Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Marantz SR5015 review

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The Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Marantz SR5015 comparison will be extremely helpful for people who want to get a great, powerful receiver with many functions.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 9.2 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, the receivers have the same performance - 100/8, 200/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Pioneer VSX-LX303 and Marantz SR5015 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

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 SR5015 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud.

Video features

Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the VSX-LX303 and the SR5015. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-LX303 has 7/2, and the SR5015 has 6/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the SR5015. 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 SR5015, which supports the standard HDCP 2.3. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Unlike the VSX-LX303 where 3 Multi zones is provided, the SR5015 works with 2 Multi zones. For voice control in the VSX-LX303 is used Google Assistant, but in the SR5015 is used Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. There is an ECO mode in SR5015. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 and the Marantz SR5015 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.