Sony STR-DH790 vs Pioneer VSX-532

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The Sony STR-DH790 versus Pioneer VSX-532 comparison makes clear all pros and cons of AV receivers. According to the results of our review, Sony STR-DH790 received 5.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-532 was rated 4.3 points. The release date of STR-DH790 is 2018, and VSX-532 is 2017. Identified advantages have shown that STR-DH790 is better over VSX-532 mainly as a home theater processor.

Main advantages Sony STR-DH790 over Pioneer VSX-532

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-532 over Sony STR-DH790

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 6, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Sony STR-DH790 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Pioneer VSX-532 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 VSX-532 this value is 150/6 W/Ohm, and for the STR-DH790 it is 90/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the STR-DH790 8 out of 10, and the VSX-532 - 7.

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. Sony STR-DH790 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is equal and was rated 6 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. Neither the STR-DH790, nor the VSX-532 has the RJ45 port.

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, Sony STR-DH790 got 7 points, but Pioneer VSX-532 received 5 points.

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

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Sony STR-DH790.

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 STR-DH790 were rated 7 out of 10 against the 5 for the VSX-532.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the STR-DH790 got 6 points, but the VSX-532 has 5.

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

Sony STR-DH790 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-532 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. Sony STR-DH790 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 STR-DH790.