The Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Marantz NR1200 comparison will be extremely helpful for people who want to get a great, powerful receiver with many functions.
The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 2.0, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-LX303 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 100/8, 200/6, while the NR1200 has a power of 75/8, 100/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-LX303 received the model AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit, but the NR1200 is equipped with 192 KHz/32-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Pioneer VSX-LX303. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Marantz NR1200 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-LX303 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, but the Marantz NR1200 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio.
The HDR10 function is present in each of the rivals. 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-LX303 and the NR1200. Video scaling is only possible with the VSX-LX303. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the VSX-LX303.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the NR1200 has 5/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-LX303 and the NR1200. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The VSX-LX303 has support for the standard HDCP 2.2, compared to the NR1200, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. For voice control in the VSX-LX303 is used Google Assistant, but in the NR1200 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in NR1200. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Marantz NR1200 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available only in the VSX-LX303. Only in the VSX-LX303 realized a DTS:X surround technology.