Onkyo TX-SR353 vs Pioneer VSX-531

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Onkyo TX-SR353 versus Pioneer VSX-531 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-SR353 received 4 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-531 was rated 4.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2016. As a result, it becomes clear that VSX-531 is a better option for home theater than TX-SR353.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR353 over Pioneer VSX-531

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-531 over Onkyo TX-SR353

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 5 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 5.1-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 140/6/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-SR353 5 out of 10, and the VSX-531 - 6.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Pioneer VSX-531 has Pure Direct mode.

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 equal and was rated 5 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Neither the TX-SR353, nor the VSX-531 has the RJ45 port.

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, both receivers got 6 points on our 10-point scale.

Competitors in our review have 4/1 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 rivals in our comparison were rated 6 out of 10.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available on the Pioneer VSX-531.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. Only VSX-531 in our comparison can work with the 4K/60Hz video.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-SR353 got 4 points, but the VSX-531 has 5.

Pioneer VSX-531 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 5 points out of 10.