Marantz NR1609 vs Pioneer VSX-LX302

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Being able to compare Marantz NR1609 and Pioneer VSX-LX302 gave us an insight into what of them would be better for home theater configuration. According to the results of our review, Marantz NR1609 received 8.2 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX302 was rated 7.6 points. The release date of NR1609 is 2018, and VSX-LX302 is 2017. NR1609 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the VSX-LX302.

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Pioneer VSX-LX302

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX302 over Marantz NR1609

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

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. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the VSX-LX302 this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the NR1609 it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the NR1609 8 out of 10, and the VSX-LX302 - 9.

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 NR1609 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 NR1609 got 9 points, but Pioneer VSX-LX302 received 8 points.

Marantz NR1609 is equipped with 8/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX302 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 NR1609 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 8 for the VSX-LX302.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the NR1609 got 10 points, but the VSX-LX302 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 NR1609 can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Marantz NR1609 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 NR1609 got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX302 got 7.