Sony STR-ZA3100ES vs Pioneer VSX-832

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Sony STR-ZA3100ES versus Pioneer VSX-832 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-ZA3100ES received 6.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-832 was rated 6 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. As a result, it becomes clear that STR-ZA3100ES is a better option for home theater than VSX-832.

Main advantages Sony STR-ZA3100ES over Pioneer VSX-832

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-832 over Sony STR-ZA3100ES

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-ZA3100ES supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-832 supports a 5.1-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-832 this value is 80/8 W/Ohm, and for the STR-ZA3100ES it is 70/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 7 of 10 for both receivers.

Bi-amping is the amplification of one speaker with two amplifiers. This amplification method has a positive effect on sound quality. Bi-amping is possible only on the STR-ZA3100ES.

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.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STR-ZA3100ES scored 6, and Pioneer VSX-832 scored 7 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Pioneer VSX-832.

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, Sony STR-ZA3100ES got 9 points, but Pioneer VSX-832 received 6 points.

Sony STR-ZA3100ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-832 has 4/1 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 Sony STR-ZA3100ES.

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 STR-ZA3100ES were rated 7 out of 10 against the 8 for the VSX-832.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Pioneer VSX-832.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 6 out of 10.

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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.

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 STR-ZA3100ES licensed by IMAX.