Pioneer VSX-935 vs Onkyo TX-RZ50

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Let's compare Pioneer VSX-935 versus Onkyo TX-RZ50 for an overview of all their pros and cons. According to the results of our review, Pioneer VSX-935 received 7.6 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-RZ50 was rated 8.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2021. And as a result of the comparison, TX-RZ50 seems to be a better option for the role of a home theater center than VSX-935.

Main advantages Pioneer VSX-935 over Onkyo TX-RZ50

Main advantages Onkyo TX-RZ50 over Pioneer VSX-935

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. The Pioneer VSX-935 supports 7.2-channels sound, but Onkyo TX-RZ50 supports a 9.2-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 TX-RZ50 this value is 120/8 W/Ohm, and for the VSX-935 it is 80/8 W/Ohm.

Audio features

The score for audio features is 9 of 10 for both receivers.

Pure Direct mode feeds sound directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only Onkyo TX-RZ50 has Pure Direct mode.

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. Onkyo TX-RZ50 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-935 scored 8, and Onkyo TX-RZ50 scored 9 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.

Pioneer VSX-935 is equipped with 6/2 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-RZ50 has 7/2 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI-CEC helps gadgets attached to your TV to link back and forth with your TV via HDMI ports. It is become possible to control all linked devices with one remote. The TX-RZ50 features HDMI CEC.

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 8 out of 10.

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the VSX-935 got 9 points, but the TX-RZ50 has 10.

Onkyo TX-RZ50 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

Pioneer VSX-935 got 7 points for the multichannel surround sound and Onkyo TX-RZ50 got 8.

IMAX Enhanced is a licensing and certification program under which home theater devices deliver crisp 4K HDR pictures and powerful sound as it was designed by the IMAX engineers. The TX-RZ50 licensed by IMAX.