Pioneer VSX-S520 vs Denon AVR-S950H review

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It makes sense comparing Pioneer VSX-S520 vs Denon AVR-S950H because they both are able to give some premium features.

Amplifier

A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Pioneer VSX-S520 has 5.1 versus 7.2 for Denon AVR-S950H. Regarding power, then VSX-S520 has such a W/Ohm ratio - 50/4 when AVR-S950H has a power of 90/8, 125/6. The THD is 0.09% for the VSX-S520 but 0.08% for the AVR-S950H.

Audio features

Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, 192 KHz/24-bit for VSX-S520 and AKM 192 KHz/32-bit for the AVR-S950H. None of the models support Bi-amping. Each of the AV receivers can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. The Pioneer VSX-S520 has support for AirPlay, and its competitor in our comparison - AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Spotify can be used on each receiver. The VSX-S520 can work with the audio stream from Deezer, TIDAL, TuneIn Radio, and the AVR-S950H can receive a content from Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud, Mood Mix. 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.

Extensive connections

The Pioneer VSX-S520 has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 8/2 HDMI connectors of the Denon AVR-S950H. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the AVR-S950H. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The VSX-S520 supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.2, versus HDCP 2.3 in the AVR-S950H. These compared receivers have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. An ECO mode is only available for the AVR-S950H. Both VSX-S520 and AVR-S950H 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.