An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Sony STRZA5000ES vs Pioneer VSX-1131 comparison definitely makes sense.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Sony STRZA5000ES has 9.2 versus 7.2 for Pioneer VSX-1131. Regarding power, then STRZA5000ES has such a W/Ohm ratio - 130/8 when VSX-1131 has a power of 100/8, 170/6. The THD is 0.09% for the STRZA5000ES but 0.08% for the VSX-1131. Both the STRZA5000ES 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. Only the VSX-1131 has Bluetooth support. Only the VSX-1131 supports Spotify. 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 Sony STRZA5000ES has 6/2 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. The VSX-1131 has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
The STRZA5000ES 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 STRZA5000ES 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.