Pioneer SC-LX701 VS Marantz SR6012
Pioneer SC-LX701
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - sc-lx701.pdf
  • USB - 1
Marantz SR6012
  • Brand - Marantz
  • Manual - sr6012.pdf
  • USB - 1

Marantz SR6012 vs Pioneer SC-LX701 – Superior Audio Quality

Marantz SR6012 vs Pioneer SC-LX701

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.

Features & Performance

Pioneer SC-LX701 vs Marantz SR6012

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.

Connections & Setup

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).

Design

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.

Pros & Cons

Pioneer SC-LX701

VS

Pros

    • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
    • MCACC auto-tuning and full band phase control are able to provide you with crystal-clear sound. These two systems can reduce the phase lag.
    • The operational power consumption is 310 W.
    • The total power output is 760 W, which is quite high, and it is enough for everyone to enjoy their favorite music tracks.

Cons

    • MCACC auto-tuning may be not enough and you may need to tweak it manually.
    • The users menu a bit complex and you need time to get used to it.

Marantz SR6012

VS

Pros

    • HEOS simplifies the management of the receiver to play Internet radio and other stream sources.
    • The separation of the sound in the surrounding environment is clear to hear sound in movies moving around the room, as they should.
    • No need to calibrate channel levels after the basic setup.
    • The quality of the voice in the video is very clear.

Cons

    • It's very hot, so you'll have to spend more money on the cooling system.

Specifications

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

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