Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha RX-S602 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 - 5.1 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-S602 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 80/8, 125/6, while the SC-LX501 has a power of 120/8, 180/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-S602 received the model Burr-Brown 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 Yamaha RX-S602 and Pioneer SC-LX501 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 Yamaha RX-S602 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, but the Pioneer SC-LX501 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 RX-S602 and the SC-LX501. Video scaling is only possible with the SC-LX501. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the SC-LX501.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-S602 has 4/1, and the SC-LX501 has 7/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the RX-S602 and the SC-LX501. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-S602 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the SC-LX501, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer SC-LX501.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in RX-S602. The Yamaha RX-S602 and the Pioneer SC-LX501 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the SC-LX501. Only in the SC-LX501 realized a DTS:X surround technology.