Having had an opportunity to test Marantz AV7703 vs Pioneer VSX-933, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 11.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the AV7703 received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the VSX-933 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz AV7703 and Pioneer VSX-933 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
These units have the same Wi-Fi modules. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The contenders have differences in the supported services from Apple - AirPlay, AirPlay 2 versus AirPlay respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Marantz AV7703 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, iHeart Radio, SiriusXM, Sound Cloud, but the Pioneer VSX-933 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the AV7703 and the VSX-933. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the AV7703 has 8/3, and the VSX-933 has 6/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the AV7703 and the VSX-933. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AV7703 and VSX-933 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the AV7703 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the VSX-933 works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the AV7703 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, but in the VSX-933 is used Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in AV7703. The Marantz AV7703 and the Pioneer VSX-933 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.