I have tested Pioneer VSX-933 and Pioneer VSX-LX103 7.2-channel AV receivers. Since both units belong to the same brand, they’re easy to compare: support same AV formats, amplifier features are also alike (same output channel power 80W, but different total power, 640W in the VSX-LX103 and 560W in the VSX-933). However, they have significant differences in the number of ports (the VSX-933 has more HDMI and AV connectors) and built-in sound decoders (the VSX-933 doesn’t provide surround sound effect).
Pioneer VSX-LX103 supports Ultra HD upscaling that can turn 1080p content into 4K. The VSX-933 provides upscaling via HDMI up to 4K as well. Thus, both receivers guarantee a clear high-quality picture with rich colors. There is the difference in the way they sound. Pioneer VSX-933 is not equipped with a Dolby surround decoder. So I can say that Pioneer VSX-LX103 vs VSX-933 makes you feel immersed in sound more and provides an impressive surround sound effect.
The number of connectors can be crucial when selecting a receiver. The VSX-933 has 6 AV, 6 HDMI inputs, and 1 USB port versus 4 AV, 4 HDMI and 2 USB of the VSX-LX103. Both receivers transfer the video and audio content without distortions. The models come with built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet output that provide wireless audio streaming. Also, they both have Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, and Flare Connect that allow arranging the wireless multi-room system at home. You can enjoy high-quality sound wherever you are.
The setup process is easy and not time-consuming. Both devices have manual instruction and the on-screen guide to help you. The VSX-933 has probably over 100 different setup combinations and options that can confuse you. So do not hesitate to use automatic calibration: it will facilitate the task for you.
The receivers are designed in a classic Pioneer’s way. There are 2 big knobs on the left and right and an LCD display in the middle. There is a row of small buttons rights under the display. Traditionally, phones, setup mic, USB, and AUX ports are located on the front panel. The rest connectors are on the back side. While testing, they all worked fine and performed their functions properly.
Specification | Pioneer VSX-933 | Pioneer VSX-LX103 |
---|---|---|
Functions | ||
Network Audio Player | ||
Internet Radio | ||
Digital Player | ||
Power Device | ||
Standby Power Consumption | 0.1 W | |
Operational Power Consumption | 480 W | |
Built-in Decoders | ||
Dts:x | ||
Dolby True Hd | ||
Dolby Surround | ||
Dolby Digital Plus | ||
Dolby Atmos | ||
Connectivity Interfaces | ||
Wi-fi | ||
Bluetooth | ||
Ieee 802.3u | ||
Ieee 802.3 | ||
Connector Type | ||
Optical Digital Inputs | 1 | 2 |
Phones | 1 | 1 |
Av Inputs | 4 | 6 |
Usb | 2 | 1 |
Subwoofer Outputs | 2 | 2 |
Coaxial Digital Outputs | has not | has not |
Optical Digital Outputs | has not | has not |
Hdmi Outputs | 1 | 1 |
Hdmi Inputs | 4 | 6 |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | 1 | 1 |
Additional Features | ||
Three-zone Capability | ||
Smartphone Remote Control | ||
A-b Speaker Switch | ||
Dual-zone Capability | ||
Pure Direct Mode | ||
Auto Power Off | ||
Bi-amplifying | ||
Audio Return Channel (arc) | ||
Apple Air-play Support | ||
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology | ||
Audio Formats | ||
Wma | ||
Wav | ||
Mp3 | ||
Flac | ||
Apple Lossless | ||
Aiff | ||
Aac | ||
Clock | ||
Sleep Timer | ||
Built-in Clock | ||
Built-in Display | ||
Colour | black | black |
Type | fluorescent | fluorescent |
Signal Processing | ||
Upscaling Via Hdmi | up to 4K | up to 4K |
3d Pass-through | ||
Video Conversion/scaling | HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion | HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion |
Hdmi Pass-through | up to 4K | up to 4K |
Radio | ||
Preset Station | 30 | 40 |
Tuner Bands | AM/FM | AM/FM |
Tuner Type | digital | digital |
Amplifier | ||
Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.08 % | 0.08 % |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz-20 kHz | 20 Hz-20 kHz |
Output Impedance Per Channel | 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm | 8 Ohm |
Output Power Per Channel | 80 W | 80 W |
Total Output Power | 560 W | 640 W |
Sound Features | ||
Digital Content Protection | HDCP 2.2 | HDCP 2.2 |
Surround System Class | 7.2 channel | 7.2 channel |
Surround Sound Effects | Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround | Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround |
Audio D/a Converter | 32bit / 384kHz | 24bit / 192kHz |
Media Content Source | ||
Usb-host | ||
Network | ||
Bluetooth | ||
Dimensions | ||
Dimensions | 14.6 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches | 14.7 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches |
User Manual | ||
Manual | vsx-933.pdf | vsx-lx103.pdf |
General | ||
Brand | Pioneer | Pioneer |