The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Onkyo TX-NR545 vs Pioneer VSX-1130-K that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.
Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then TX-NR545 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/6 when VSX-1130-K has a power of 100/8, 165/6. The THD is 0.08% for the TX-NR545 but 0.09% for the VSX-1130-K.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Hi-Grade 384 KHz/32-bit for TX-NR545 and ESS SABRE Premier 192 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-1130-K. Both the TX-NR545 and the VSX-1130-K support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The TX-NR545 can work with the audio stream from Tunein Radio, and the VSX-1130-K can receive a content from Pandora.
Only the Onkyo TX-NR545 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-1130-K can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-NR545. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is not supported by these receivers.
The Onkyo TX-NR545 has 6/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-1130-K. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. Unfortunately, HDMI eARC is not available on monitored devices. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present in only the TX-NR545. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is only available for the VSX-1130-K. Both TX-NR545 and VSX-1130-K can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The receivers do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X.