Yamaha RX-V377 vs Pioneer VSX-S520 review

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An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Yamaha RX-V377 vs Pioneer VSX-S520 comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 5.1. Regarding power, then RX-V377 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 135/6 when VSX-S520 has a power of 50/4. The THD is the same and is 0.09%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit for RX-V377 and 192 KHz/24-bit for the VSX-S520. None of the models support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Only the VSX-S520 has Bluetooth support. Only the VSX-S520 supports Spotify.

Video features

Only the Pioneer VSX-S520 has support for High dynamic range (HDR). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The VSX-S520 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the RX-V377. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-S520.

Extensive connections

Each receiver has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. The VSX-S520 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-V377. Both RX-V377 and VSX-S520 can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the VSX-S520 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-S520.