Having had an opportunity to test Marantz SR8012 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 - 11.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the SR8012 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 140/8, 175/6, while the SC-LX501 has a power of 120/8, 180/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the SR8012 it is 0.05%, but for the SC-LX501 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the SR8012 received the model 192 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 SR8012 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 Marantz SR8012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, 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 SR8012 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 SR8012 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 SR8012. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. SR8012 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 SR8012 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the SC-LX501 works with 2 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in SR8012. The Marantz SR8012 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.