An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Marantz SR8012 vs Pioneer VSX-1131 comparison definitely makes sense.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Marantz SR8012 has 11.2 versus 7.2 for Pioneer VSX-1131. Regarding power, then SR8012 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 140/8, 175/6 when VSX-1131 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is 0.05% for the SR8012 but 0.08% for the VSX-1131.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/32-bit for SR8012 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-1131. Both the SR8012 and the VSX-1131 support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Marantz SR8012 has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The SR8012 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio, and the VSX-1131 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
These units support HDR technology. Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Marantz SR8012 has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-1131. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the SR8012. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The SR8012 supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the VSX-1131. An ECO mode is only available for the SR8012. Both SR8012 and VSX-1131 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.