An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Onkyo PR-RZ5100 vs Pioneer VSX-1131 comparison definitely makes sense.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Onkyo PR-RZ5100 has 11.2 versus 7.2 for Pioneer VSX-1131. The THD is 0.06% for the PR-RZ5100 but 0.08% for the VSX-1131.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, AKM 384 KHz/32-bit for PR-RZ5100 and AK4458 384 KHz/32-bit for the VSX-1131. Both the PR-RZ5100 and the VSX-1131 support Bi-amping. 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. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The PR-RZ5100 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio, and the VSX-1131 can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, TuneIn Radio. 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.
The Onkyo PR-RZ5100 has 8/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 7/2 HDMI connectors of the Pioneer VSX-1131. 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. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The PR-RZ5100 supports 3 Multi-room zones, versus 2 for the VSX-1131. A voice control is not available. An ECO mode is not present in each of the AV receivers. Both PR-RZ5100 and VSX-1131 can be configured using the Setup assistant.
Both devices have support for Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. The surround sound technology DTS:X is supported by devices under review.