Pioneer VSX-S520 vs Onkyo TX-NR595

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An overview of Pioneer VSX-S520 and Onkyo TX-NR595 will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-S520 received 6 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-NR595 was rated 7.5 points. The release date of VSX-S520 is 2016, and TX-NR595 is 2019. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that VSX-S520 is inferior in audio processing features to TX-NR595.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-S520 over Onkyo TX-NR595

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR595 over Pioneer VSX-S520

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the devices received different marks - 5 and 8, respectively, on a 10-point scale.

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. The Pioneer VSX-S520 supports 5.1-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-NR595 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.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-S520 6 out of 10, and the TX-NR595 - 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 TX-NR595.

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. Pioneer VSX-S520 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, both receivers got 6 points on our 10-point scale.

Pioneer VSX-S520 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-NR595 has 6/2 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-S520 were rated 8 out of 10 against the 10 for the TX-NR595.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, both receivers received a score of 7 out of 10.

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 TX-NR595 can be controlled by voice via Google Assistant.

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 7 points out of 10.