Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 vs Marantz NR1608

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The Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 vs Marantz NR1608 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 received 9.2 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1608 was rated 8.3 points. The release date of Elite SC-LX904 is 2019, and NR1608 is 2017. Elite SC-LX904 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - NR1608.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 over Marantz NR1608

Main advantages Marantz NR1608 over Pioneer Elite SC-LX904

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 10 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 supports 11.2-channels sound, but Marantz NR1608 supports a 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the Elite SC-LX904 this value is 140/8 W/Ohm, and for the NR1608 it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 10 of 10 for both receivers.

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 got 9 points, but Marantz NR1608 received 8 points.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1608 has 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Pioneer Elite SC-LX904.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Marantz NR1608 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the Elite SC-LX904 has a Phono interface.

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 10 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX904 got 9 points, but the NR1608 has 10.

Marantz NR1608 has the ECO mode.

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

Multichannel surround

Pioneer Elite SC-LX904 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz NR1608 got 7.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. Only the Elite SC-LX904 licensed by IMAX.