It’s strongly recommended to compare different receivers if you want to choose the best one: Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Marantz NR1508.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 5.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-LX303 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 200/6, while the NR1508 has a power of 50/8. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-LX303 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the NR1508 is equipped with 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer VSX-LX303. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Marantz NR1508 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 versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer VSX-LX303 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Marantz NR1508 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora. 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 VSX-LX303 and the NR1508. Video scaling is only possible with the VSX-LX303. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the NR1508 has 6/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Pioneer VSX-LX303. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-LX303 and the NR1508. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. VSX-LX303 and NR1508 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer VSX-LX303. For voice control in the VSX-LX303 is used Google Assistant, but in the NR1508 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in NR1508. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Marantz NR1508 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the VSX-LX303. Only in the VSX-LX303 realized a DTS:X surround technology.