Onkyo TX-SR353 vs Pioneer VSX-1130-K review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Onkyo TX-SR353 vs Pioneer VSX-1130-K that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Onkyo TX-SR353 has 5.1 versus 7.2 for Pioneer VSX-1130-K. Regarding power, then TX-SR353 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 140/6 when VSX-1130-K has a power of 100/8, 165/6. The THD is 0.08% for the TX-SR353 but 0.09% for the VSX-1130-K.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for TX-SR353 and ESS SABRE Premier 192 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-1130-K. Only the VSX-1130-K supports Bi-amping feature. The Pioneer VSX-1130-K can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Only the VSX-1130-K supports Spotify.

Video features

HDR is not available on each model. 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-SR353. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is not supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Onkyo TX-SR353 has 4/1 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-SR353. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.2. Receivers do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is only available for the VSX-1130-K. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer VSX-1130-K.

Multichannel surround

Only the VSX-1130-K has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. The receivers do not support the surround sound technology DTS:X.