Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 vs Pioneer SC-LX901

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 and Pioneer SC-LX901 takes place. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 received 9.2 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer SC-LX901 was rated 8.6 points. The release date of Elite SC-LX904 is 2019, and SC-LX901 is 2016. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that Elite SC-LX904 has better performance than SC-LX901.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 over Pioneer SC-LX901

Main advantages Pioneer SC-LX901 over Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 10 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 11.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 140/8/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 10 of 10 for both receivers.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, both receivers got 9 points on our 10-point scale.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer SC-LX901 has 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Pioneer Elite SC-LX904.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer SC-LX901 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 10 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX904 got 9 points, but the SC-LX901 has 8.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The Elite SC-LX904 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer SC-LX901 got 7.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. Only the Elite SC-LX904 licensed by IMAX.