Marantz SR8015 vs Pioneer VSX-935

Here we are comparing Marantz SR8015 to Pioneer VSX-935 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. The Marantz SR8015 has 11 channel and the Pioneer VSX-935 has 7 channel amplifiers with Marantz SR8015's being more powerful.

We evaluated Marantz SR8015 and Pioneer VSX-935 and gave them scores of 96 and 89 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Marantz SR8015 over Pioneer VSX-935.

Marantz SR8015

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-935 over Marantz SR8015.

Pioneer VSX-935

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

• Current Feedback Topology: Marantz SR8015 features Current Feedback Topology which is a well known, Marantz’ original circuit technology. The Current Feedback amplifier technology fits perfectly with the high requirements set for Super Audio software providing wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the Current Feedback point is limited resulting in a very low phase shift. Marantz receivers and amplifiers equipped with Current Feedback can keep the phase compensation via Negative FeedBack (NFB) to a minimum, resulting in high through-rate, excellent transient response and superb sonic transparency for the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback amplification, the Current Feedback amplification makes the power amplifier in-sensitive to difficult loudspeaker loads.
• HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module): Marantz SR8015 features exclusive Marantz HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology found on their Reference Series components. Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards to replace standard IC's. These HDAM's consist of discrete surface mount components with short mirror image L/R signal paths. Those devices are doing exactly the same thing as the Op-Amps, but outperform the regular IC Op-amps dramatically in terms of the Slew Rate and reduced noise level, resulting in a much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years Marantz developed different types of the HDAM to improve quality and to fit to the special requirements of a product category like CD or amplifier.
• Toroidal Transformer: Marantz SR8015 has a toroidal transformer which in general costs several times more than a regular C-core transformer and radiates less electromagnetic noise outside its donut shaped core.

Marantz SR8015's and Pioneer VSX-935's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
Marantz SR8015: 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.6, 9.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
Pioneer VSX-935: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
Marantz SR8015: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 5.2.6, 7.2.2, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with internal amplifier and 7.2.6, 9.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
Pioneer VSX-935: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
Marantz SR8015: 5.2, 7.2, 9.2 with internal amplifier.
Pioneer VSX-935: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
Marantz SR8015: 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4.
Pioneer VSX-935: Does not support.
• Bi-Amp: Marantz SR8015 is able to bi-amp up to 5 and Pioneer VSX-935 is able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Dolby Atmos

Marantz SR8015 and Pioneer VSX-935 support Dolby Atmos.

• Dolby Surround Upmixer: Both models support Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Both models support Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

DTS:X

Marantz SR8015 and Pioneer VSX-935 support DTS:X.

• DTS:X Pro: Marantz SR8015 supports DTS:X Pro which is an upgraded version of DTS:X and is no longer limited with 11 channel processing.
• DTS Neural:X: Both models feature DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
• DTS Virtual:X: Both models feature DTS Virtual:X which bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
• DTS Dialog Control: Both models have DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

Auro-3D

Marantz SR8015 supports Auro-3D.

• Auro-Matic upmixer: Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

IMAX Enhanced

Marantz SR8015 is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

• What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.

Marantz SR8015 comes with 1 HDMI 2.1 input with 8K support and 7 inputs with 4K support. It has 3 outputs - 2 x 8K for MAIN and 1 x 4K for ZONE2.

Pioneer VSX-935 comes with 3 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support and 3 inputs with 4K support. It has 2 outputs - 1 MAIN and 1 SUB/ZONE 2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough on Marantz SR8015: 1 out of 8 inputs passes up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
  8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-935: 3 out of 6 inputs pass up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 8K Upscaling: Both receivers can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI sources. Marantz SR8015 can also upscale from analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Marantz SR8015 supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on both models).
• HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• Quick Media Switching (QMS): With HDMI 2.1a, Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates. QMS eliminates A/V blackouts by using VRR technology to change frame rates, allowing instant changes from 24Hz to 60Hz frame rate, and anywhere in-between. The viewer never sees blank screens and gets a seamless experience (available on Pioneer VSX-935 only).
• 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Marantz SR8015 supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

Pioneer VSX-935 supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Marantz SR8015 and Pioneer VSX-935 support Audio Return Channel (ARC) which allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Both receivers support Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

For the complete list of specifications please go to the next page: