Besides the difference in the number of amplifier channels (the SC-LX901 has 11.2 channels and the SC-LX801 has 9.2 channels of amplification), it should be mentioned that the SC-LX901 utilizes a special power transformer designed to minimize the flux leakage, hence providing low noise power. Depending on the other components used, this leads to an improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio. The SC-LX801 doesn't have the same low flux leakage power transformer, which increases the chance for some noise/hum to be radiated towards other components. The SC-LX801 can drive simultaneously 9-channels at a total of 810 W (into 8 ohms loads, 1 kHz, THD 1 %) whereas the SC-LX901 can drive 11-channels at the same time at a total of 850 W (into 8 ohms loads, 1 kHz, THD 1 %). That being said, when it comes to two channel being driven, they have the same power output of 140 Watts per channel (into 8 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.08 %) because an identical Class D Amplifier topology complemented by custom bypass capacitors is employed by both models.
The SC-LX901 and SC-LX801's linear circuit layout provides for a shorter signal path, so that it's less likely for any significant transmission loss, and sonic distortion caused by it, to occur. The separation of the pre-amp (processing) and power amplifier blocks by steel plates helps avoid mutual interference. Further, the 3D Space Frame Construction that both models utilize allows for the analog and digital circuits to isolated from one another, as well as from the power supply and amplifier compartment. For example, both models have the operational amplifier IC (integrated circuit) that processes small signal independent from the amplifying section in order to prevent any interference from occurring. Consequently, the signal transmitted to the MOSFET is clear. MOSFET stands for a metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor. It is also referred to as a Direct Power FET because of the direct connection to the printed circuit board, meaning there is no additional wiring used. This is done for the purpose of achieving a faster switching time, which in turn leads to quick-responding sound on both models.
Both models support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio formats. That being said, only the SC-LX901 can run a full 7.2.4 channel speaker setup thanks to its 11.2 channels of amplification. The SC-LX801, on the other hand, has a 9.2 channel amplifier, so it's limited to either 7.2.2, or 5.2.4 channel configuration at most. An external amp is required if you want to run a 7.2.4 Atmos setup with the SC-LX801. Despite the fact that the SC-LX801 has 11 speaker terminals, only 9 of them can simultaneously be active, as has already been discussed. Of course, you can connect your speakers to all 11 binding posts so that you can easily switch between different configurations, but only up to 9 can be active at the same time. The SC-LX901 has the built-in amplification to drive all 11 channels.
The SC-LX901 and SC-LX801 have the same number of HDMI inputs: 7 Rear and 1 Front, in addition to 2 HDMI outputs (1 MAIN and 1 Sub). HDCP 2.2 is supported on the HDMI IN1 to 5, meaning a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player has to connected on one of these 5 HDMI inputs. Video signal pass-through up to 4K@60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling is supported, but the color bit depth is limited to 24-bit per pixel. To get deep color (36-bit per pixel) with 4K signal, some compromises need to be made with either the chroma sub-sampling, which has to be limited to 4:2:0 in order to have 4K@60Hz, or the frame rate, which needs to be restricted to 24 fps in order to have a 4:4:4 chroma sub-sampling. That being said, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs utilize 10-bits per channel (which translates to 30-bits per pixel), meaning the HDMI bandwidth capacity for signal pass-through of this particular format is sufficient, especially considering the 24 fps is typically used for movies (instead of 60 fps).
MCACC Pro provides Auto Room Tuning capability for both receivers. The required microphone is included with both models, and it's used for detecting any phase differences (in all ranges and all channels) between speakers, which are then corrected by the MCACC Pro. In terms of Hi-Res audio playback via USB or wired network, both the SC-LX901 and SC-LX801 support DSD files with sample rates of 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz or 11.2MHz. Also supported is the playback of up to 192kHz/24bit ALAC, AIFF, FLAC and WAV file types. It should be said, however, that Dolby TrueHD Playback is possible via USB only.
Check availability and pricing on Amazon.com for the SC-LX901 and the SC-LX801 (affiliate links; As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
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