Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 vs Marantz CINEMA 50 review

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The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 vs Marantz CINEMA 50 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 has 9.2 versus 9.4 for Marantz CINEMA 50. Regarding power, then Elite VSX-LX305 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 225/6 when CINEMA 50 has a power of 110/8, 150/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for Elite VSX-LX305 and 192 KHz/32-bit for the CINEMA 50. Both the Elite VSX-LX305 and the CINEMA 50 support Bi-amping. The Marantz CINEMA 50 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The Elite VSX-LX305 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, and the CINEMA 50 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10+ technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/120Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer Elite VSX-LX305 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/3 HDMI connectors of the Marantz CINEMA 50. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the CINEMA 50. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the CINEMA 50. Both Elite VSX-LX305 and CINEMA 50 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.