Pioneer VSX-531 vs Denon AVR-X2300W

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An overview of Pioneer VSX-531 and Denon AVR-X2300W will help us understand the many features that the devices are equipped with. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-531 received 4.3 points out of 10 possible, and Denon AVR-X2300W was rated 7.2 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2016. And as a result of the review, it becomes clear that VSX-531 is inferior in audio processing features to AVR-X2300W.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-531 over Denon AVR-X2300W

Main advantages Denon AVR-X2300W over Pioneer VSX-531

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-531 supports 5.1-channels sound, but Denon AVR-X2300W 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 AVR-X2300W this value is 95/8 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-531 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the VSX-531 6 out of 10, and the AVR-X2300W - 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 AVR-X2300W.

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-X2300W 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, Pioneer VSX-531 scored 5, and Denon AVR-X2300W scored 9 out of 10.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible on the Denon AVR-X2300W.

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. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the AVR-X2300W only.

DLNA is the perfect way to use your local cloud storage to stream movies and music directly to a TV. You can use the DLNA protocol only with Denon AVR-X2300W.

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-531 is equipped with 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Denon AVR-X2300W has 8/2 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-531 were rated 6 out of 10 against the 7 for the AVR-X2300W.

Most of the AV receivers have a video scaling function, it is the process of reformatting the video signal to a higher resolution without losing the quality of the image. Upscaling the video signal resolution is possible with Denon AVR-X2300W.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-531 got 5 points, but the AVR-X2300W has 8.

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-531 got 5 points for the multichannel surround sound and Denon AVR-X2300W 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. Denon AVR-X2300W 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 AVR-X2300W.