Pioneer SC-LX501 vs Marantz SR6013 review

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An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Pioneer SC-LX501 vs Marantz SR6013 comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer SC-LX501 has 7.2 versus 9.2 for Marantz SR6013. Regarding power, then SC-LX501 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/8, 180/6 when SR6013 has a power of 110/8, 150/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Competitors' digital to analog converter (DAC) is identical to AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Both the SC-LX501 and the SR6013 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers 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 Pioneer SC-LX501 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio - all of these streaming services have found application in each of the models.

Video features

These units support HDR technology. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz 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 SC-LX501 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Marantz SR6013. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the SR6013. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. 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. An ECO mode is only available for the SR6013. Both SC-LX501 and SR6013 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.