Yamaha RX-A6A vs Pioneer VSX-LX503

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Being able to compare Yamaha RX-A6A and Pioneer VSX-LX503 gave us an insight into what of them would be better for home theater configuration. According to the results of our review, Yamaha RX-A6A received 9.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 was rated 8.6 points. The release date of RX-A6A is 2021, and VSX-LX503 is 2018. RX-A6A is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the VSX-LX503.

Main advantages Yamaha RX-A6A over Pioneer VSX-LX503

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX503 over Yamaha RX-A6A

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 9 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 9.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the RX-A6A this value is 150/8 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-LX503 it is 120/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 9 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 markedly different, Yamaha RX-A6A scored 9, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 scored 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, Yamaha RX-A6A got 10 points, but Pioneer VSX-LX503 received 8 points.

Yamaha RX-A6A is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 has 7/2 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 Yamaha RX-A6A.

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 Yamaha RX-A6A in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 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 the RX-A6A were rated 9 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-LX503.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The RX-A6A works with the 4K/120Hz video, and the VSX-LX503 has the 4K/60Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available only on Yamaha RX-A6A.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the RX-A6A got 10 points, but the VSX-LX503 has 8.

Only the Yamaha RX-A6A has the ECO mode.

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

Yamaha RX-A6A got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX503 got 7.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Only the Yamaha RX-A6A has Auro-3D on its feature list.