What is better - Marantz NR1510 vs Pioneer SC-LX701?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.2 versus 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1510 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 60/6, while the SC-LX701 has a power of 135/8, 185/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1510 received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the SC-LX701 is equipped with ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer SC-LX701. Both Marantz NR1510 and Pioneer SC-LX701 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 NR1510 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, but the Pioneer SC-LX701 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 NR1510 and the SC-LX701. Video scaling is only possible with the SC-LX701. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1510 has 8/1, and the SC-LX701 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the NR1510. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The NR1510 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the SC-LX701, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. There is an ECO mode in NR1510. The Marantz NR1510 and the Pioneer SC-LX701 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the SC-LX701. Only in the SC-LX701 realized a DTS:X surround technology.