Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Onkyo TX-SR353 review

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The present review is aimed to compare two AV receivers - Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Onkyo TX-SR353 that are meant to satisfy the needs of cinema and music lovers.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-1131 has 7.2 versus 5.1 for Onkyo TX-SR353. Regarding power, then VSX-1131 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 170/6 when TX-SR353 has a power of 140/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for VSX-1131 and 192 KHz/24-bit for the TX-SR353. Only the VSX-1131 supports Bi-amping feature. The Pioneer VSX-1131 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Only the VSX-1131 supports Spotify.

Video features

Only the Pioneer VSX-1131 has support for High dynamic range (HDR). HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. The VSX-1131 can scale the input HDMI signal, unlike the TX-SR353. Dolby Vision technology found support only on the VSX-1131.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer VSX-1131 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 4/1 HDMI connectors of the Onkyo TX-SR353. 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-1131 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Pioneer VSX-1131.

Multichannel surround

Only the VSX-1131 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-1131.