Onkyo TX-RZ50 vs Pioneer VSX-LX503

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Being able to compare Onkyo TX-RZ50 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, Onkyo TX-RZ50 received 8.5 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 was rated 8.6 points. The release date of TX-RZ50 is 2021, and VSX-LX503 is 2018. VSX-LX503 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the TX-RZ50.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ50 over Pioneer VSX-LX503

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX503 over Onkyo TX-RZ50

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 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 9.2-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 - 120/8, 250/6/8 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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Onkyo TX-RZ50 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Onkyo TX-RZ50 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, Onkyo TX-RZ50 got 7 points, but Pioneer VSX-LX503 received 8 points.

Competitors in our review have 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 Onkyo TX-RZ50.

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 Onkyo TX-RZ50 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 TX-RZ50 were rated 8 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 TX-RZ50 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 Onkyo TX-RZ50.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-RZ50 got 10 points, but the VSX-LX503 has 8.

Only the Onkyo TX-RZ50 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

Onkyo TX-RZ50 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX503 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 TX-RZ50 licensed by IMAX.