Pioneer VSX-LX301 vs Marantz NR1608

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The Pioneer VSX-LX301 vs Marantz NR1608 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-LX301 received 8 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz NR1608 was rated 8.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. NR1608 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - VSX-LX301.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX301 over Marantz NR1608

Main advantages Marantz NR1608 over Pioneer VSX-LX301

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 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 VSX-LX301 this value is 100/8 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, both receivers got 8 points on our 10-point scale.

Pioneer VSX-LX301 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1608 has 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the VSX-LX301 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 the VSX-LX301 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 10 for the NR1608.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-LX301 got 8 points, but the NR1608 has 10.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The NR1608 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.