Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 87 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

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

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103.

In 2018 Pioneer released 4 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs VSX-LX303 vs VSX-LX103 vs VSX-933.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 has replaced VSX-LX102. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103	vs	Pioneer VSX-LX102
Works with SONOS		vs
More HDMI Inputs	6	vs	4
USB Input	2 (1 Front)	vs	2 (1 Front)
More RCA Line Inputs	5 (1 front)	vs	3 (1 front)
More Component Video Inputs	1	vs
More Zones	2	vs	1
More Speaker Terminals	9	vs	7
More Large Speaker Terminals	9	vs	7
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	135 W (1% THD)	vs	130 W (1% THD)

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103	vs	Pioneer VSX-LX102
Smaller Power Supply	460 W	vs	480 W

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 vs VSX-LX102.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 allows you 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.

Dolby Atmos

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

• 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.

DTS:X

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 supports DTS:X with Neural:X.

• Neural:X 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: 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.

DECODING
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
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
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

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

• 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 will output them 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%.
• HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. 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
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 comes with MCACC room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

• MCACC: Pioneer’s exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) delivers an easy-to-use, automatic sound adjustment system to precision-tune your Pioneer and Pioneer Elite receivers with minimal effort. Every MCACC system comes with a microphone to measure and analyze reverb characteristics. The equalizer optimally adjusts sound parameters to fit the size and shape of your home environment while maintaining the integrity of high-resolution playback without any degradation to the quality of your music.

Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.

Zone 2

• Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• Audio Pre/Line Output: If you have a dedicated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre/line outs and use "pre out" option to control volume from the a/v receiver or use "line out" option - send fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

Audio

• Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
• Analog Line Inputs: There are 5 line inputs for analog audio connection.
• Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
• Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

Video

• HDMI:
Inputs: 6   Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0
• 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. Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 supports up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
Inputs: 1   Outputs: 0

Front A/V Inputs

• USB, Mini-Jack

In 2019 Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 was replaced by Pioneer VSX-LX104. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 and its successor.

UPGRADES	Pioneer VSX-LX104	vs	Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization		vs
DTS Virtual:X		vs
Dialog Enhancement		vs
Newer HDCP Version	2.3	vs	2.2
AirPlay	AirPlay 2	vs	AirPlay
More HDMI Outputs	2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)	vs	1
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI	vs	RCA Pre/Line Out

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer VSX-LX104	vs	Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD	vs	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
Analog To HDMI Upconversion		vs	Component**, Composite
Less Composite Video Inputs		vs	2
Less Component Video Inputs		vs	1

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-LX103 vs VSX-LX104.

GENERAL
Brand	Pioneer
Series	Elite
Model	VSX-LX103
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	Taiwan
Release Year	2018
Predecessor	Pioneer VSX-LX102
Successor	Pioneer VSX-LX104

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Direct Energy
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Digital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic)
DAC	AKM AK4458
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
Air Studios Monitor Certification
Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
Dolby Atmos Music
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Surround Upmixer
Dolby Pro Logic
Dolby Digital EX
Surround EX
DTS:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neo
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
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Sound Retriever	Advanced
Sound Retriever AIR
Digital noise Reduction
Tone Control	All Channels
Compressed Music Enhancer	Advanced Sound Retriever
High-resolution Music Enhancer
Audyssey Dynamic EQ
Audyssey Dynamic Volume
Audyssey LFC
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
Audyssey DSX
Direct Mode
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Surround
Optimum Surround
Advanced Surround	Multiple
Wide Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance
Headphone Surround
Virtual Speakers
Virtual Depth

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	MCACC
Manual MCACC
MCACC Memory	1
Reflex Optimizer
Phase Control
Auto Phase Control Plus
Full Band Phase Control
Standing Wave Control
Symmetric EQ
Precision Distance
Polarity Check
Auto Subwoofer Crossover

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.2
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Component**, Composite
Component Video Upscaling
Analog to Analog Video conversion
Component Video Maximum Resolution	480i/576i
Stream Smoother
Pure Cinema
Video Parameter Adjustments
Super Resolution
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC
Works with Amazon Alexa
Chromecast Built-In
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
DLNA 1.5
AirPlay	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	Made for iPhone, iPod and iPad (Airplay only)
Remote App	Pioneer Remote App
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	6
HDMI Outputs	1
8K Inputs
USB Input	2 (1 Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
RCA Line Inputs	5 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Pre-outs
Composite Video Inputs	2
Composite Video Outputs
S-Video Inputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Inputs	1
Component Video Outputs
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
PC In
Front A/V Inputs	USB, Mini-Jack
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord
adapterport

ZONES
Number of Zones	2
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	RCA Pre/Line Out
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output	1 (MAIN: 100 mA)
Remote (IR) Input/Output	1 / 0

MISCELLANEOUS
GUI Languages	9
AV Navigator
IP Control
PreAmp Mode
Versatile Speaker Configuration	FRONT, CENTER, SURROUND, SURROUND BACK/HEIGHT/ Bi-AMP, ZONE 2
FL Dimmer
Function Rename
Remote Controller	[] User-Friendly Simple Remote Control

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM

CONSTRUCTION
Front Panel	Brushed
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	9
Large Speaker Terminals	9
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
3D Space Frame Construction
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
Transformer Stabilizer
Power Consumption	460 W
No Sound Power	55 W
Standby Power	0.15 W

PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 173 mm x 370.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-9/16"
Weight	9.4 kg (20.7 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	160 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	135 W (1% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)	160 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)	125 W
Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)	85 W
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	8 Ω - 600 Ω
Rated Headphone Power Output	80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 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 HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	5.6 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/CB, PR/CR) 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Ver. 2.0, 5 V, 500 mA
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.56 µV (15.0 dBf)
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz
Warranty	3 Years

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