Pioneer VSX-532 and VSX-832 5.1 Channel AV Receiver Preview

If you’re in the market for a budget friendly feature packed AV receiver than Pioneer might have the answer for you.  Pioneer recently announced the release of two lower priced models, the VSX-832 ($479) and the VSX-532 ($379). Both models are considered 5.1 channel receivers with Ultra HD Pass-through using HDCP 2.2 (4K/60p/4:4:4), but the $100 upgrade for the VSX-832 might be worth the money depending on your demands.

I’ve always liked Pioneer as a budget friendly receiver and have advised customers with a $400 or less price point to give them a second look. But companies like Yamaha and Onkyo are also producing some impressive $300-$500 AV receivers as well. Will the VSX-832 and VSX-532 be able to stand out from the crowd?   Of course they’ll both be great 5.1 channel home theater receivers with plenty of input output options, and both will have a front USB input for easy playback from an external hard drive. 

Since it’s a Pioneer product they both come with Pioneer’s Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC). With the custom microphone, the system automatically compensates for differences in speaker size, level and distance, and equalizes the response. I’ve tried out the MCACC room calibration system while reviewing some Pioneer products in the past. It is easy to use and does a commendable job figuring out the room dynamics and adjusting accordingly. Both AV receivers also come with Pioneer’s Phase control technology. When amplifying multi-channel audio signals, receivers use a Low Pass Filter (LPF) to process low-frequency signals for subwoofer output. This can cause phase shift of the low-frequency signals compared to the main channel signals, and the delayed bass makes the sound lack synchronization. Pioneer’s Phase Control technology is said to effectively help control phase lag to reproduce clearer mid- and high-range sound.

But where the VSX-832 and the VSX-532 show strength over other similarly priced receivers is that they will also support pass-through for HDR (HDR10).  By connecting a video source, you can enjoy the latest video standards on a compatible display, and all HDMI terminals support 4K, BT.2020, and HDCP 2.2, so you’ll will have no problem when upgrading to new video devices.

The VSX-532 has NO networking capabilities and NO Dolby Atmos, but what can you expect from a $379 receiver? For those of us who like to stream from a smartphone, Bluetooth is still an option, and It WILL have some respectable amplification and processing power for this price and many features that you would normally find on receivers costing $100 more.

The VSX-832 is Pioneer’s first Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 enabled network audio visual receiver and has a full slate of connectivity options including whole home audio solutions. Of course it will come with Pioneer’s FireConnect whole home audio and DTS Play-Fi (with a future firmware update), as well as tremendous streaming options like Chromecast built-in (also with a future firmware update) and Apple AirPlay.  These join built-in dual band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with a host of Internet streaming service such as Spotify, Pandora, Deezer and TIDAL.

The VSX-832 is among the first Dolby Vision compatible AVRs, which enables the pass-through of a Dolby Vision signal.  The goal of Dolby Vision is to transform the TV experience in the home by delivering a greater amount of brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. 

So, if you are looking for an AV receiver for under $500 with lots of connectivity options both the VSX-532 and the VSX-832 models from Pioneer would be viable options. But if you’re looking for all this plus wireless connectivity, Dolby Vision video pass-through, and Dolby Atmos in a 3.1.2 configuration, you would be hard pressed to find anything comparing to the Pioneer VSX-832 at its price point.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.