Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 vs Marantz SR7013

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Review of Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 versus Marantz SR7013 will reveal the best features offered by the devices. According to the results of our review, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 received 8.8 points out of 10 possible, and Marantz SR7013 was rated 9.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. SR7013 is better suited for home theater use than the Elite SC-LX704. Its sound profile is better balanced.

Main advantages Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 over Marantz SR7013

Main advantages Marantz SR7013 over Pioneer Elite SC-LX704

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 10, 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 Elite SC-LX704 this value is 135/8 W/Ohm, and for the SR7013 it is 125/8 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, Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 got 8 points, but Marantz SR7013 received 10 points.

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 is equipped with 7/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz SR7013 has 8/3 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 on Marantz SR7013.

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 Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Marantz SR7013 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.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the Elite SC-LX704 got 9 points, but the SR7013 has 10.

Marantz SR7013 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

Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz SR7013 got 10.

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. Marantz SR7013 has Auro-3D on its feature list.

Rivals in this competition licensed by IMAX.