Denon AVR-S970H vs Pioneer VSX-933

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The Denon AVR-S970H vs Pioneer VSX-933 comparison makes sense because it shows what devices in their segments can offer. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-S970H received 8.3 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-933 was rated 7.8 points. The release date of AVR-S970H is 2022, and VSX-933 is 2018. AVR-S970H is more suitable as the heart of home theater system than its opponent - VSX-933.

Main advantages Denon AVR-S970H over Pioneer VSX-933

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-933 over Denon AVR-S970H

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 7 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 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 AVR-S970H this value is 90/8 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-933 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-S970H 8 out of 10, and the VSX-933 - 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.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-S970H 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 8 out of 10.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

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, Denon AVR-S970H got 8 points, but Pioneer VSX-933 received 7 points.

Denon AVR-S970H is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-933 has 6/1 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 Denon AVR-S970H.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Denon AVR-S970H in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Pioneer VSX-933 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

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 10 out of 10.

With the 4K pass-through feature, the AV receiver sends "native" 4K signals to a 4K TV from a video source without any processing. The AVR-S970H works with the 4K/120Hz video, and the VSX-933 has the 4K/60Hz.

The AV receiver passes "native" 8K signals from a video source to 8K TV without any encoding, with the 8k pass-through features. The 8K path-through is available only on Denon AVR-S970H.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-S970H got 10 points, but the VSX-933 has 9.

Only the Denon AVR-S970H 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

Denon AVR-S970H got 8 points for the multichannel surround sound and Pioneer VSX-933 got 7.