Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Denon AVR-X4400H review

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It makes sense comparing Pioneer VSX-1131 vs Denon AVR-X4400H because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-1131 has 7.2 versus 11.2 for Denon AVR-X4400H. Regarding power, then VSX-1131 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 100/8, 170/6 when AVR-X4400H has a power of 125/8, 165/6. The THD is 0.08% for the VSX-1131 but 0.05% for the AVR-X4400H.

Audio features

Competitors' digital to analog converter (DAC) is identical to AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit. Both the VSX-1131 and the AVR-X4400H support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Pioneer VSX-1131 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The VSX-1131 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and the AVR-X4400H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.

Video features

These units support HDR technology. 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. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer VSX-1131 has 7/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/3 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-X4400H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-X4400H. 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. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

The VSX-1131 supports 2 Multi-room zones, versus 3 for the AVR-X4400H. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X4400H. Both VSX-1131 and AVR-X4400H can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.