Arcam AVR31 vs Pioneer VSX-531

      Arcam AVR31

      Pioneer VSX-531
      93
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      67
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      All
      North America
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      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 15.2 Channel Processing
      • 120 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

      • 5.1 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • HDR10
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Bluetooth

      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 AVR31
      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-531
      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 AVR31 to Pioneer VSX-531 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. The Arcam AVR31 has 7 channel and the Pioneer VSX-531 has 5 channel amplifiers with Arcam AVR31's being more powerful.


      Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531

      Arcam AVR31 was introduced in 2022 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 120 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-531 was introduced in 2016. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

      We evaluated Arcam AVR31 and Pioneer VSX-531 and gave them scores of 93 and 67 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 AVR31

      Pioneer VSX-531

      Amplifier
      92
      Amplifier
      68
      Audio Features
      94
      Audio Features
      62
      Video Features
      99
      Video Features
      80
      Connectivity
      90
      Connectivity
      63
      Zones
      85
      Zones
      55
      Radio
      86
      Radio
      59
      OVERALL
      93
      OVERALL
      67

      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 AVR31 and Pioneer VSX-531.

      PROS

      Arcam AVR31

      Pioneer VSX-531

      •   High Power Output - 120 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
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   HDR10
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Bluetooth
      •   USB Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Analog Tuner

      CONS

      Arcam AVR31

      Pioneer VSX-531

      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W
      •   5.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   4 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Ethernet
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal
      •   Bluetooth 3.0


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

      AVERAGE

      Arcam AVR31

      Pioneer VSX-531

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   2 Zones

      3. Advantage of Arcam AVR31

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Arcam AVR31 over Pioneer VSX-531.

      Check the Price

      Arcam AVR31
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      Arcam AVR31 vs Pioneer VSX-531
      More Channels 7.2 vs 5.1
      Higher Power Output 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
      Bi-amp capability vs
      More Channel Processing 15.2 vs 5.1
      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
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 vs
      IMAX Enhanced vs
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer 13.1-ch (Built-In) vs
      Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB up to 192 kHz vs
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input vs 2-ch Input
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs vs
      More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System Dirac Live™ 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/60p (4:4:4)
      Wi-Fi vs
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs
      Remote Controll App Arcam control app vs
      More HDMI Inputs 7 vs 4
      More HDMI Outputs 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2) vs 1
      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 3 (1 front)
      More RCA Line Outputs 1 vs
      More RCA Pre-Outs 15.2 vs 0.1
      Ethernet vs
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      More Zones 2 vs 1
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output 2 vs
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 2 / 0 vs 0 / 0
      IP Control for CI vs
      PreAmp Mode vs
      More Presets 50 vs 30
      Digital Radio DAB/DAB+ vs
      Internet Radio TuneIn vs
      Pandora vs
      Spotify vs
      Tidal vs
      More Speaker Terminals 7 vs 5
      More Large Speaker Terminals 7 vs 2
      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 210 W
      Higher Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC) 120 W (0.02% THD) vs 80 W (0.08% THD)
      Newer Bluetooth Version 5․0 vs 3.0
      Longer Warranty 5 Years vs 1 Year Parts & Labor
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      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-531

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-531 over Arcam AVR31.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-531
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      Arcam AVR31 vs Pioneer VSX-531
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLII
      DTS Neo vs Neo:6
      Music Playback via USB vs MP3, WMA, AAC
      More Composite Video Inputs vs 2
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 1
      Front A/V Inputs AUX (3.5 mm Audio) vs USB, Mini-Jack
      Analog Tuner FM with RDS vs FM/AM

      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 AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch Input
        HDR10
        New HDCP Version2.32.2
        Bluetooth aptX HD SBC, AAC
        USB Input for factory service1 Front
        Analog Tuner FM with RDS FM/AM
      WEAKNESSES Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        No Phono Input

      6. Amplifier

      Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531

      7 channel Class G Amplifier: Arcam AVR31 features 7 channel power amplifier with Class G design. It is rated at 120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

      5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-531 features 5 channel power amplifier with Discrete Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).
      • Toroidal Transformer: Arcam AVR31 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 AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Channels7.25.1
      Power Output120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Amplifier DesignClass GDiscrete Direct Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability

      Check the Price

      Arcam AVR31
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      7. Speaker Configurations

      Arcam AVR31's and Pioneer VSX-531's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • Arcam AVR31: 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-531: Not supported.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
      • Arcam AVR31: 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-531: Not supported.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • Arcam AVR31: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier and 9.2 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
      • Pioneer VSX-531: 5.1 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 AVR31: 9.2, 9.2.2, 9.2.4, 9.2.6.
      • Pioneer VSX-531: Does not support.
      • Bi-Amp: Arcam AVR31 is 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 AVR31 supports Dolby Atmos.

      • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Arcam AVR31 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 AVR31 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 AVR31 supports DTS:X.

      • DTS Neural:X: Arcam AVR31 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 AVR31 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: Arcam AVR31 supports 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 AVR31 supports Auro-3D.

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

      IMAX Enhanced

      Arcam AVR31 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 AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      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 PLII
      Dolby Digital EX
      DTS:X Pro up to 9.1.6 with external amp
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo Neo:6
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer 13.1-ch (Built-In)

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-531
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      9. HDMI

      Arcam AVR31 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-531 comes with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

      • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough on Arcam AVR31: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
        4K/60Hz Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-531: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) video signal.
      • 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 AVR31 only).
      • HDCP Copy Protection: Arcam AVR31 is HDCP 2.3 and Pioneer VSX-531 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 AVR31 supports HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

      Pioneer VSX-531 supports HDR10 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 AVR31 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 AVR31 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



      VIDEO FEATURES Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      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/60p (4:4:4)

      Check the Price

      Arcam AVR31
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      10. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Analog Pre-Outs: Arcam AVR31 has 15.2 preamplifier outputs which allows you to connect the receiver to the external power amplifier. 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 AVR31 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 AVR31 and 3 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-531 for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Arcam AVR31.
      • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 2 optical inputs, 1 optical output and 4 coaxial inputs are available on Arcam AVR31 and 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-531 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 AVR31
        Inputs:         7   Outputs: 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
        8K Inputs: 7.
      • Pioneer VSX-531
        Inputs:         4   Outputs: 1
        8K Inputs: 0.
      • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
      • Arcam AVR31
        Inputs:         0   Outputs: 0.
      • Pioneer VSX-531
        Inputs:         2   Outputs: 1.

      Front A/V Inputs

      • Arcam AVR31: AUX (3.5 mm Audio)
      • Pioneer VSX-531: USB, Mini-Jack

      Arcam AVR31

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      Pioneer VSX-531

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      TERMINALS Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      HDMI Inputs74
      HDMI Outputs3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)1
      8K Inputs7
      USB Input for factory service1 Front
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs21
      Optical Outputs1
      Coaxial Inputs41
      RCA Line Inputs7 (1 front)3 (1 front)
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs15.20.1
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-531
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      11. Evaluations

      We evaluated Arcam AVR31 and Pioneer VSX-531 and gave them scores of 93 and 67 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 AVR31

      Pioneer VSX-531

      OVERALL
      93
      OVERALL
      67

      Amplifier

      EXCELLENT
      92
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   High Power Output - 120 W
      •   Toroidal Transformer
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 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
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   5.1 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
      GOOD
      80
      •   HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough

      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
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   4 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   USB Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   No Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 3.0

      Zones

      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   2 Zones
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      BrandArcamPioneer
      SeriesHDA
      ModelAVR31VSX-531
      TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
      CountryAllNorth America
      Release Year20222016
      PredecessorArcam AVR30 Pioneer VSX-530-K
      SuccessorPioneer VSX-532
      AMPLIFIER Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Channels7.25.1
      Power Output120 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignClass GDiscrete Direct Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability
      AUDIO FEATURES Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments Aureus
      DACDual ESS 9026PRO
      DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing15.25.1
      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 PLII
      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:6
      DTS-HD Master Audio
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
      DTS 96/24
      DTS Express
      DTS-ES 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, DSD, MQA
      Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch Input
      DSD via USB
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction
      Auto Level Control
      DTS Dialogue Control
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialog normalization
      Dialogue Lift
      Sound Retriever Advanced (2-Channel)
      Sound Retriever AIR
      Digital noise Reduction
      Tone Control Front L/R Channels
      Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever
      High-resolution Music Enhancer
      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 Surround10 + 1
      Wide Surround
      Front Stage Surround Advance
      Headphone Surround
      Virtual Speakers
      Virtual Depth
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Dirac Live™
      Manual MCACC
      Phase Control
      Auto Phase Control Plus
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      EQ Bands
      Symmetric EQ
      X-Curve
      Distance Adjustment0.1 feet
      Precision Distance
      Polarity Check
      Auto Subwoofer Crossover
      VIDEO FEATURES Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      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/60p (4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      Analog to Analog Video conversion
      Stream Smoother
      Pure Cinema
      Video Parameter Adjustments
      Triple HD noise Reduction
      Super Resolution
      isf Certified Calibration Control
      CONNECTIVITY Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth aptX HD SBC, AAC
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Google Assistant
      Chromecast Built-In
      Apple Siri
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay AirPlay 2
      Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad
      Remote App Arcam control app
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      HDMI Inputs74
      HDMI Outputs3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)1
      8K Inputs7
      USB Input for factory service1 Front
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs21
      Optical Outputs1
      Coaxial Inputs41
      RCA Line Inputs7 (1 front)3 (1 front)
      RCA Line Outputs1
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs15.20.1
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsAUX (3.5 mm Audio)USB, Mini-Jack
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out3.5 mm (1/8")6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      adapterport
      ZONES Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Number of Zones21
      Powered Zones 2
      Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Pre Out
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output2
      Remote (IR) Input/Output2 / 00 / 0
      MISCELLANEOUS Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      On-Screen Display HDMI only
      AV Navigator
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker Configuration
      DisplayLarge front-panel LCD display
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      RADIO Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Analog Tuner FM with RDS FM/AM
      Presets5030
      Digital Radio DAB/DAB+
      Internet Radio TuneIn
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Front PanelBrushed
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals75
      Large Speaker Terminals72
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
      Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
      3D Space Frame Construction
      Gold plated RCA terminals
      POWER Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      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 W210 W
      Standby Power0.5 W0.45 W
      Auto Power off
      PHYSICAL Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      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 320.5 mm
      17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 12-5/8"
      Weight18.1 kg (39.9 lbs)8.0 kg (17 lb 10 oz)
      Weight of Package21.4 kg
      SPECIFICATIONS Arcam AVR31 Pioneer VSX-531
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)120 W (0.02% THD)80 W (0.08% THD)
      Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)140 W (0.2% THD)
      Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 W (1% THD)
      Power Output (4 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel Driven)200 W (0.2% THD)
      Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)220 W (0.2% THD)
      Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive100 W (7 channels driven, 1kHz, 8 Ω, 0.2% THD)
      180 W (7 channels driven, 1kHz, 4 Ω, 0.2% THD)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)1V, 2V, 4V (user adjustable)/47 kΩ
      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)
      Frequency Response (Analog In)±0.1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
      Residual noise (IHF-A Network)0.15 mV
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
      Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 ac
      Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
      Bluetooth Version5․03.0
      Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
      HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)
      HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
      USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 0.5 A
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
      AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Warranty5 Years1 Year Parts & Labor

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

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