Onkyo TX-NR656 vs Pioneer VSX-1131

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To get informed with the specs of the receivers, we suggest you read the Onkyo TX-NR656 and Pioneer VSX-1131 review. According to the results of our review, Onkyo TX-NR656 received 7.2 points out of 10 possible, and Pioneer VSX-1131 was rated 7.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2016. This review shows us that the VSX-1131 is a better choice as a home AV receiver than the TX-NR656.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-NR656 over Pioneer VSX-1131

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-1131 over Onkyo TX-NR656

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

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 VSX-1131 this value is 170/6 W/Ohm, and for the TX-NR656 it is 160/6 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the TX-NR656 9 out of 10, and the VSX-1131 - 10.

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-1131 can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Onkyo TX-NR656 scored 7, and Pioneer VSX-1131 scored 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 7 points on our 10-point scale.

Onkyo TX-NR656 is equipped with 8/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Pioneer VSX-1131 has 7/2 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 TX-NR656 were rated 9 out of 10 against the 10 for the VSX-1131.

Additional features

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

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.