Marantz SR8012 vs Pioneer SC-LX901 – that is a question.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the SR8012 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 140/8, 175/6, while the SC-LX901 has a power of 140/8, 200/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the SR8012 it is 0.05%, but for the SC-LX901 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the SR8012 received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the SC-LX901 is equipped with ESS SABRE32 Ultra 192 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz SR8012 and Pioneer SC-LX901 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 SR8012 works with Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio, but the Pioneer SC-LX901 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 SR8012 and the SC-LX901. 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 varies depending on the receiver, the SR8012 has 8/3, and the SC-LX901 has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the SR8012. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. SR8012 and SC-LX901 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 3 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in SR8012. The Marantz SR8012 and the Pioneer SC-LX901 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.