Pioneer VSX-935 vs Yamaha RX-A4A review

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An affordable AV receiver is always a good option to consider, so Pioneer VSX-935 vs Yamaha RX-A4A comparison definitely makes sense.

Amplifier

Considered AV receivers have the same number of channels 7.2. Regarding power, then VSX-935 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 80/8, 170/6 when RX-A4A has a power of 110/8. The THD is 0.08% for the VSX-935 but 0.06% for the RX-A4A.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for VSX-935 and 384 KHz/32-bit for the RX-A4A. Both the VSX-935 and the RX-A4A support Bi-amping. The Yamaha RX-A4A 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 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 7/3 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-A4A. 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 RX-A4A. Both models support the standard HDCP 2.3. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.

Additional features

Each of the AV receivers from our review supports 2 Multi-room zones. Supported voice control technologies are identical - Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. An ECO mode is only available for the RX-A4A. Both VSX-935 and RX-A4A 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.