AV Receivers Comparison: Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Onkyo HT-S3900

Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Pioneer VSX-LX303

Pioneer VSX-LX303

  • Brand Pioneer
  • USB 1
  • Type fluorescent
  • WI-FI true
  • Bluetooth true
Onkyo HT-S3900

Onkyo HT-S3900

  • Brand Onkyo
  • USB 1
  • Type HD
  • WI-FI FALSE
  • Bluetooth TRUE

Quick Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Onkyo HT-S3900 depends on your available space, storage capacity goals, and everyday usage style:

Best For Maximum Capacity

Pioneer VSX-LX303

Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.

  • Superior Volume: Easily stores bulk meats, frozen garden harvests, and family packs.
  • Cold Retention: Keeps food frozen significantly longer in power outages.
  • Energy Efficiency: Top-opening design keeps dense cold air trapped inside.
Best For Compact Spaces

Onkyo HT-S3900

Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.

  • Space-Saving Footprint: Fits neatly under counters or in compact corners without intruding.
  • Upright Organization: Shelves allow you to organize and grab items without digging.
  • Everyday Convenience: Front-swing door provides quick, easy access anytime.

Specifications

Specification Pioneer VSX-LX303 Onkyo HT-S3900
Connector Type
AV Inputs 3 —
USB 1 1
Subwoofer Outputs 2 No
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not No
Optical Digital Outputs has not No
HDMI Outputs 2 1
HDMI Inputs 7 4
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 1
Optical Digital Inputs 2 1
Phones 1 1
Additional Features
A-B Speaker Switch Yes No
Dual-zone Capability Yes No
MCACC Pro — No
Pure Direct Mode Yes No
Auto Power Off Yes No
Bi-amplifying Yes No
Audio Return Channel (ARC) Yes No
Apple Air-play Support Yes No
AIR Studios Monitor Certification — No
Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) Technology Yes No
X.v.Color — No
Three-zone Capability Yes No
Smartphone Remote Control Yes No
Deep Color — No
Functions
Internet Radio Yes Yes
Digital Player Yes Yes
Amplifier Class — D
Network Audio Player Yes Yes
Power Device
Operational Power Consumption 760 W 60W
Standby Power Consumption 0.15 W —
Audio Formats
WMA Yes —
WAV Yes —
MP3 Yes —
FLAC Yes —
Apple Lossless Yes —
DSD — —
AIFF Yes —
AAC Yes —
Connectivity Interfaces
Bluetooth Yes Yes
IEEE 802.3u Yes No
IEEE 802.3 Yes No
WI-FI Yes No
Signal Processing
Upscaling Via HDMI up to 4K up to 4K
3D Pass-through Yes Yes
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion Yes
HDMI Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Radio
Preset Station 40 —
Preset Station Qty — 30
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital DIGITAL
Clock
Sleep Timer Yes Yes
Built-in Clock Yes Yes
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent HD
Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion 0,01 0.70%
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 10-100000Hz
Output Impedance Per Channel 6 Ohm 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 170 W 120w
Total Output Power 900 W 120W
Built-in Decoders
DTS Neural:X — Yes
DTS-HD Master Audio — Yes
Dolby True HD Yes Yes
Dolby Surround Yes Yes
Dolby Digital Plus Yes Yes
Dolby Atmos Yes Yes
DTS:X Yes Yes
Sound Features
Digital Sound Processor (DSP) — Yes
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 Yes
Sound Output Mode — Surround Sound
Surround System Class 9.2 channel Yes
DSP Preset Qty — Yes
Surround Sound Effects Dolby Surround Surround Sound
Audio D/A Converter 32bit / 384kHz No
Media Content Source
USB-host Yes Yes
Network Yes Yes
Bluetooth Yes Yes
Dimensions
Dimensions 14.6 x 17.3 x 6.9 inches —
General
Brand Pioneer Onkyo

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Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences center around storage capacity, form factor, and convenience. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 provides extensive bulk storage capacity best suited for homes, garages, or basements needing deep freeze space. In contrast, the Onkyo HT-S3900 offers a compact upright design that fits into smaller spaces with convenient shelf organization.

Chest-style freezers generally excel in thermal efficiency because cold air naturally settles at the bottom and does not escape when the lid is lifted. Compact upright models have lower total kilowatt-hour usage simply due to their smaller cubic volume, making both designs efficient for their respective intended purposes.

Both products are available through official brand stores and authorized retailers with full manufacturer warranties and fast delivery options. Click the "Check Best Price" buttons in the comparison cards above to view today's latest promotions, official deals, and current availability.

Measure your available floor clearance first. If you have open space in a garage, basement, or utility room and want to freeze items in bulk, choose the Pioneer VSX-LX303. If you have limited room in a kitchen, apartment, dorm, or office and prefer easy eye-level access to items, choose the Onkyo HT-S3900.