Having had an opportunity to test Yamaha RX-A1070BL vs Pioneer VSX-933, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the RX-A1070BL has such a ratio W/Ohm - 110/8, while the VSX-933 has a power of 80/8, 165/6. The value of total harmonic distortion is also different, and for the RX-A1070BL it is 0.06%, but for the VSX-933 it is 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the RX-A1070BL received the model ESS 192 KHz/24-bit, but the VSX-933 is equipped with AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Yamaha RX-A1070BL and Pioneer VSX-933 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Yamaha RX-A1070BL works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, but the Pioneer VSX-933 works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the RX-A1070BL and the VSX-933. Each of the devices can increase the resolution of the incoming video signal. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the RX-A1070BL has 8/2, and the VSX-933 has 6/1. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the RX-A1070BL and the VSX-933. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. RX-A1070BL and VSX-933 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. For voice control in the RX-A1070BL is used Amazon Alexa, but in the VSX-933 is used Google Assistant. There is an ECO mode in RX-A1070BL. The Yamaha RX-A1070BL and the Pioneer VSX-933 can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.