Pioneer VSX-531 vs Pioneer VSX-932

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The Pioneer VSX-531 versus Pioneer VSX-932 comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-531 received 4.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-932 was rated 6.7 points. The release date of VSX-531 is 2016, and VSX-932 is 2017. Identified advantages have shown that VSX-932 is better over VSX-531 mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-531 over Pioneer VSX-932

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-932 over Pioneer VSX-531

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 6 and 7, 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 Pioneer VSX-932 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. In terms of RMS power, the models have the same characteristics - 80/8, 140/6/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-531 6 out of 10, and the VSX-932 - 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-932.

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, Pioneer VSX-531 scored 5, and Pioneer VSX-932 scored 8 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 VSX-932 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, both receivers got 6 points on our 10-point scale.

Competitors in our review have 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 VSX-932 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 VSX-531 were rated 6 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-932.

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-932.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-531 got 5 points, but the VSX-932 has 7.

Only the 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

Pioneer VSX-531 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-932 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-932 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-932.