Pioneer VSX-531 vs Onkyo TX-NR616 review

Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

AV receivers comparison chart

Pioneer VSX-531 vs Onkyo TX-NR616 review

Pioneer VSX-531
vs
Onkyo TX-NR616

Having had an opportunity to test Pioneer VSX-531 vs Onkyo TX-NR616, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.

Amplifier

The number of channels for receivers is different - 5.1 versus 7.2, respectively, for devices. In terms of power, there are differences, the VSX-531 has such a ratio W/Ohm - 80/8, 140/6, while the TX-NR616 has a power of 160/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.

Audio features

The manufacturer installed different DACs, the VSX-531 received the model 192 KHz/24-bit, but the TX-NR616 is equipped with Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit. The Bi-amping function is implemented only in the Onkyo TX-NR616. Both Pioneer VSX-531 and Onkyo TX-NR616 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.

Connectivity

Wireless Internet connection via WIFI is only possible with TX-NR616. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Support for Apple Music Services not implemented. The TX-NR616 has access to the Spotify service.

Video features

Support for the HDR function can only boast of the VSX-531. The quality of 4K/60Hz signal remains unchanged when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector via HDMI for both receivers. Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the VSX-531 and the TX-NR616. Video scaling is only possible with the TX-NR616. Review participants do not have the Dolby Vision feature.

Extensive connections

The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the VSX-531 has 4/1, and the TX-NR616 has 8/2.Pioneer VSX-531 connectionsOnkyo TX-NR616 connections HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is not supported by the VSX-531 and the TX-NR616. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. VSX-531 and TX-NR616 support the standard HDCP 2.2. Unlike most receivers, our models do not have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. Voice control of the basic functions of the receiver is not realized in both models. There is an ECO mode in VSX-531. None of these units can be properly configured using the setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Generally no support for a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format. A DTS:X surround technology is not supported by devices from our comparison.

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General

Item

Pioneer VSX-531
Onkyo TX-NR616

Model

VSX-531
TX-NR616

Brand

Pioneer
Onkyo

Reviews

0
0

Amplifier

Channels

5.1
7.2

Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm

80/8, 140/6
160/6

Output impedance, Ohm

6
6

Frequency response

20Hz-20KHz
5Hz-100KHz

THD in stereo, %

0.08
0.08

Audio features

Digital to analog converter (DAC)

192 KHz/24-bit
Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit

Bi-amping

Pure direct (straight)

Auto speaker calibration

MCACC
Audyssey MultEQ

Speaker A/B switching

Other audio features

Advanced Sound Retriever
Advanced Music Optimizer, Theater-Dimensional, Hi-Res audio, Audyssey Dynamic Volume

Connectivity

Wi-Fi

USB

1 (USB 2.0)
2 (USB 2.0)

Bluetooth

Ethernet (RJ45)

1

DLNA

MHL

Streaming services

Apple Music (AirPlay)

Amazon Music

Spotify

Other streaming services

has not
Last.fm, AUPEO, Simfy, vTuner

Extensive connection

HDMI input/output

4/1
8/2

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)

HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)

HDMI CEC

Digital content protection (HDCP)

HDCP 2.2
HDCP 2.2

Subwoofer output (LFE)

1
2

Headphone output

1 x 6.3
1 x 6.3

Optical digital input

1
2

Coaxial digital input

1
2

Composite input

2
4

Component input/output

0/0
2/0

Phono (MM) input

Front panel connectors

USB, phones, setup mic
USB, HDMI, phones, setup mic, AUX

Multi channel preamp output

Video features

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

4K signal pass-through

4K/60Hz
4K/60Hz

8K signal pass-through

HDMI signal pass-through

3D signal pass-through

HDMI pass-through in standby mode

Video conversion

Analog to HDMI scaling

HDMI to HDMI scaling

Dolby Vision

Other video features

DeepColor, x.v.Color
DeepColor, x.v.Color

Additional features

Voice control

App control

iPhone, iPod, Android

Display

fluorescent
fluorescent

Tuner

AM, FM
AM, FM

Sleep timer

Auto power off

ECO mode

Graphical user interface (GUI)

Setup assistant

Firmware update

USB
network, USB

Other additional features

has not
has not

Multi-room

Multi-room zones

has not
2

Zone audio output

has not
speaker, preout

Zone HDMI output

has not

Multi-room control

has not
has not

RS-232

0
0

Remote control input/output (IR)

0/0
1/0

DC trigger output (12V)

0
0

Multichannel surround

Dolby Atmos

Dolby TrueHD

Dolby Surround

Dolby (other)

Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby EX

DTS:X

DTS HD Master

DTS Virtual:X

DTS Neural:X

DTS (other)

DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6
DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS, DTS-Neo:6

Auro-3D

IMAX Enhanced

Multichannel stereo

Audio file formats

MP3

WMA

AAC

WAV

FLAC

ALAC

Other audio file formats

has not
Ogg Vorbis

Power

Operational power consumption, W

220
620

Standby consumption, W

0.45
0.2

Removable power cord

User manual

Manual

Dimensions

Size W x H x D, cm/inches

43.5 x 16.8 x 32/17 x 6.3 x 12.6
43.5 x 17.3 x 32.8/17 x 6.8 x 12.6

Weight, kg/lbs

8/17.6
11/24.2

Other

Release year

2016
2012
Pioneer VSX-531
Onkyo TX-NR616
Pioneer VSX-531
Onkyo TX-NR616

AV receivers SoundInspiration comparison rating

  • better
  • worse
  • 4.3
  • 6.5
  • 4.3Pioneer VSX-531
  • 6.5Onkyo TX-NR616