What is better - Marantz SR5012 vs Pioneer SC-LX701?
The number of channels for receivers is different - 7.2 versus 9.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the SR5012 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 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 SR5012 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the SC-LX701 is equipped with ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz SR5012 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 SR5012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, but the Pioneer SC-LX701 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of each of the AV receivers. 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 SR5012 and the SC-LX701. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs is the same - 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the SR5012 and the SC-LX701. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. SR5012 and SC-LX701 support 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 SR5012 where 2 Multi zones is provided, the SC-LX701 works with 3 Multi zones. There is an ECO mode in SR5012. The Marantz SR5012 and the Pioneer SC-LX701 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.