Marantz SR6012 vs Pioneer VSX-532

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The Marantz SR6012 versus Pioneer VSX-532 comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Marantz SR6012 received 8.6 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-532 was rated 4.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. Identified advantages have shown that SR6012 is better over VSX-532 mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Marantz SR6012 over Pioneer VSX-532

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-532 over Marantz SR6012

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 8 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Marantz SR6012 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-532 supports a 5.1-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 VSX-532 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the SR6012 9 out of 10, and the VSX-532 - 7.

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 markedly different, Marantz SR6012 scored 8, and Pioneer VSX-532 scored 6 out of 10.

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

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the SR6012 only.

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 VSX-532 received 5 points.

Marantz SR6012 is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-532 has 4/1 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.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the SR6012 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 the SR6012 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 5 for the VSX-532.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible only with Marantz SR6012.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the SR6012 got 10 points, but the VSX-532 has 5.

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 SR6012 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI.

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 VSX-532 got 5.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Marantz SR6012 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available only on the SR6012.