Marantz SR7012 vs Pioneer SC-LX502

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An overview of Marantz SR7012 and Pioneer SC-LX502 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Marantz SR7012 received 9.4 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer SC-LX502 was rated 8.1 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that SC-LX502 is inferior in audio processing features to SR7012.

Main advantages Marantz SR7012 over Pioneer SC-LX502

Main advantages Pioneer SC-LX502 over Marantz SR7012

Amplifiers

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

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz SR7012 supports 11.2-channels sound, but Pioneer SC-LX502 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 SR7012 this value is 125/8 W/Ohm, and for the SC-LX502 it is 120/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the SR7012 9 out of 10, and the SC-LX502 - 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 SR7012 scored 9, and Pioneer SC-LX502 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 SR7012.

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 SR7012 got 10 points, but Pioneer SC-LX502 received 8 points.

Marantz SR7012 is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer SC-LX502 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 SR7012.

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 SR7012 got 10 points, but the SC-LX502 has 7.

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 SR7012 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Marantz SR7012 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 SR7012 got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer SC-LX502 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 SR7012 has Auro-3D on its feature list.