Onkyo TX-SR383 vs Pioneer VSX-933

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The Onkyo TX-SR383 vs Pioneer VSX-933 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-SR383 received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-933 was rated 7.8 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2018. VSX-933 is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - TX-SR383.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR383 over Pioneer VSX-933

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-933 over Onkyo TX-SR383

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 7.2-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 TX-SR383 this value is 100/8 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-933 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-SR383 6 out of 10, and the VSX-933 - 9.

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 on the VSX-933.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Pioneer VSX-933 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 markedly different, Onkyo TX-SR383 scored 6, and Pioneer VSX-933 scored 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, Onkyo TX-SR383 got 6 points, but Pioneer VSX-933 received 7 points.

Onkyo TX-SR383 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-933 has 6/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the VSX-933 has a Phono interface.

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 TX-SR383 were rated 6 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-933.

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-933.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-SR383 got 4 points, but the VSX-933 has 9.

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The VSX-933 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant.

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

Onkyo TX-SR383 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-933 got 7.

Dolby Atmos' particularity is that this is the object-oriented sound format, that is, each audio signal object is independently sounded and connected to its spatial position. Pioneer VSX-933 can create 3D sound due to the Dolby Atmos support.

DTS:X is an algorithm used by the processor to create sound scenes, where sounds connected directly to objects rather than channels, and to determine the optimum sound output distribution in space. Surround sound with DTS:X is available on the VSX-933.