It makes sense comparing Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Marantz SR6014 because they both are able to give some premium features.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 9.2. Regarding power, then VSX-LX303 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 200/6 when SR6014 has a power of 110/8, 185/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.
Competitors' digital to analog converter (DAC) is identical to AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Both the VSX-LX303 and the SR6014 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 Pioneer VSX-LX303 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The VSX-LX303 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the SR6014 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio.
Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). 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 Pioneer VSX-LX303 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Marantz SR6014. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the SR6014. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The VSX-LX303 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the SR6014. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The VSX-LX303 supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the SR6014. The VSX-LX303 supports voice control via Google Assistant, and the SR6014 - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the SR6014. Both VSX-LX303 and SR6014 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.