Pioneer VSX-531 Review

Pioneer VSX-531
Votes 8 8
Rating 4.6 4.6
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Pioneer VSX-531 review

A modern AV receiver is perhaps one of the most sought after categories of home electronics. We've got one of these receivers for review - Pioneer VSX-531. Based on the characteristics and features considered, the model received a score of 4.3 on a 10-point scale. The overall rating is too low, we would not recommend choosing this receiver. In 2016, this receiver was released. An amplifier with 5.1 channels is one of the main model’s feature.

Pioneer VSX-531 Pros

  • Bluetooth is now one of the key wireless communication protocols. In AV receivers, it is used for audio signal transmission or remote control. And it is in the model under review that Bluetooth support is implemented.
  • The presence of a USB port allows the receiver to play content from external media.
  • With HDR pass-through support, it is possible to transfer data over VSX-531 with a much wider range of colors.
  • With 4K/60Hz pass-through support, it is possible to pass data through this model without degrading image quality.
  • ARC feature eliminates the need for an additional composite or optical cable when connecting this unit to a TV.
  • The manufacturer claims support for CEC in Pioneer VSX-531 and therefore you can control any HDMI-connected device using one remote control.
  • This receiver supports the data encryption protocol HDCP 2.2 which allows licensed devices to play high definition audio and video.
  • This receiver consumes less power thanks to ECO mode.
  • The reviewed receiver has a Pure Direct mode, when used it feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
  • With the included microphone, the Pioneer VSX-531 can use the auto speaker calibration mechanism to create the most suitable soundstage.

Pioneer VSX-531 Cons

  • The receiver has not a function of wireless connection to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
  • The VSX-531 has not a phono (MM) input for connecting a phonographer or turntable.
  • Dolby Atmos technology has not been included.
  • Can not manage the DTS:X surround format.
  • HDMI eARC function not implemented.
  • AirPlay is not supported.
  • Pioneer VSX-531 is unable to use Amazon Music.
  • Spotify music is not supported.
  • There is no voice control function.
  • There is no native app to control this receiver.
  • Bi-amping is not available.
  • Has no speaker A/B switching function.
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Pioneer VSX-531 back and front view

Pioneer VSX-531 Pioneer VSX-531

Pioneer VSX-531 specs and features

Amplifier

Channels 5.1
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm 80/8, 140/6
Output impedance, Ohm 6
Frequency response 20Hz-20KHz
THD in stereo, % 0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC) 192 KHz/24-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibration MCACC
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio features Advanced Sound Retriever

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
USB 1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming services has not

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output 4/1
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP) HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE) 1
Headphone output 1 x 6.3
Optical digital input 1
Coaxial digital input 1
Composite input 2
Component input/output 0/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectors USB, phones, setup mic
Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)
4K signal pass-through 4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video features DeepColor, x.v.Color

Additional features

Voice control
App control
Display fluorescent
Tuner AM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware update USB
Other additional features has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones has not
Zone audio output has not
Zone HDMI output has not
Multi-room control has not
RS-232 0
Remote control input/output (IR) 0/0
DC trigger output (12V) 0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other) Dolby Digital Plus
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other) DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3
WMA
AAC
WAV
FLAC
ALAC
Other audio file formats has not

Power

Operational power consumption, W 220
Standby consumption, W 0.45
Removable power cord

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches 43.5 x 16.8 x 32/17 x 6.3 x 12.6
Weight, kg/lbs 8/17.6

Other

Release year 2016