Marantz SR5014 vs Pioneer VSX-LX301

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An overview of Marantz SR5014 and Pioneer VSX-LX301 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Marantz SR5014 received 9 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX301 was rated 8 points. The release date of SR5014 is 2019, and VSX-LX301 is 2017. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that VSX-LX301 is inferior in audio processing features to SR5014.

Main advantages Marantz SR5014 over Pioneer VSX-LX301

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX301 over Marantz SR5014

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 8 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 100/8, 180/6/8 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, Marantz SR5014 got 10 points, but Pioneer VSX-LX301 received 8 points.

Marantz SR5014 is equipped with 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX301 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 SR5014.

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 SR5014 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-LX301 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 the SR5014 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 9 for the VSX-LX301.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the SR5014 got 10 points, but the VSX-LX301 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 SR5014 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Marantz SR5014 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 SR5014 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX301 got 7.