Marantz NR1608 vs Pioneer VSX-LX504

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Marantz NR1608 and Pioneer VSX-LX504 takes place. According to the results of our review, Marantz NR1608 received 8.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 was rated 8.8 points. The release date of NR1608 is 2017, and VSX-LX504 is 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that VSX-LX504 has better performance than NR1608.

Main advantages Marantz NR1608 over Pioneer VSX-LX504

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX504 over Marantz NR1608

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 9, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz NR1608 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-LX504 supports a 9.2-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-LX504 this value is 120/8 W/Ohm, and for the NR1608 it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the NR1608 10 out of 10, and the VSX-LX504 - 9.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Marantz NR1608 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

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.

Marantz NR1608 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX504 has 7/2 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-LX504 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 NR1608 got 10 points, but the VSX-LX504 has 9.

Only the 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

Marantz NR1608 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX504 got 8.

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. The VSX-LX504 licensed by IMAX.