Marantz SR7012 VS Pioneer VSX-LX503
Marantz SR7012
  • Brand - Marantz
  • Manual - sr7012.pdf
  • USB - 1
Pioneer VSX-LX503
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - vsx-lx503.pdf
  • USB - 1

Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs Marantz SR7012: Comparison in Middle Price Category

Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs Marantz-SR7012

The main difference in the battle Pioneer VSX-LX503 vs Marantz SR7012 is in their total power: 1090W (VSX-LX503) versus 950W (SR7012).

Features & Performance

Marantz SR7012 vs Pioneer VSX-LX503

The Pioneer VSX-LX503 is a 9.2-channel receiver with a power of 120W per channel. A user can get immersive surround sound regardless of the number of speakers. The Marantz SR7012 is a device with a 192 kHz DAC. It can apply 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 setups, due to its 11.2 processing.

The Marantz has less total power than the Pioneer, but this is offset by more power per channel – 125W. In a pure-direct mode, bypassing all sound circuits, the SR7012 is creating a believable sound field.

In Marantz SR7012 vs Pioneer VSX-LX503 comparison, it should be mentioned that the VSX-LX503 produces perfect sound due to the built-in DAC, which can handle Hi-Res audio up to 384 kHz/32 bit if I compare it with DAC in the SR7012.

Connections & Setup

The Marantz SR7012 has a lot of connectors. One of its HDMI can work with the enhanced return channel, allowing a user to transfer Hi-Res audio. The Pioneer has 7 HDMI inputs and 7 AV inputs. Both receivers have the same number of digital inputs and terminals. The VSX-LX503 works with popular streaming services and can work with external devices. The SR7012 supports wireless technologies ChromeCast, AirPlay, and Play-Fi.

The audio tuning and calibration system Audyssey MultEQ XT32 delivers the SR7012 precise sound, which the user can customize using the Audyssey Editor app that is available on Android and iOS. The VSX-LX503 has similar calibration system MCACC but without calibration app support.

Design

The Marantz SR7012 has an elegant appearance. Buttons, knobs, and a small round screen are on the front panel. They look minimalistic. The entire panel is occupied by connectors.

The Pioneer VSX-LX503 has a functional appearance. Main controls and screen are on the front panel and it is possible to manage plenty of functions from a hidden control panel.

Pros & Cons

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.

Pioneer VSX-LX503

VS

Pros

    • It is possible to control the receiver through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, which gives full voice control over the basic functions of the receiver.
    • The output sound is deep and clear – no lags or noise.
    • It assures a stable wireless connection.
    • The device can cope with probably any HDMI component it receives.

Cons

    • AirPlay is not stable.
    • Some customers find the setup process quite complex (due to the poor documentation).

Specifications

Specification Marantz SR7012 Pioneer VSX-LX503
Signal Processing
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
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Connector Type
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Hdmi Outputs 3 2
Hdmi Inputs 8 7
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 2
Optical Digital Inputs 2 2
Phones 1 1
Av Inputs 2 7
Usb 1 1
Radio
Preset Station 40 40
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
Additional Features
Pure Direct Mode
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
Functions
Digital Player
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
Audio Formats
Wav
Mp3
Flac
Apple Lossless
Aiff
Aac
Wma
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.05 % 0.08 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance Per Channel 8 Ohm 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 125 Watt 120 W
Total Output Power 950 W 1090 W
Sound Features
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Surround System Class 9.2 channel 9.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/a Converter 32bit / 192kHz 32bit / 384kHz
Built-in Decoders
Dolby True Hd
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Media Content Source
Usb-host
Network
Bluetooth
Dimensions
Dimensions 15.8 x 17.3 x 7.3 inches 15.2 x 17.2 x 7.3 inches
Connectivity Interfaces
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Bluetooth
User Manual
Manual sr7012.pdf vsx-lx503.pdf
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.2 W
Operational Power Consumption 710 W
General
Brand Marantz Pioneer

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