Pioneer VSX-935 vs Denon AVR-S660H review

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The Pioneer VSX-935 vs Denon AVR-S660H comparison proves that these receivers have many common features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-935 has 7.2 versus 5.2 for Denon AVR-S660H. Regarding power, then VSX-935 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8, 170/6 when AVR-S660H has a power of 75/8, 100/6. The THD is the same and is 0.08%.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for VSX-935 and 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S660H. Only the VSX-935 supports Bi-amping feature. Sound transmission directly to the amplifier in Pure direct (straight) mode is not implemented in these models.

Connectivity

WI-FI modules have the same characteristics: 2.4/5GHz. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Apple Music service is implemented on considered devices: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud - all of these streaming services have found application in each of the models.

Video features

Both AV receivers support HDR10+ technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/120Hz 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-935 has 6/2 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S660H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. HDMI eARC is available in each model. Of the two receivers in our comparison, HDMI CEC is present only in the AVR-S660H. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S660H. Both VSX-935 and AVR-S660H can be configured using the Setup assistant.

Multichannel surround

Only the VSX-935 has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the VSX-935.