What is better - Yamaha RX-S602 vs Pioneer SC-LX701?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-S602 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 80/8, 125/6, 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 RX-S602 received the model Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit, but the SC-LX701 is equipped with ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-S602 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 Yamaha RX-S602 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, Qobuz, 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 RX-S602 and the SC-LX701. Video scaling is only possible with the SC-LX701. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the SC-LX701.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-S602 has 4/1, and the SC-LX701 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the RX-S602 and the SC-LX701. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The RX-S602 has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the SC-LX701, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer SC-LX701.
Unlike the RX-S602 where 2 Multi zones is provided, the SC-LX701 works with 3 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in RX-S602. The Yamaha RX-S602 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.