Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer SC-LX701 vs Yamaha R-N602BL, 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 - 9.2 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the SC-LX701 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 135/8, 185/6, while the R-N602BL has a power of 115/8, 105/4. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the SC-LX701 it is 0.08%, but for the R-N602BL it is 0.01%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the SC-LX701 received the model ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit, but the R-N602BL is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer SC-LX701. Both Pioneer SC-LX701 and Yamaha R-N602BL can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer SC-LX701 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Yamaha R-N602BL works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of the SC-LX701. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode can provide only the SC-LX701. Video scaling is only possible with the SC-LX701. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the SC-LX701. HDMI Audio Return Channel is only available on Pioneer SC-LX701. HDMI eARC is not supported by the SC-LX701 and the R-N602BL. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that only the Pioneer SC-LX701 has HDMI CEC. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in R-N602BL. 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.