Sony STRZA5000ES vs Pioneer VSX-1131

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To get informed with the specs of the receivers, we suggest you read the Sony STRZA5000ES and Pioneer VSX-1131 review. According to the results of our review, Sony STRZA5000ES received 7.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-1131 was rated 7.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2016. This review shows us that the VSX-1131 is a better choice as a home AV receiver than the STRZA5000ES.

Main advantages Sony STRZA5000ES over Pioneer VSX-1131

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-1131 over Sony STRZA5000ES

Amplifiers

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

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STRZA5000ES supports 9.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-1131 supports a 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 STRZA5000ES this value is 130/8 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-1131 it is 100/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STRZA5000ES 7 out of 10, and the VSX-1131 - 10.

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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Pioneer VSX-1131 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Sony STRZA5000ES scored 6, and Pioneer VSX-1131 scored 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting. Of the two receivers reviewed, only Pioneer VSX-1131 has a built-in Bluetooth.

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 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Sony STRZA5000ES is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-1131 has 7/2 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-1131 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 STRZA5000ES were rated 9 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-1131.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STRZA5000ES got 6 points, but the VSX-1131 has 7.

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

Sony STRZA5000ES got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-1131 got 7.

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 STRZA5000ES licensed by IMAX.