Arcam AVR21 vs Pioneer VSX-70

      Arcam AVR21

      Pioneer VSX-70
      92
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      76
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      All
      USA
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      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 15.2 Channel Processing
      • 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • HDMI 2.1
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D
      • HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
      • 8K Passthrough
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • 4K/30Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Arcam AVR21
      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-70
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Amplifier
      7. Speaker Configurations
      8. Immersive Audio Formats
      9. HDMI
      10. Inputs and Outputs
      11. Evaluations
      12. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Arcam AVR21 to Pioneer VSX-70 to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. Both receivers have 7 channel amplifiers with Arcam AVR21's being more powerful.


      Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70

      Arcam AVR21 was introduced in 2022. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 15.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video signal.

      Pioneer VSX-70 was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/30Hz and upscales up to 4K/30p video signal.

      We evaluated Arcam AVR21 and Pioneer VSX-70 and gave them scores of 92 and 76 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Arcam AVR21

      Pioneer VSX-70

      Amplifier
      91
      Amplifier
      75
      Audio Features
      94
      Audio Features
      75
      Video Features
      99
      Video Features
      66
      Connectivity
      90
      Connectivity
      79
      Zones
      85
      Zones
      87
      Radio
      86
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      92
      OVERALL
      76

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Arcam AVR21 and Pioneer VSX-70.

      PROS

      Arcam AVR21

      Pioneer VSX-70

      •   High Power Output - 110 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   15.2 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   IMAX Enhanced
      •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   MQA Decoding
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   HDMI 2.1
      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   VRR
      •   8K Passthrough
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Google Assistant
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   4 HDMI Outputs
      •   7 8K Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Digital Radio
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   Toroidal Transformer
      •   Bluetooth 5․0
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify

      CONS

      Arcam AVR21

      Pioneer VSX-70

      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Arcam AVR21

      Pioneer VSX-70

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   2 Zones
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 90 W
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   3 HDMI Outputs
      •   RCA Line Inputs

      3. Advantage of Arcam AVR21

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Arcam AVR21 over Pioneer VSX-70.

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      Arcam AVR21
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      Arcam AVR21 vs Pioneer VSX-70
      Higher Power Output 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
      More Channel Processing 15.2 vs 7.1
      Dolby Atmos up to 9.1.6 with external amp vs
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      DTS Virtual:X vs
      IMAX Enhanced vs
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer 13.1-ch (Built-In) vs
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs vs
      HDR10 vs
      HDR10+ vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      HLG vs
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) vs
      Newer HDCP Version 2.3 vs 2.2
      Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through vs
      VRR vs
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 vs up to 4K/30p
      Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth aptX HD vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay
      More HDMI Outputs 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2) vs 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      More 8K Inputs 7 vs
      More Optical Inputs 2 vs 1
      More Optical Outputs 1 vs
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 4 vs 1
      More RCA Line Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 4
      More RCA Line Outputs 1 vs
      More RCA Pre-Outs 15.2 vs 2.2
      Zone 2 Outs HDMI, Pre Out vs Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
      +12V Trigger Output 2 vs 1 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
      PreAmp Mode vs
      Digital Radio DAB/DAB+ vs
      Tidal vs
      Universal Power Supply AC 110-120 V or 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz via switch vs AC 120 V, 60 Hz
      Bigger Power Supply 1500 W vs 550 W
      Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 110 W (0.02% THD) vs 90 W (0.08% THD)
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 93 dB (normal)
      110 dB (stereo direct)      		 vs 100 dB
      Longer Warranty 5 Years vs 2 Years Parts & Labor
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      11.2 channel

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      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-70

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-70 over Arcam AVR21.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-70
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      Arcam AVR21 vs Pioneer VSX-70
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLIIz
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      DTS Neo vs Neo:X
      Music Playback via USB vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      DSD via USB vs 2-ch Input
      Dialogue Lift vs via Dialog Enhancement
      More HDMI Inputs 7 vs 8 (1 front)
      USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      More Composite Video Inputs vs 4 (1 front)
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 1
      More Component Video Inputs vs 2
      More Component Video Outputs vs 1
      Front A/V Inputs AUX (3.5 mm Audio) vs HDMI, USB, Composite Video
      More Zones 2 vs 3
      Analog Tuner FM with RDS vs FM/AM
      More Presets 50 vs 63
      More Speaker Terminals 7 vs 9
      More Large Speaker Terminals 7 vs 9

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
        Front Wide Channel Support
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Dirac Live™ Advanced MCACC
        New HDCP Version2.32.2
        Bluetooth aptX HD via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Many HDMI Inputs78 (1 front)
        USB Input for factory service1 Front
        RCA Pre-Outs15.22.2
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM with RDS FM/AM
        Pandora
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        No Phono Input

      6. Amplifier

      Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70

      7 channel Class A/B Amplifier: Arcam AVR21 features 7 channel power amplifier with Class A/B design. It is rated at 110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      7 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-70 features 7 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).
      • Toroidal Transformer: Arcam AVR21 has a toroidal transformer which in general costs several times more than a regular C-core transformer and radiates less electromagnetic noise outside its donut shaped core.


      AMPLIFIER Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Channels7.27.2
      Power Output110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignClass A/BDirect Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability Front

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      Arcam AVR21
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      7. Speaker Configurations

      Arcam AVR21's and Pioneer VSX-70's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • Arcam AVR21: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier and 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier and 5.2.6, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 4 channel amplifier and 7.2.6, 9.2.4 with addition of external 6 channel amplifier and 9.2.6 with addition of external 8 channel amplifier.
      • Pioneer VSX-70: Not supported.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
      • Arcam AVR21: This model supports DTS:X but not DTS:X Pro. Since DTS:X is limited with 11 channel processing some of the speaker configurations for Dolby Atmos are not supported here. The supported configurations are 5.2.2 with internal amplifier and 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier and 5.2.6, 7.2.4, 9.2.2 with addition of external 4 channel amplifier.
      • Pioneer VSX-70: Not supported.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • Arcam AVR21: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier and 9.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
      • Pioneer VSX-70: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
      • Arcam AVR21: 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4, 9.2.6.
      • Pioneer VSX-70: 7.2.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Both models are able to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

      8. Immersive Audio Formats

      Dolby Atmos

      Arcam AVR21 supports Dolby Atmos.

      • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Arcam AVR21 supports Dolby Surround Upmixer. If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
      • Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Arcam AVR21 supports Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization which is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

      DTS:X

      Arcam AVR21 supports DTS:X.

      • DTS Neural:X: Arcam AVR21 supports DTS Neural:X which is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
      • DTS Virtual:X: Arcam AVR21 supports DTS Virtual:X which bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
      • DTS Dialog Control: Both models have DTS Dialog Control. This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

      Auro-3D

      Arcam AVR21 supports Auro-3D.

      • Auro-Matic upmixer: Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

      IMAX Enhanced

      Arcam AVR21 is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

      • What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.
      AUDIO DECODING Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Dolby Atmos up to 9.1.6 with external amp
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
      Dolby Digital EX
      DTS:X Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo Neo:X
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer 13.1-ch (Built-In)

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      Pioneer VSX-70
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      9. HDMI

      Arcam AVR21 comes with 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 3 outputs - 2 x 8K for MAIN and 1 x 4K for ZONE2.

      Pioneer VSX-70 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

      • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough on Arcam AVR21: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
        4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-70: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
      • 4K Upscaling on Pioneer VSX-70: It can upscale up to 4K/30p from HDMI and analog sources.
      • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer VSX-70 supports analog to HDMI Upconversion, so you can input your analog video sources and output them digitally via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
      • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on Arcam AVR21 only).
      • HDCP Copy Protection: Arcam AVR21 is HDCP 2.3 and Pioneer VSX-70 is HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

      HDR (High Dynamic Range)

      Arcam AVR21 supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

      Pioneer VSX-70 does not support HDR. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.


      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

      Arcam AVR21 supports Audio Return Channel (ARC) which allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.


      Gaming Features

      Arcam AVR21 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



      VIDEO FEATURES Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.32.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/30p

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      Arcam AVR21
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      10. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Analog Pre-Outs: Arcam AVR21 has 15.2 and Pioneer VSX-70 has 2.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the receivers to the external power amplifiers. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest. Also, Arcam AVR21 has 15 channel processing but has only 7 channel amplifier, so it needs external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach its maximum speaker configuration.
      • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 7 pair of line inputs on Arcam AVR21 and 4 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-70 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Arcam AVR21.
      • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 4 coaxial inputs are available on Arcam AVR21 and 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-70 for digital audio connections.
      • Headphone Output: There is a 3.5 mm (1/8") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

      Video

      • HDMI:
      • Arcam AVR21
        Inputs:         7   Outputs: 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
        8K Inputs: 7.
      • Pioneer VSX-70
        Inputs:         8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
        8K Inputs: 0.
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Arcam AVR21
        Inputs:         0   Outputs: 0.
      • Pioneer VSX-70
        Inputs:         4   Outputs: 1.
      • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. resolution on Component video connectors.
      • Pioneer VSX-70 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
      • Arcam AVR21
        Inputs:         0   Outputs: 0.
      • Pioneer VSX-70
        Inputs:         2   Outputs: 1.

      Front A/V Inputs

      • Arcam AVR21: AUX (3.5 mm Audio)
      • Pioneer VSX-70: HDMI, USB, Composite Video

      Arcam AVR21

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      Pioneer VSX-70

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      TERMINALS Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      HDMI Inputs78 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      8K Inputs7
      USB Input for factory service1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      Optical Inputs21
      Optical Outputs1
      Coaxial Inputs41
      RCA Line Inputs7 (1 front)4
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs15.22.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs4 (1 front)
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs2
      Component Video Outputs1

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      Pioneer VSX-70
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      11. Evaluations

      We evaluated Arcam AVR21 and Pioneer VSX-70 and gave them scores of 92 and 76 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


      Arcam AVR21

      Pioneer VSX-70

      OVERALL
      92
      OVERALL
      76

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   High Power Output - 110 W
      •   Toroidal Transformer
      GOOD
      75
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Power Output - 90 W

      Audio Features

      EXCELLENT
      94
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   15.2 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   IMAX Enhanced
      •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   MQA Decoding
      •   DSD via HDMI
      GOOD
      75
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      EXCELLENT
      99
      •   HDR10
      •   HDR10+
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   HDMI 2.1
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   VRR
      •   8K Passthrough
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

      Connectivity

      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   Google Assistant
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   4 HDMI Outputs
      •   7 8K Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   Many RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 5․0
      GOOD
      79
      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   8 HDMI Inputs
      •   3 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet

      Zones

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   2 Zones
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   3 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      BrandArcamPioneer
      SeriesHDAElite
      ModelAVR21VSX-70
      TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
      CountryAllUSA
      Release Year20222013
      PredecessorArcam AVR20 Pioneer VSX-60
      SuccessorPioneer VSX-80
      AMPLIFIER Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Channels7.27.2
      Power Output110 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignClass A/BDirect Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability Front
      AUDIO FEATURES Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments Aureus
      DACDual ESS 9026PRO
      DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing15.27.1
      Air Studios Monitor Certification
      Dolby Atmos up to 9.1.6 with external amp
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic PLIIz
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo Neo:X
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer 13.1-ch (Built-In)
      MQA Decoding
      PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      Network Audio FormatsMP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MQA
      Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD via USB 2-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
      Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
      DTS Dialogue Control
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialog normalization
      Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
      Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
      Sound Retriever AIR
      Digital noise Reduction
      Tone Control Front L/R Channels
      Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever
      High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit24 Audio Processing
      Audyssey Dynamic EQ
      Audyssey Dynamic Volume
      Audyssey LFC
      Audyssey Sub EQ HT
      Audyssey DSX
      Direct Mode Stereo Direct, CD Direct
      Pure Direct Mode
      Auto Surround
      Optimum Surround
      Advanced Surround11 + 1 Mode
      Wide Surround
      Front Stage Surround Advance
      Headphone Surround
      Virtual Speakers
      Virtual Depth
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Dirac Live™ Advanced MCACC
      Manual MCACC
      MCACC Memory6
      Auto Phase Control Plus
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      EQ Bands9-Band (Advanced)
      Symmetric EQ
      X-Curve
      Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
      Precision Distance
      Polarity Check
      Auto Subwoofer Crossover
      VIDEO FEATURES Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDMI Version2.1
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      HDCP Version2.32.2
      QMS (Quick Media Switching)
      ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
      VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
      QFT (Quick Frame transport)
      DSC (Display Stream Compression)
      3-D Ready
      Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/30p
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/30p
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
      Component Video Upscaling
      Analog to Analog Video conversion
      Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
      Stream Smoother
      Pure Cinema
      Video Parameter AdjustmentsYNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
      Triple HD noise Reduction
      Super Resolution
      isf Certified Calibration Control
      CONNECTIVITY Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth aptX HD via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Google Assistant
      Chromecast Built-In
      Apple Siri
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input1 (Front)
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
      Remote App Arcam control app iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android)
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      HDMI Inputs78 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      8K Inputs7
      USB Input for factory service1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      Optical Inputs21
      Optical Outputs1
      Coaxial Inputs41
      RCA Line Inputs7 (1 front)4
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs15.22.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs4 (1 front)
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs2
      Component Video Outputs1
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsAUX (3.5 mm Audio)HDMI, USB, Composite Video
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out3.5 mm (1/8")6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      adapterport
      ZONES Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Number of Zones23
      Powered Zones 2 2
      Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Pre OutComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
      Zone 3 OutsHDMI
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output21 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 01 / 1
      MISCELLANEOUS Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      On-Screen DisplayGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
      Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
      HDMI Speaker B Link
      AV Navigator Built-in
      PC Set-Up
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker
      DisplayLarge front-panel LCD display
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control
      RADIO Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Analog Tuner FM with RDS FM/AM
      Presets5063
      Digital Radio DAB/DAB+
      Internet Radio TuneIn vTuner
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Front PanelBrushed
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals79
      Large Speaker Terminals79
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
      3D Space Frame Construction
      Gold plated RCA terminals
      POWER Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Power SupplyAC 110-120 V or 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz via switchAC 120 V, 60 Hz
      Toroidal Transformer
      Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
      Transformer Stabilizer
      Power Consumption1500 W550 W
      Standby Power0.5 W0.1 W
      ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
      Auto Power Standby
      PHYSICAL Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Dimensions (W x H x D)433 mm x 171 mm x 425 mm
      17.06" x 6.69" x 18.56"      		435 mm x 168 mm x 363 mm
      17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 14-5/16"
      Weight16.6 kg (36.4 lbs)9.8 kg (21 lb 10 oz)
      Weight of Package19.9 kg
      SPECIFICATIONS Arcam AVR21 Pioneer VSX-70
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)110 W (0.02% THD)90 W (0.08% THD)
      Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)125 W (0.2% THD)
      Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)165 W (1% THD)
      Power Output (4 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel Driven)175 W (0.2% THD)
      Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)190 W (0.2% THD)
      Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive90 W (7 channels driven, 1kHz, 8 Ω, 0.2% THD)
      110 W (7 channels driven, 1kHz, 4 Ω, 0.2% THD)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)1V, 2V, 4V (user adjustable)/47 kΩ315 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
      Maximum Input Sensitivity (Line)4.5 Vrms
      Rated Preout Level and Impedance1 Vrms/560 Ω
      Maximum Preout Level and Impedance5 Vrms/560 Ω
      Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance5 Vrms/100 Ω
      S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)93 dB (normal)
      110 dB (stereo direct)      		100 dB
      S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))81 dB
      Frequency Response (Analog In)±0.2 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
      Residual noise (IHF-A Network)0.15 mV
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
      DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component Y)
      0.7 Vp-p/75 Ω (Component PB/CB, PR/CR)
      1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
      Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
      Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 ac
      Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
      Bluetooth Version5․0
      HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
      HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA
      HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
      USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
      AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Warranty5 Years2 Years Parts & Labor

      * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
      ** - 480i/576i only
      *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
      **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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