Pioneer VSX-933 VS Pioneer VSX-LX103
Pioneer VSX-933
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - vsx-933.pdf
  • USB - 2
Pioneer VSX-LX103
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - vsx-lx103.pdf
  • USB - 1

Pioneer VSX-933 vs VSX-LX103: the Difference Is in Details

Pioneer VSX-933 vs VSX-LX103

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).

Features & Performance

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.

Pioneer VSX-LX103 vs VSX-933

Connections & Setup

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.

Design

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.

Pros & Cons

Pioneer VSX-933

VS

Pros

    • It maintains all audio formats. You do not have to spend a lot of time to find the appropriate file.
    • Built-in Chromecast and DNS Play-Fi provide streaming music and internet radio from the mobile device.
    • Stable Wi-Fi for wireless connection with any smartphones and laptops, as well as PC.

Cons

    • Pay attention! If you want to buy this receiver because of the multi-zone feature, keep in mind that it is only compatible with the analog inputs. HDMI won’t help you use zone 2 function.
    • In Zone 2 it works only on the RCA (analog) inputs but not HDMI or digital ones. So, to install speakers on the patio for accessing to satellite audio channels it is necessary to get DAC with the optical/coax outputs of the sat AV going in. Then you need to get RCA output going into the RCA inpu

Pioneer VSX-LX103

VS

Pros

    • The TV remote automatically turns the amp on/off and the TV's remote volume control runs the amp's volume up/down.
    • Works with Google Assistant so you can tell the VSX-LX103 to turn up the volume, skip tracks, or stop the music using a device with the Google Assistant built-in, like Google Home.

Cons

    • Bulky in size.
    • Some customers claim that this model is unreliable (it may stop working after a year of using).

Specifications

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

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