Product Comparison: Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Onkyo TX-NR686

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Pioneer VSX-LX303 9.2 Channel 4k UltraHD Network A/V Receiver Black

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Onkyo TX-NR686 7.2 Channel THX Certified Network A/V Receiver Black

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General Specifications

Brand

Pioneer

Onkyo

Model

VSX-LX303

TX-NR686

Origin

Malaysia

About the Product

Designed for optimum Dolby Atmos/DTS: x movie playback in a seamless 7.2.2CH/5.2.4CH surround sound calibrated by MCCAC, and with support for next-generation video standards, the Elite VSX-LX303 brings multi-dimensional excitement to your home theater and beyond with powered zone 2 and now, zone 3.

With high-current Dynamic Audio Amplification driving your surround system to THX Certified Select theater reference levels, you can transport your audience to the heart of the movie.

Key Specs

Number of Channels

Watts Per Channel RMS

100 Watts

165 Watts

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.08 %

1 %

Signal/Noise Ratio

106 dB

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Pioneer VSX-LX303 9.2 Channel 4k UltraHD Network A/V Receiver Black

We love that all our electronics (T.V., Turntable, CD, DVD, FM, etc.) are all running through the receiver and the sound quality is superior to what we had before!
I did like the setup process. It was easy. I was able to edit the NAMES of the inputs to my device. Picture is great and sound is a big improvement.
The quality of the sound is much better as my old Denon. I can hear music in a new way!
This receiver has the MCACC system which can automatically tune itself to the room; it compensates for speaker distortion, echo, speaker crossover delays and all other distortions.
The resulting sound is beautiful - far beyond any other stereo receiver.

Onkyo TX-NR686 7.2 Channel THX Certified Network A/V Receiver Black

This is my third Onkyo receiver in a row since Sept 2008 and its also the cheapest and best sounding to boot!
Loving this receiver! It’s running my set of Polk Audio speakers (5.1, and the front mains are bi-amped).
The sound is balanced and FULL. Lots of AVRs can be loud, but the sound is kinda bland and lifeless. This AVR has a wonderful, warm sound, at all volume levels.
Onkyo is the best for me, they are low in cost, good sound and all the basic features just like the higher price systems.
This receiver gets heavy use between movie watching, audio playing and gaming. Working well.

Size & Weight

Color

Black

Height

6.81 in.

6.83 in.

Width

17.1 in.

Depth

14.59 in.

14.94 in.

Weight

23.8 lbs.

22 lbs.

Features

Receiver Type

A/V Receiver

App-Controlled

Yes

Satellite Radio Tuner

Yes

Number Of FM Presets

Minimum Impedance

4 Ohms

Frequency Response

20 - 20000 Hz

Extras

Works with Sonos, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround Upmixing, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, Supports 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, MCACC Auto Room Tuning, Synchronized Sound with Phase Control, Reflex Optimizer, Chromecast built-in, DTS Play-Fi, Works with Google Assistant

THX® Certified Select™, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Onkyo Controller app, Chromecast built-in and AirPlay, Works with Google Assistant, DTS Play-Fi, FlareConnect, Supports 4K HDR

What customers say about "Features"

Pioneer VSX-LX303 9.2 Channel 4k UltraHD Network A/V Receiver Black

Really nice receiver that is 4K & Dolby Atmos compatible, i like it!!
I use this with chromecast. Telling a google home mini to play a song or video makes the tv turn on, play the music or youtube video.
Telling the home mini to turn off the tv stops the music or video, turns off the tv, turns off the amplifier. Changing the volume on the tv changes the amplifier volume.
The setup for this receiver was easy and really balanced the pioneer Andrew Jones set up.
I was blown away by its performance in all areas,using a 5.2.4 Dolby atmos arrangement.

Onkyo TX-NR686 7.2 Channel THX Certified Network A/V Receiver Black

Updating the software allows your SONOS Connect to power on and switch inputs on the Onkyo. I have installed dozen of Onkyo receivers and they are rock solid. Never had one go bad yet.
Easy to set up, loads of capabilities, sounds great, etc. All in all, I'm very happy with it.
The app you can use is great, bluetooth, e.t.c, all very convenient.
Bought this because my old onkyo malfunctioned. So worth the upgrade with Bluetooth. The quality of the user interface feels a lot better.
Wow! Great feature and sounds fantastic. Overall I am very happy with the unit and love that I can control the audio from my android and iphones.

Connectivity

Speaker Connection Type

Screw

Ethernet Port(s)

Yes

Wireless Connection

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Wireless Multi-Room Audio

Yes

Inputs

7x HDMI, Component, 4x Analog Stereo RCA, Digital Optical, Digital Coaxial, USB, 2x Composite, Ethernet, Phono In, AC In, Remote control, Analog 3.5mm, Mic 3.5mm

7x HDMI, USB, 2x Component, 2x Composite, 2x Digital Optical, Digital Coaxial, Phono In, 6x Analog Stereo RCA, Ethernet, Mic 3.5mm, Antenna, AUX

Outputs

2x HDMI, Headphone, RS-232C, 2x Subwoofer, PRE OUT connectors RCA, Remote control, 9x Speaker

2x HDMI, 9x Speaker, 2x Subwoofer, Line Out Stereo RCA, Phones

Ethernet Port(s)
Wireless Multi-Room Audio

What customers say about "Connectivity"

Pioneer VSX-LX303 9.2 Channel 4k UltraHD Network A/V Receiver Black

With that many HDMI inputs there is room for everything. Used old Design Acoustic PC speakers for Dolby Atmos, fills in the room nicely.
Wifi connectivity and the ability to play music through Spotify as a nice bonus. Primarily since I already use google assistant and google home.
This is the first new receiver I have purchased in 10 years. A lot has changed for the better. This is a great value. Tons of imputs for HDMI.
Its real strength is with the quality of Bluetooth connections and WiFi. The Pioneer App is great for monitoring.
It is not perfect, the chrome cast feature is not very efficient and many times connection is an issue. It does not have Alexa connectivity.

Onkyo TX-NR686 7.2 Channel THX Certified Network A/V Receiver Black

This new Onkyo has plenty of input and output HDMI connectors in addition to all the old style video/audio inputs.
Very clear and sounds great, the turntable sounds awesome also. Blue tooth, network. What a cool combination.
Onkyo has better tech, better sound, better Bluetooth, better everything. Customer for life.
ARC function through HDMI? Yes, it has it. But you will have to mess with the settings constantly when it randomly quits working.
Bluetooth pairing (no sound) issue! Seems to be a common problem. Sometimes it plays audio from a connected Bluetooth device, but sometimes it does not.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

3 year(s)

2 year(s)

Certifications