Marantz SR6014 vs Pioneer VSX-LX503

vs

Being able to compare Marantz SR6014 and Pioneer VSX-LX503 gave us an insight into what of them would be better for home theater configuration. According to the results of our review, Marantz SR6014 received 9.2 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 was rated 8.6 points. The release date of SR6014 is 2019, and VSX-LX503 is 2018. SR6014 is more performable in terms of audio broadcast than the VSX-LX503.

Main advantages Marantz SR6014 over Pioneer VSX-LX503

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-LX503 over Marantz SR6014

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 9 points out of 10.

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 VSX-LX503 this value is 120/8 W/Ohm, and for the SR6014 it is 110/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the SR6014 10 out of 10, and the VSX-LX503 - 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 SR6014 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 SR6014 got 10 points, but Pioneer VSX-LX503 received 8 points.

Marantz SR6014 is equipped with 8/3 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 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 SR6014.

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 SR6014 in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-LX503 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 SR6014 got 10 points, but the VSX-LX503 has 8.

Only the Marantz SR6014 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 SR6014 got 9 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-LX503 got 7.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. Only the SR6014 licensed by IMAX.