Marantz NR1504 vs Pioneer SC-LX901 – that is a question.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 11.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the NR1504 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 60/6, while the SC-LX901 has a power of 140/8, 200/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the NR1504 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the SC-LX901 is equipped with ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer SC-LX901. Both Marantz NR1504 and Pioneer SC-LX901 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 Marantz NR1504 works with Pandora, SiriusXM, but the Pioneer SC-LX901 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
Support for the HDR function can only boast of the SC-LX901. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the NR1504 and the SC-LX901. Video scaling is only possible with the SC-LX901. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the SC-LX901.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the NR1504 has 6/1, and the SC-LX901 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the NR1504 and the SC-LX901. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. NR1504 and SC-LX901 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer SC-LX901. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in neither AV receiver. The Marantz NR1504 and the Pioneer SC-LX901 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the SC-LX901. Only in the SC-LX901 realized a DTS:X surround technology.