Denon HEOS AVR vs Pioneer VSX-532

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The Denon HEOS AVR versus Pioneer VSX-532 comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Denon HEOS AVR received 4.8 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-532 was rated 4.3 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2017. Identified advantages have shown that HEOS AVR is better over VSX-532 mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Denon HEOS AVR over Pioneer VSX-532

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-532 over Denon HEOS AVR

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 6 points out of 10.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 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 VSX-532 this value is 80/8 W/Ohm, and for the HEOS AVR it is 50/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the HEOS AVR 5 out of 10, and the VSX-532 - 7.

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-532.

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, Denon HEOS AVR scored 7, and Pioneer VSX-532 scored 6 out of 10.

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

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 HEOS AVR 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 5 points on our 10-point scale.

Competitors in our review have 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

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 5 out of 10.

HDR pass-through gives you the possibility to broadcast HDR content directly from source to TV without the processing of the receiver. HDR support is available on the Pioneer VSX-532.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the HEOS AVR got 4 points, but the VSX-532 has 5.

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 HEOS AVR can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. Pioneer VSX-532 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

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 5 points out of 10.