Pioneer VSX-LX303 vs Marantz NR1609

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Let's compare Pioneer VSX-LX303 versus Marantz NR1609 for an overview of all their pros and cons. We estimated the compared receivers and both received a 8.2 out of 10 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX303 over Marantz NR1609

Main advantages Marantz NR1609 over Pioneer VSX-LX303

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 7, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer VSX-LX303 supports 9.2-channels sound, but Marantz NR1609 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 VSX-LX303 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 VSX-LX303 9 out of 10, and the NR1609 - 8.

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, Pioneer VSX-LX303 got 8 points, but Marantz NR1609 received 9 points.

Pioneer VSX-LX303 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Marantz NR1609 has 8/1 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 VSX-LX303 were rated 10 out of 10 against the 9 for the NR1609.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-LX303 got 9 points, but the NR1609 has 10.

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

Pioneer VSX-LX303 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Marantz NR1609 got 8.