Marantz NR1510 vs Pioneer VSX-LX503 review

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The Marantz NR1510 vs Pioneer VSX-LX503 comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Marantz NR1510 has 5.2 versus 9.2 for Pioneer VSX-LX503. Regarding power, then NR1510 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 50/8, 60/6 when VSX-LX503 has a power of 120/8, 230/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/32-bit for NR1510 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-LX503. Only the VSX-LX503 supports Bi-amping feature. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Marantz NR1510 has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The NR1510 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, and the VSX-LX503 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

Video features

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. The VSX-LX503 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the NR1510. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Marantz NR1510 has 8/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-LX503. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the NR1510. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The NR1510 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.3, versus HDCP 2.2 in the VSX-LX503. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. The NR1510 supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI, and the VSX-LX503 - Google Assistant. An ECO mode is only available for the NR1510. Both NR1510 and VSX-LX503 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the VSX-LX503 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-LX503.