Pioneer VSX-531 vs Denon AVR-X2500H

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The Pioneer VSX-531 vs Denon AVR-X2500H comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-531 received 4.3 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-X2500H was rated 8 points. The release date of VSX-531 is 2016, and AVR-X2500H is 2018. AVR-X2500H is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - VSX-531.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-531 over Denon AVR-X2500H

Main advantages Denon AVR-X2500H over Pioneer VSX-531

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer VSX-531 supports 5.1-channels sound, but Denon AVR-X2500H 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 AVR-X2500H this value is 95/8 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-531 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-531 6 out of 10, and the AVR-X2500H - 10.

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 AVR-X2500H.

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. Denon AVR-X2500H 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, Pioneer VSX-531 scored 5, and Denon AVR-X2500H scored 7 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Denon AVR-X2500H.

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. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the AVR-X2500H only.

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, Pioneer VSX-531 got 6 points, but Denon AVR-X2500H received 8 points.

Pioneer VSX-531 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-X2500H has 8/2 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 AVR-X2500H 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 rivals in our comparison were rated 6 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-531 got 5 points, but the AVR-X2500H has 10.

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 AVR-X2500H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI.

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

Pioneer VSX-531 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-X2500H 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. Denon AVR-X2500H 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 AVR-X2500H.