Marantz SR6012 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304

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Let's compare Marantz SR6012 versus Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Marantz SR6012 received 8.6 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 was rated 8.5 points. The release date of SR6012 is 2017, and Elite VSX-LX304 is 2019. And as a result of the comparison, SR6012 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than Elite VSX-LX304.

Main advantages Marantz SR6012 over Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304

Main advantages Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 over Marantz SR6012

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 9, 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 SR6012 this value is 110/8 W/Ohm, and for the Elite VSX-LX304 it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 9 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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Marantz SR6012 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, Marantz SR6012 got 10 points, but Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 received 7 points.

Marantz SR6012 is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 has 7/2 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 SR6012.

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 SR6012 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 8 for the Elite VSX-LX304.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the SR6012 got 10 points, but the Elite VSX-LX304 has 9.

Only the Marantz SR6012 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 SR6012 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer Elite VSX-LX304 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 Elite VSX-LX304 licensed by IMAX.