Pioneer SC-LX501 vs Marantz SR8015 review

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The Pioneer SC-LX501 vs Marantz SR8015 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer SC-LX501 has 7.2 versus 11.2 for Marantz SR8015. Regarding power, then SC-LX501 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 120/8, 180/6 when SR8015 has a power of 140/8, 175/6. The THD is 0.08% for the SC-LX501 but 0.05% for the SR8015. Both the SC-LX501 and the SR8015 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. The SC-LX501 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the SR8015 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud. 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 SR8015. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the SR8015. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The SC-LX501 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the SR8015. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The SC-LX501 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the SR8015. An ECO mode is only available for the SR8015. Both SC-LX501 and SR8015 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.