMCACC/Dirac Live Setup MIC
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory16
        Reflex Optimizer
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control Multi-Point
        EQ Bands9-Band (Advanced)
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        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 4K/60p (4:4:4)
        Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K up to 4K/60p (4:4:4)
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080i (1125i)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter AdjustmentsYNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD SBC, AAC
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Google Assistant
        Chromecast Built-In
        Apple Siri
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi via Pioneer Music Control App
        MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
        DLNA 1.5
        AirPlay AirPlay 2 AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad iPod and iPhone via front USB
        Remote AppPioneer Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        HDMI Inputs7 (1 front)8 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)3 (2 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs6
        USB Input2 (1 Front)1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs12
        Optical Outputs1
        Coaxial Inputs12
        RCA Line Inputs43
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.213.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs2
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs1
        Component Video Outputs
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Mini-JackHDMI, USB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Number of Zones34
        Powered Zones2 and 32, 3 and HDZone
        Zone 2 OutsHDMI, RCA Pre/Line Out (shared with Zone B line out)RCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 4 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)2 (assignable)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 12 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        On-Screen DisplayGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
        GUI Languages9
        HDMI Speaker B Link
        AV Navigator Built-in
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/Front Height/Front Wide/Front Bi-Amp/Zone 2/B-Speaker/Powered HD Zone
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control (Lumius)
        RADIO Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Analog Tuner FM with RDS FM/AM
        Presets4063
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio TuneIn vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Front PanelBrushedBrushed
        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-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption760 W330 W
        Standby Power0.15 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        PHYSICAL Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        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)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)15.1 kg (33.3 lbs)
        Weight of Package13.5 kg (29.8 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer VSX-LX305 Pioneer SC-95
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)135 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)175 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)220 W (1.0% THD)
        Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive760 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, 110 W + 110 W, 8 Ω)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ390 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance390 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 dB101 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 MHz5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
        0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/PR)
        1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/acIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
        Bluetooth Version4․22․1 + EDR
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz2.4 GHz
        HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalFront : Ver.2.0, 5 V/0.5 A
        Rear : Ver.2.0, 5V/1 A
        USB2.0 High Speed (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
        FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        DAB Freq174.928 MHz - 239.200 MHz (Band III)
        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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