Pioneer SC-LX801 VS Marantz SR7012
Pioneer SC-LX801
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - sc-lx801.pdf
  • USB - 2
Marantz SR7012
  • Brand - Marantz
  • Manual - sr7012.pdf
  • USB - 1

Marantz SR7012 or Pioneer SC-LX801 - Which Home Theater Receiver to Select?

Marantz SR7012 vs Pioneer SC-LX801

Marantz SR7012 — brief receiver review

I have tested Marantz SR7012 and I can state that this is a premium class audio-video receiver with main technologies for both home cinema and playing music in high definition. Versus the previous SR7011 model, Marantz engineers completely upgraded SR7012 with new functions and components, including a 192 kHz/32-bit DAC converter and the famous Marantz wideband amplifier with hyper dynamic modules.

There are 8 HDMI inputs, so I was easily able to use my Blu-Ray player and video game console at the same time. I could scale signals from outdated sources by converting video into 4K using the ISF video calibration for the best video quality. HDMI outputs allowed me to transmit the signal not only to the TV or projector in the main room but also to a separate display in another part of my house.

I was able to quickly switch between multiple streaming music sources. The Audyssey MultEQ setup and calibration system are great. The Audyssey Editor application, available on both Google Play and iTunes websites, guarantees the sound accuracy. An advanced assistant found in setup enabled me to get the most from this receiver.

Pioneer SC-LX801 — the best D-class receiver

I fully agree that Pioneer SC-LX801 is D-class receiver, certified by legendary Air Studios, with a full set of features for exceptional natural and dynamic sound. The device can reproduce audio with 24 bits/192kHz PCM and DSD up to 11.2 MHz. The Precision Quartz File-based Audio technology helps reduce jitter when playing signals via network or USB.

This receiver also has multiple HDMI ports so that I can connect several monitors. A special point for me is that the receiver has a number of features to provide compatibility with third-party devices, including IP-based control over the wired network or Wi-Fi.

However, the initial sound tuning made right after switching on is not performed in the best way. It is better to do fine sound settings after the receiver warms up for about 30 minutes.

Marantz SR7012 vs Pioneer SC-LX801 - Receiver Comparison

As these receivers are high-class devices, I have no serious complaints about the sound. With these devices, I can listen to the music via Ethernet or built-in Wi-Fi in all formats up to DSD2.8/5.6. Also, I could distribute sound within three home zones.

Marantz SR7012 impressed me by the user-friendly Audyssey calibration system. I used the Crestron Connected interface for a quick and easy integration into my home equipment. I suggest that Marantz SR7012 is not the most powerful AV receiver, but it impresses with its vast set of functions and perfect sound.

In Pioneer SC-LX801, I found more up-to-date features. So, judging by the comparison chart, Pioneer SC-LX801 meets the modern requirements a little bit better. Also, comparing Pioneer SC-LX801 vs Marantz SR7012, I can admit that the power consumption of Pioneer SC-LX801 is twice less thanks to the Pioneer's Direct Energy technology.

When selecting Pioneer SC-LX801 or Marantz SR7012, it is to know that Pioneer SC-LX801 is about 25% less expensive and a bit heavier.

Pros & Cons

Pioneer SC-LX801

VS

Pros

    • High-Resolution Audio, including FLAC, DSD, and Apple AirPlay Connectivity.
    • Quality built-in functions.
    • Automatic video scaling.
    • Set up and configuring is easy due to MCACC.

Cons

    • It can sound a bit too sharp, especially when cold.
    • No eco mode.

Marantz SR7012

VS

Pros

    • New firmware allows the receiver to get 3D sound in any configuration.
    • Works with Alexa.
    • The setup is very easy and the manual is clear even for an inexperienced person.
    • To calibrate the speakers connected to the Marantz SR7012 is used an Audyssey MultEQ XT32 system.

Cons

    • Sometimes the receiver has a weak connection with home Wi-Fi.
    • When I switching between inputs the resolution of receiver is changing too with repositioning of icons.

Specifications

Specification Pioneer SC-LX801 Marantz SR7012
Audio Formats
Mp3
Flac
Apple Lossless
Aiff
Aac
Wma
Wav
Built-in Display
Type fluorescent fluorescent
Colour black black
Signal Processing
3d Pass-through
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Upscaling Via Hdmi up to 4K up to 4K
Connector Type
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
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 2 1
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Radio
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
Preset Station 40 40
Additional Features
Auto Power Off
Bi-amplifying
Audio Return Channel (arc)
Apple Air-play Support
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
A-b Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
Pure Direct Mode
Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.05 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance Per Channel 4 Ohm, 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 140 W, 200 W, 255 W 125 Watt
Total Output Power 810 W 950 W
Clock
Built-in Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Decoders
Dolby True Hd
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Sound Features
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Surround System Class 9.2 channel 9.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Front Stage Surround Advance Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/a Converter 32bit / 192kHz 32bit / 192kHz
Media Content Source
Usb-host
Network
Bluetooth
Dimensions
Dimensions 7.4 x 17.1 x 7.3 inches 15.8 x 17.3 x 7.3 inches
Connectivity Interfaces
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Bluetooth
User Manual
Manual sc-lx801.pdf sr7012.pdf
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.15 W 0.2 W
Operational Power Consumption 320 W 710 W
Functions
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Digital Player
General
Brand Pioneer Marantz

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