Onkyo TX-RZ820 vs Pioneer VSX-531

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Choosing an AV receiver is not an easy task and the Onkyo TX-RZ820 versus Pioneer VSX-531 comparison is meant to help you with this. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-RZ820 received 7.7 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-531 was rated 4.3 points. The release date of TX-RZ820 is 2017, and VSX-531 is 2016. As a result, it becomes clear that TX-RZ820 is a better option for home theater than VSX-531.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ820 over Pioneer VSX-531

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-531 over Onkyo TX-RZ820

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 9 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Onkyo TX-RZ820 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-531 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 TX-RZ820 this value is 160/8 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 TX-RZ820 8 out of 10, and the VSX-531 - 6.

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 TX-RZ820.

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-RZ820 scored 8, and Pioneer VSX-531 scored 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. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the TX-RZ820 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, Onkyo TX-RZ820 got 8 points, but Pioneer VSX-531 received 6 points.

Onkyo TX-RZ820 is equipped with 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-531 has 4/1 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 TX-RZ820 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-RZ820 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 6 for the VSX-531.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the TX-RZ820 got 8 points, but the VSX-531 has 5.

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-RZ820 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-531 got 5.

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. Onkyo TX-RZ820 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 only on the TX-RZ820.