Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer VSX-LX102 vs Marantz NR1608, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-LX102 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 80/8, 170/6, while the NR1608 has a power of 50/8, 70/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the VSX-LX102 it is 0.08%, but for the NR1608 it is 0.05%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-LX102 received the model AK4438 384 KHz/32-bit, but the NR1608 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer VSX-LX102 and Marantz NR1608 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 versus AirPlay, AirPlay 2 respectively. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Pioneer VSX-LX102 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Marantz NR1608 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud. 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 VSX-LX102 and the NR1608. 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 VSX-LX102 has 4/1, and the NR1608 has 8/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-LX102 and the NR1608. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. VSX-LX102 and NR1608 support the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Pioneer VSX-LX102. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Pioneer VSX-LX102 and the Marantz NR1608 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.