Pioneer SC-LX701 vs Harman Kardon AVR 1610 review

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The Pioneer SC-LX701 vs Harman Kardon AVR 1610 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer SC-LX701 has 9.2 versus 5.1 for Harman Kardon AVR 1610. Regarding power, then SC-LX701 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 135/8, 185/6 when AVR 1610 has a power of 85/8, 85/6. The THD is 0.08% for the SC-LX701 but 0.09% for the AVR 1610.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit for SC-LX701 and 192 KHz/24-bit for the AVR 1610. Only the SC-LX701 supports Bi-amping feature. The Pioneer SC-LX701 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver.

Video features

Only the Pioneer SC-LX701 has support for High dynamic range (HDR). 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. The SC-LX701 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the AVR 1610. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the SC-LX701.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer SC-LX701 has 8/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 5/1 HDMI connectors of the Harman Kardon AVR 1610. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present in only the SC-LX701. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The SC-LX701 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer SC-LX701.

Multichannel surround

Only the SC-LX701 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the SC-LX701.