Pioneer VSX-532 vs Onkyo TX-SR494

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Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Pioneer VSX-532 and Onkyo TX-SR494 takes place. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-532 received 4.3 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR494 was rated 5.5 points. The release date of VSX-532 is 2017, and TX-SR494 is 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that TX-SR494 has better performance than VSX-532.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-532 over Onkyo TX-SR494

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR494 over Pioneer VSX-532

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-532 supports 5.1-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-SR494 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 VSX-532 this value is 150/6 W/Ohm, and for the TX-SR494 it is 135/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-532 7 out of 10, and the TX-SR494 - 9.

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-532 scored 6, and Onkyo TX-SR494 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. Neither the VSX-532, nor the TX-SR494 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, Pioneer VSX-532 got 5 points, but Onkyo TX-SR494 received 6 points.

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 the VSX-532 were rated 5 out of 10 against the 6 for the TX-SR494.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-532 got 5 points, but the TX-SR494 has 6.

Only the 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

Pioneer VSX-532 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-SR494 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. Onkyo TX-SR494 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 TX-SR494.