Marantz SR7015 vs Pioneer SC-LX701

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Let's compare Marantz SR7015 versus Pioneer SC-LX701 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Marantz SR7015 received 9.6 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer SC-LX701 was rated 8.5 points. The release date of SR7015 is 2020, and SC-LX701 is 2016. And as a result of the comparison, SR7015 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than SC-LX701.

Main advantages Marantz SR7015 over Pioneer SC-LX701

Main advantages Pioneer SC-LX701 over Marantz SR7015

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 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 SC-LX701 this value is 135/8 W/Ohm, and for the SR7015 it is 125/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the SR7015 9 out of 10, and the SC-LX701 - 10.

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 markedly different, Marantz SR7015 scored 10, and Pioneer SC-LX701 scored 8 out of 10.

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

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Marantz SR7015.

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, Marantz SR7015 got 10 points, but Pioneer SC-LX701 received 9 points.

Marantz SR7015 is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer SC-LX701 has 8/2 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 Marantz SR7015.

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 Marantz SR7015 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer SC-LX701 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

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.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The SR7015 works with the 4K/120Hz video, and the SC-LX701 has the 4K/60Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available only on Marantz SR7015.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the SR7015 got 10 points, but the SC-LX701 has 8.

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 SR7015 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Marantz SR7015 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 SR7015 got 10 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer SC-LX701 got 7.

Auro 3D gives a bit more versatility than Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and provides a hemispherical sound and enables a receiver to produce 3D sound stages. Only the Marantz SR7015 has Auro-3D on its feature list.

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 SR7015 licensed by IMAX.