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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 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 |