Having had an opportunity to test Marantz AV8805 vs Pioneer SC-LX501, 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 - 13.2 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 AV8805 received the model AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit, but the SC-LX501 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz AV8805 and Pioneer SC-LX501 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. 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 AV8805 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, but the Pioneer SC-LX501 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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 AV8805 and the SC-LX501. 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 AV8805 has 8/3, and the SC-LX501 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the AV8805. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. AV8805 and SC-LX501 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Unlike the AV8805 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the SC-LX501 works with 2 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in AV8805. The Marantz AV8805 and the Pioneer SC-LX501 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.