Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Pioneer VSX-1131 review

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An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Denon AVR-X8500HSP vs Pioneer VSX-1131 comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Denon AVR-X8500HSP has 13.2 versus 7.2 for Pioneer VSX-1131. Regarding power, then AVR-X8500HSP has such a W/Ohm ratio - 150/8, 190/6 when VSX-1131 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is 0.05% for the AVR-X8500HSP but 0.08% for the VSX-1131.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit for AVR-X8500HSP and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-1131. Both the AVR-X8500HSP and the VSX-1131 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 Denon AVR-X8500HSP has support for AirPlay, AirPlay 2, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The AVR-X8500HSP can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, and the VSX-1131 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio.

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 Denon AVR-X8500HSP has 8/3 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-1131. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-X8500HSP. 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 AVR-X8500HSP supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the VSX-1131. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-X8500HSP. Both AVR-X8500HSP and VSX-1131 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.