Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Pioneer VSX-LX303

      Onkyo TX-NR646

      Pioneer VSX-LX303
      83
      Image cannot be found
      90
      Image cannot be found
      USA Taiwan
      Europe, Australia and Asia
      Others
      North America
      Europe Australia and Asia
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
       

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 9.2 Channels
      • 9.1 Channel Processing
      • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR646
      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-LX303
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Amplifier
      7. Speaker Configurations
      8. Immersive Audio Formats
      9. HDMI
      10. Inputs and Outputs
      11. Evaluations
      12. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Onkyo TX-NR646 to Pioneer VSX-LX303 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Onkyo TX-NR646 has 7 channel and the Pioneer VSX-LX303 has 9 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.


      Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303

      Onkyo TX-NR646 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

      Pioneer VSX-LX303 was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 9.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.

      We evaluated Onkyo TX-NR646 and Pioneer VSX-LX303 and gave them scores of 83 and 90 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Onkyo TX-NR646

      Pioneer VSX-LX303

      Amplifier
      87
      Amplifier
      89
      Audio Features
      84
      Audio Features
      88
      Video Features
      80
      Video Features
      95
      Connectivity
      83
      Connectivity
      84
      Zones
      77
      Zones
      90
      Radio
      91
      Radio
      92
      OVERALL
      83
      OVERALL
      90

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Onkyo TX-NR646 and Pioneer VSX-LX303.

      PROS

      Onkyo TX-NR646

      Pioneer VSX-LX303

      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Independent Power Supply
      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal

      CONS

      Onkyo TX-NR646

      Pioneer VSX-LX303

      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal
      •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Digital Radio


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Onkyo TX-NR646

      Pioneer VSX-LX303

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   2 Zones
      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   Bluetooth 4․1 + LE

      3. Advantage of Onkyo TX-NR646

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Onkyo TX-NR646 over Pioneer VSX-LX303.

      Check the Price

      Onkyo TX-NR646
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Pioneer VSX-LX303
      DTS Neo Neo:6 until firmware update vs
      Music Playback via USB FLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TrueHD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
      Jitter Reduction PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio vs
      Virtual Speakers T-D (Theater-Dimensional) vs
      DLNA 1.5 vs
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue vs
      More HDMI Inputs 8 (1 front) vs 7 (1 front)
      More RCA Line Inputs 7 vs 5 (1 front)
      More RCA Line Outputs 1 vs
      More Composite Video Inputs 3 vs 2
      More Component Video Inputs 2 vs 1
      Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS vs FM/AM
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via HDMI 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz vs 2.8 MHz (2-ch/multi-ch), 5.6 MHz (2-ch)
      Wider AM Frequency Range 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1710 kHz

      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-LX303

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-LX303 over Onkyo TX-NR646.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Onkyo TX-NR646 vs Pioneer VSX-LX303
      More Channels 7.2 vs 9.2
      More Channel Processing 7.1 vs 9.1
      DTS Neural:X after firmware update vs
      Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 96 kHz vs 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AAC vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
      Dialog Normalization vs
      More Tone Control Channels Front L/R Channels vs All Channels
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Video Signal Upscaling vs 1080p to 4K
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      Works with SONOS vs
      DTS Play-Fi vs
      USB Input 1 (Rear) vs 2 (1 Front)
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI vs HDMI, USB, Mini-Jack
      Speaker A/B vs
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      More Zones 2 vs 3
      More Powered Zones 2 vs 2 and 3
      Zone 2 Outs RCA Line Out vs RCA Pre/Line Out
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output 0 vs 2 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 0 / 0 vs 1 / 1
      Tidal vs
      Bigger Power Supply 630 W vs 750 W
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) 175 W vs 200 W (10% THD)
      Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 3 Ω, Front) 240 W vs 250 W
      Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 4 Ω, Front) 210 W vs 220 W
      Higher Dynamic Power per Channel, 8 Ω, Front) 120 W vs 130 W
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB vs 106 dB
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz vs 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
      Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 b/g/n vs IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
      Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
      Newer Bluetooth Version 2․1 + EDR vs 4․1 + LE
      Longer Warranty 2 Years vs 3 Years

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 after firmware update
        DTS:X up to 5.1.2 after firmware update
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. AccuEQ Advance MCACC
        HDR10
        New HDCP Version2.2 (3 inputs / 2 outputs)2.2
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite Component**, Composite
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC, AAC
        Many HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)7 (1 front)
        USB Input1 (Rear)2 (1 Front)
        Phono Input
        Composite Video Inputs32
        Component Video Inputs21
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Pandora
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
        No Front Wide Channel Support
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit)up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few 8K Inputs
        No RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
        No Digital Radio

      6. Amplifier

      Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303

      7 channel Amplifier: Onkyo TX-NR646 features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      9 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-LX303 features 9 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.
      • WRAT (Wide Range Amp Technology): Onkyo TX-NR646 features Onkyo’s Wide Range Amp Technology (WRAT) circuit layout that prevents phase shifting by pushing the roll-off point higher than the listening-level frequency. Amplifying sound without phase shift creates an uncommonly well-focused and realistic audio image. If phase shift occurs and signal timing is not accurate, then neither is the resulting audio image.


      AMPLIFIER Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Channels7.29.2
      Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability

      Check the Price

      Onkyo TX-NR646
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      7. Speaker Configurations

      Onkyo TX-NR646's and Pioneer VSX-LX303's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • Onkyo TX-NR646: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Pioneer VSX-LX303: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
      • Onkyo TX-NR646: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Pioneer VSX-LX303: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • Onkyo TX-NR646: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Pioneer VSX-LX303: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Both models are able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

      8. Immersive Audio Formats

      Dolby Atmos

      Onkyo TX-NR646 and Pioneer VSX-LX303 support Dolby Atmos.

      • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Both models support Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

      DTS:X

      Onkyo TX-NR646 and Pioneer VSX-LX303 support DTS:X.

      • DTS Neural:X: Onkyo TX-NR646 supports DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
      • DTS Dialog Control: Both models have DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
      AUDIO DECODING Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 after firmware update
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      Surround EX
      DTS:X up to 5.1.2 after firmware update
      DTS Neural:X after firmware update
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo Neo:6 until firmware update
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      9. HDMI

      Onkyo TX-NR646 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

      Pioneer VSX-LX303 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit) video signal.
      • 4K Upscaling on Pioneer VSX-LX303: It can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI and analog sources.
      • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Both receivers support analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
      • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on Pioneer VSX-LX303 only).
      • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

      HDR (High Dynamic Range)

      Onkyo TX-NR646 supports HDR10

      Pioneer VSX-LX303 supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.



      VIDEO FEATURES Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2 (3 inputs / 2 outputs)2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit)up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K

      Check the Price

      Onkyo TX-NR646
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      10. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Onkyo TX-NR646 and Pioneer VSX-LX303 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
      • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 7 pair of line inputs on Onkyo TX-NR646 and 5 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-LX303 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Onkyo TX-NR646.
      • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connections on both receivers.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Onkyo TX-NR646
        Inputs:         8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
        8K Inputs: 0.
      • Pioneer VSX-LX303
        Inputs:         7 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
        8K Inputs: 0.
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Onkyo TX-NR646
        Inputs:         3   Outputs: 0.
      • Pioneer VSX-LX303
        Inputs:         2   Outputs: 0.
      • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Both receivers support up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
      • Onkyo TX-NR646
        Inputs:         2   Outputs: 0.
      • Pioneer VSX-LX303
        Inputs:         1   Outputs: 0.

      Front A/V Inputs

      • Onkyo TX-NR646: HDMI
      • Pioneer VSX-LX303: HDMI, USB, Mini-Jack

      Onkyo TX-NR646

      Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

      Pioneer VSX-LX303

      Image cannot be found Image cannot be found
      TERMINALS Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)7 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)2 (simultaneous)
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 (Rear)2 (1 Front)
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs22
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs11
      RCA Line Inputs75 (1 front)
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs32
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs21
      Component Video Outputs

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      11. Evaluations

      We evaluated Onkyo TX-NR646 and Pioneer VSX-LX303 and gave them scores of 83 and 90 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      Onkyo TX-NR646

      Pioneer VSX-LX303

      OVERALL
      83
      OVERALL
      90

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W
      •   Independent Power Supply
      EXCELLENT
      89
      •   9.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 100 W

      Audio Features

      GOOD
      84
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   DSD via HDMI
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   9.2 Channels
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   9.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      GOOD
      80
      •   HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      EXCELLENT
      95
      •   HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      83
      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR
      GOOD
      84
      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   2 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 4․1 + LE

      Zones

      GOOD
      77
      •   2 Zones
      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   3 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal
      EXCELLENT
      92
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      BrandOnkyoPioneer
      SeriesElite
      ModelTX-NR646VSX-LX303
      TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
      CountryEurope, Australia and AsiaNorth America
      Release Year20152018
      PredecessorOnkyo TX-NR636 Pioneer VSX-LX302
      SuccessorOnkyo TX-NR656 Pioneer VSX-LX304
      AMPLIFIER Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Channels7.29.2
      Power Output100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignDirect Energy
      WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
      VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry)
      Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Discrete Output Stage Circuitry
      3-Stage Inverted Darlington Circuitry
      PUSH-PULL Design
      Independent Block Construction (Amp/Preprocessor)
      Bi-amp Capability
      BTL (Bridged Transless or Bridging)
      AUDIO FEATURES Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineDual 32-bit DSP for Powerful Advanced ProcessingDigital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic) + Aureus™ Floating-Point DSP (TI)
      DACAsahi Kasei AK4458AKM AK4458 & TI PCM5101
      DAC Specs384 kHz/32 Bit384 kHz/32 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing7.19.1
      Air Studios Monitor Certification
      Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 after firmware update
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X up to 5.1.2 after firmware update
      DTS Neural:X after firmware update
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo Neo:6 until firmware update
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      Music Playback via USBFLAC, WAV, Apple Lossless, WMA, WMA Lossless, Ogg, MP3, DSD, AAC, LPCM, Dolby TrueHDMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 96 kHz 64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USBFLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless, Apple Lossless, DSD, AACApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD via USB 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction PLL (Phase Locked Loop) Jitter-Cleaning Circuit Technology for S/PDIF Audio
      DTS Dialogue Control
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialog Level Adjustment DTS:X only
      Dialog normalization
      Dialogue Lift
      Sound Retriever Advanced
      Sound Retriever AIR
      Digital noise Reduction
      Tone Control Front L/R Channels All Channels
      Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Music Optimizer (bluetooth included) Advanced Sound Retriever
      High-resolution Music Enhancer
      THX Processing Mode
      Audyssey Dynamic EQ
      Audyssey Dynamic Volume
      Audyssey LFC
      Audyssey Sub EQ HT
      Audyssey DSX
      Phase-Matching Bass Boost for Deep Bass and Clear Mid-Range
      Direct Mode
      Pure Audio Mode
      Pure Direct Analog Path Mode
      Pure Direct Mode
      Auto Surround
      Optimum Surround
      Advanced SurroundMultiple
      Wide Surround
      Front Stage Surround Advance
      Headphone Surround
      Virtual Speakers T-D (Theater-Dimensional)
      Virtual Depth
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. AccuEQ Advance MCACC
      Manual MCACC
      MCACC Memory1
      Reflex Optimizer
      Phase Control
      Auto Phase Control Plus
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      Symmetric EQ
      Precision Distance
      Polarity Check
      Auto Subwoofer Crossover
      VIDEO FEATURES Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.2 (3 inputs / 2 outputs)2.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/60p (RGB/YCbCr4:4:4/YCbCr4:2:2, 24 bit)up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component**, Composite Component**, Composite
      Component Video Upscaling
      Analog to Analog Video conversion
      Component Video Maximum Resolution480i/576i480i/576i
      Stream Smoother
      Pure Cinema
      Video Parameter Adjustments
      Super Resolution
      isf Certified Calibration Control
      CONNECTIVITY Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth SBC, AAC
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Chromecast Built-In
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay AirPlay AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad Made for iPhone, iPod and iPad (Airplay only)
      Remote AppOnkyo Remote App for iPod touch/iPhone and Android-Powered Devices Pioneer Remote App
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      HDMI Inputs8 (1 front)7 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)2 (simultaneous)
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 (Rear)2 (1 Front)
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs22
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs11
      RCA Line Inputs75 (1 front)
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs32
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs21
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsHDMIHDMI, USB, Mini-Jack
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      uport
      adapterport
      ZONES Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Number of Zones23
      Powered Zones 22 and 3
      Zone 2 OutsRCA Line OutRCA Pre/Line Out
      Zone 3 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
      Whole House Mode
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output02 (A: 100 mA, B: 25 mA)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 01 / 1
      MISCELLANEOUS Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      On-Screen Display Graphical Overlaid On-Screen Display (OSD) via HDMI with Quick Set-Up
      GUI Languages7
      AV Navigator
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker ConfigurationFRONT, CENTER, SURROUND, HEIGHT 1/Bi-AMP/ZONE 2, SURROUND BACK/HEIGHT 2/ZONE 3
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      Remote Controller User-Friendly Simple Remote Control
      ONKYO-RI System Control
      RIHD (Remote Interactive Over HDMI)
      Pre-Pro/Learning Remote /
      On Screen Remote Programming
      Bi-directional Remote Setup via GUI
      Smart Grid-Ready
      RADIO Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
      Presets4040
      Digital Radio
      Internet Radio TuneIn TuneIn
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Front PanelBrushed
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals99
      Large Speaker Terminals99
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
      Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
      3D Space Frame Construction
      Gold plated RCA terminals
      POWER Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
      Independent Power Supply2
      H.C.P.S. (High Current Power Supply) Massive High Power Transformer
      Toroidal Transformer
      Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
      Transformer Stabilizer
      Power Consumption630 W750 W
      No Sound Power70 W70 W
      Standby Power0.15 W0.15 W
      Capacitor Bank8,200 µF
      ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
      PHYSICAL Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 173.5 mm x 329 mm
      17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 12-15/16"      		435 mm x 173 mm x 370.5 mm
      17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-9/16"
      Weight9.8 kg (21.6 lbs)10.8 kg (23.8 lbs)
      SPECIFICATIONS Onkyo TX-NR646 Pioneer VSX-LX303
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)100 W (0.08% THD)100 W (0.08% THD)
      Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)170 W (0.9% THD)
      Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)175 W200 W (10% THD)
      Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)160 W (1% THD)
      Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)240 W250 W
      Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)210 W220 W
      Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)120 W130 W
      THD0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, Half power)0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)
      Damping Factor60 (Front, 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ (Phono mm)3.5 mV/47 kΩ
      Rated Preout Level and Impedance1 V/470 Ω
      Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance8 Ω - 600 Ω
      Rated Headphone Power Output85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
      Phono Overload70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5% Direct)70 mV (MM, 1 kHz 0.5%)
      S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB106 dB
      S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)80 dB80 dB
      Frequency Response (Analog In)10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct mode)10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Direct/Pure Audio)
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz2.8 MHz (2-ch/multi-ch), 5.6 MHz (2-ch)
      DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
      0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
      1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)      		1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
      0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
      1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
      Video Frequency Response5 Hz - 100 MHz/+0 dB, -3 dB (Component)
      Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
      Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 b/g/nIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
      Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency2.4 GHz5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
      Bluetooth Version2․1 + EDR4․1 + LE
      Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz2.4 GHz
      USB Terminal5 V, 1 AVer. 2.0, 5 V, 500 mA
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
      FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 1.56 µV (15.0 dBf)
      AM Frequency522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz530 kHz - 1710 kHz
      Warranty2 Years3 Years

      * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
      ** - 480i/576i only
      *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
      **** - 1080p signal is not converted

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.