In the review below, the high-end devices that can process the signal in 4K format, as well as upscale sound up to 4K are introduced. They also have the same wide frequency response and low THD. The idea to compare 2 9-channel AVRs – Marantz SR6012 vs Pioneer SC-LX701 – aims to display the distinctions that are not noticeable at once.
A test of Pioneer SC-LX701 vs Marantz SR6012 was a challenge because both of them support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for object-based soundtracks making it possible to connect 5 speakers, 4 Atmos speakers, and 2 subs. Both units also have Pure Direct Mode that really works when delivering the smallest details of the main and background sounds. However, the Pioneer SC-LX701 produces vocals that are not accurate enough while playing movies.
The Marantz SR6012 is noted for high sound clarity and well-balanced tones when delivering acoustic music from the streaming platforms especially after making front tower speakers bi-amped.
Both units are full packed with various type of connections. However, the Pioneer SC-LX701 has two more AV inputs to connect more sink devices to display the video and play the sound. It also has one more optical digital input to hook up devices that lack HDMI inputs. On the other hand, the Marantz SR6012 boasts one more HDMI output to connect HDMI enabled devices (a monitor, for example).
The Pioneer SC-LX701 has a black rectangular aluminum chassis. The dials for volume and input selection on its front panel turn smoothly. Its display is bright and large versus the Marantz SR6012’s one that is just a small round circle in the center of the panel. However, the SR6012’s build is also metal and durables. Besides, it’s more than 5 pounds lighter than the Pioneer.
Specification | Pioneer SC-LX701 | Marantz SR6012 |
---|---|---|
Amplifier | ||
Output Impedance Per Channel | 4 Ohm, 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm | 4 Ohm |
Output Power Per Channel | 135 W, 185 W, 220 W | 110 W |
Total Output Power | 760 W | 900 W |
Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.08 % | 0.08 % |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz-20 kHz | 20 Hz-20 kHz |
Sound Features | ||
Surround System Class | 9.2 channel | 9.2 channel |
Surround Sound Effects | Front Stage Surround Advance | Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos |
Audio D/a Converter | 32bit / 192kHz | 32bit / 192kHz |
Digital Content Protection | HDCP 2.2 | HDCP 2.2 |
Audio Formats | ||
Apple Lossless | ||
Aiff | ||
Aac | ||
Wma | ||
Wav | ||
Mp3 | ||
Flac | ||
Built-in Decoders | ||
Dolby Surround | ||
Dolby Digital Plus | ||
Dolby Atmos | ||
Dts:x | ||
Dolby True Hd | ||
Signal Processing | ||
Hdmi Pass-through | up to 4K | up to 4K |
Upscaling Via Hdmi | up to 4K | up to 4K |
3d Pass-through | ||
Video Conversion/scaling | HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion | HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion |
Connector Type | ||
Hdmi Outputs | 2 | 3 |
Hdmi Inputs | 8 | 8 |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | 2 | 2 |
Optical Digital Inputs | 3 | 2 |
Phones | 1 | 1 |
Av Inputs | 4 | 2 |
Usb | 1 | 1 |
Subwoofer Outputs | 2 | 2 |
Coaxial Digital Outputs | has not | has not |
Optical Digital Outputs | has not | has not |
Media Content Source | ||
Usb-host | ||
Network | ||
Bluetooth | ||
Additional Features | ||
Audio Return Channel (arc) | ||
Apple Air-play Support | ||
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology | ||
Smartphone Remote Control | ||
Three-zone Capability | ||
Dual-zone Capability | ||
A-b Speaker Switch | ||
Pure Direct Mode | ||
Auto Power Off | ||
Bi-amplifying | ||
Dimensions | ||
Dimensions | 7.4 x 17.1 x 7.3 inches | 15.3 x 17.3 x 6.3 inches |
Connectivity Interfaces | ||
Ieee 802.3u | ||
Ieee 802.3 | ||
Wi-fi | ||
Bluetooth | ||
User Manual | ||
Manual | sc-lx701.pdf | sr6012.pdf |
Functions | ||
Network Audio Player | ||
Internet Radio | ||
Digital Player | ||
Power Device | ||
Standby Power Consumption | 0.15 W | 0.3 W |
Operational Power Consumption | 310 W | 680 W |
Clock | ||
Sleep Timer | ||
Built-in Clock | ||
Built-in Display | ||
Colour | black | black |
Type | fluorescent | fluorescent |
Radio | ||
Preset Station | 40 | 40 |
Tuner Bands | AM/FM | AM/FM |
Tuner Type | digital | digital |
General | ||
Brand | Pioneer | Marantz |