It makes sense comparing Marantz NR1504 vs Pioneer VSX-LX301 because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Marantz NR1504 has 5.1 versus 7.2 for Pioneer VSX-LX301. Regarding power, then NR1504 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 50/8, 60/6 when VSX-LX301 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for NR1504 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-LX301. Only the VSX-LX301 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The NR1504 can work with the audio stream from Pandora, SiriusXM, and the VSX-LX301 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.
Only the Pioneer VSX-LX301 has support for High dynamic range (HDR). HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The VSX-LX301 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the NR1504. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-LX301.
The Marantz NR1504 has 6/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX301. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. 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. The VSX-LX301 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both NR1504 and VSX-LX301 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Only the VSX-LX301 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-LX301.