Comparison Pioneer VSX-LX505 vs Pioneer VSX-LX305

the maximum sound power that can be delivered by the power amplifier (if the receiver has one, see "Type") per speaker channel. It is worth noting here that in this case it is customary to indicate the so-called RMS (Rated Maximum Sinusoidal), or rated power. Rated is considered the highest power that the amplifier is guaranteed to be able to produce without interruption for an hour without any failures or breakdowns. Short-term jumps in the signal level can significantly exceed this value, but the main indicator is still the rated power.

The power of the amplifier largely determines the sound volume of the speaker system connected to the device. In fact, the loudness also depends on the characteristics of the speakers — sensitivity, impedance, etc.; however, other things being equal, the same acoustics on a more powerful amplifier will sound louder. In addition, this parameter also affects the compatibility of the speakers and the amplifier — it is believed that the difference in the nominal powers of these components should not exceed 10-15% (and ideally, the powers should generally match). And since different rooms require speakers of different power, this also affects the choice of amplifier for a particular environment; specific recommendations on the ratio of room characteristics and acoustic power can be found in special sources.

Also note that if the amplifier can operate with a load of different resistance (see..."Permissible acoustic impedance"), then for different options the power per channel will be different — the lower the resistance, the higher the power. In the characteristics, in this case, the maximum value of this parameter is usually indicated — that is, the power at the minimum allowable resistance.

A set of streaming services supported by the AV receiver.

Such services are designed for streaming audio content over the Internet. In this case, the files are not saved to the device, but are played directly from the corresponding resource on the global network. Streaming services allow you to access vast libraries of music without having to take up your device's internal storage. The key advantages of online streaming include a huge selection of content and almost instant access to the desired audio tracks. Popular ones include Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Spotify, TIDAL, YouTube Music.

The number of composite inputs provided in the design of the receiver.

Note that in this case, we do not mean a full-size composite interface that uses three sockets (video and two stereo sound channels), but only one connector — video. This is due to the fact that the sound can be output through standard RCA audio connectors. The video output also uses an RCA type connector, usually a characteristic yellow colour.

Due to the fact that all image data is transmitted over a single cable, the composite interface is somewhat inferior to the component (see above) in terms of video quality, and the bandwidth allows you to work only with a standard definition signal (not HD); and there is no talk of volumetric sound. On the other hand, this connection method has long been used in video technology and can be useful for connecting outdated devices (such as VHS VCRs).

As for the quantity, the presence of several inputs allows you to connect several signal sources to the receiver at once with the corresponding outputs and switch between them through software settings without fiddling with switching cables.

The number of component inputs provided in the design of the receiver.

This interface (also known as YPbPr) is designed to transmit analogue video. Its name comes from the fact that the three main video components (brightness data and two colour difference channels) are carried over three separate cables. Accordingly, each individual component input is a set of three connectors. Usually, a built-in cable with RCA connectors (“tulip”) is used for connection, while the cables for component and composite (see below) interfaces are quite interchangeable.

The component interface stands out for its high signal transmission quality: splitting the video into three separate channels significantly reduces distortion compared to the same composite format, and the bandwidth is comparable to the above-described HDMI and allows you to work even with HD video. However, a component connection does not provide audio, and you will need to use a separate cable for this purpose.

As for the quantity, the presence of several inputs allows you to connect several signal sources to the receiver at once with the corresponding outputs and switch between them through software settings without fiddling with switching cables.

Additional inputs provided in the design of the AV receiver, in addition to those described above. These can be, in particular, such interfaces:

— Balanced digital (AES/EBU). A professional interface designed, as the name suggests, for transmitting digital audio using a balanced connection to reduce interference. For balanced connection, see "XLR (balanced)" above; here we note that AES / EBU is not compatible with the "regular" XLR, although it most often uses the same type of connector. This input is found mainly in the most advanced AV receivers.

— Connector for the docking station. Input for connecting to a docking station — a special device used mainly for connecting smartphones and portable players. The most popular docks for Apple devices — iPhone and iPod — but there may be accessories for other brands. A docking station is often more convenient than a regular cable as it She also plays the role of a stand. In addition, connecting a portable gadget in this way often provides additional control options — for example, switching tracks on the player from the receiver's control panel.

— Trigger input. This input allows the AV receiver to turn on automatically when another audio component equipped with a trigger output, such as a CD player, is turned on. When the control component connected to the trigger input is turned on, this input receives a signal that “wakes up” the receiver as well. This is more convenient than turning on the...equipment separately.

— PC IN. Input for outputting video signal from a computer graphics card to the AV receiver. Typically, the designation PC IN is used for the analogue VGA connector (15 pin D-Sub); it is considered obsolete, but it is still quite common in video cards, especially low-cost ones. On the other hand, the same video cards use the more popular, advanced, and most importantly universal HDMI standard (see above). Therefore, among AV receivers, the PC IN input is still not widely used, only some top-class models are equipped with it, designed for the maximum variety of interfaces.

— USB A. Standard USB connector — the same as in PCs and laptops. It can be used in different formats, but most often it is intended for connecting flash drives or other drives and using the receiver as a media player.

The number of analogue stereo RCA outputs provided in the design of the AV receiver.

By itself, the RCA connector (colloquially — "tulip") can be used in different interfaces. However, in this particular case, we are talking about a linear audio output that is responsible for an analogue audio signal. RCA is the most popular connector used in modern audio equipment for such outputs. In this case, we can talk about both standard outputs for connecting speakers, and about REC connectors designed to connect a recording device to the receiver and differ in a constant signal level. (however, there is rarely more than one such output). In addition, preamplifier outputs are also taken into account here.

Note that connectors of this type are usually counted in pairs; in other words, one output consists of two RCA connectors. This is due to the fact that in this case only one channel of analogue audio can be transmitted over one wire; accordingly, two RCA jacks are required for stereo transmission.

Several RCA outputs allow you to connect several sets of acoustics to the receiver at the same time — for example, to broadcast sound in several rooms at once or to record sound in parallel with listening to it.

The presence of a preamplifier output (Pre-Amp) in the design of the AV receiver.

The preamp itself is the first stage of analogue signal amplification: it increases the power of the signal to a line level. This level is not enough to sound passive speakers, but it is already enough to send a signal to a power amplifier. However, in this case, not all preamplifier outputs are implied: ordinary paired stereo outputs are indicated as RCA pairs (see above), and only the so-called Pre-Amp counts as Pre-Amp. multichannel output. This output also uses RCA connectors, but these connectors cover all channels supported by the receiver: for example, in a 5.1 device, the Pre-Amp output will consist of 6 connectors. Such an interface can be very convenient when organizing multi-channel sound systems.

The presence of a linear audio input on the front panel of the AV receiver.

The line interface is the main interface for transferring an analogue audio signal between audio system components. It can use different types of connectors, but most often classic RCA is installed on the front panel of the receiver. Another option is a 3.5 mm mini-jack; such a socket is useful for connecting portable equipment such as smartphones or pocket players. There are models equipped with both types of connectors. Anyway, the placement of the line input on the front panel will be especially convenient for connecting temporary sound sources that are not planned to be permanently connected to the receiver. For example, during a party, you can quickly connect a DJ console or a player with a selection of music to the system, and just as quickly disconnect the device at the end of the event.