Denon AVR-X1500H vs Pioneer VSX-831

      Denon AVR-X1500H

      Pioneer VSX-831
      87
      Image cannot be found
      77
      Image cannot be found
      USA
      UK
      North America
      Australia Asia
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 5.2 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      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 Denon AVR-X1500H
      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-831
      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 Denon AVR-X1500H to Pioneer VSX-831 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 Denon AVR-X1500H has 7 channel and the Pioneer VSX-831 has 5 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.


      Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831

      Denon AVR-X1500H was introduced in 2018. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

      Pioneer VSX-831 was introduced in 2017. 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 and upscales up to 4K video signal.

      We evaluated Denon AVR-X1500H and Pioneer VSX-831 and gave them scores of 87 and 77 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.

      Denon AVR-X1500H

      Pioneer VSX-831

      Amplifier
      86
      Amplifier
      77
      Audio Features
      85
      Audio Features
      71
      Video Features
      94
      Video Features
      92
      Connectivity
      83
      Connectivity
      80
      Zones
      78
      Zones
      55
      Radio
      96
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      87
      OVERALL
      77

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

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Denon AVR-X1500H and Pioneer VSX-831.

      PROS

      Denon AVR-X1500H

      Pioneer VSX-831

      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   DTS:X
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Works with Amazon Alexa
      •   HEOS
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   Tidal
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify

      CONS

      Denon AVR-X1500H

      Pioneer VSX-831

      •   Low Power Output - 80 W
      •   No Front Wide Channel Support
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No DSD via HDMI
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR
      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   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 HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Zones
      •   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

      Denon AVR-X1500H

      Pioneer VSX-831

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   6 HDMI Inputs
      •   2 Zones
      •   6 HDMI Inputs
      •   Bluetooth 4․1 + LE

      3. Advantage of Denon AVR-X1500H

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Denon AVR-X1500H over Pioneer VSX-831.

      Check the Price

      Denon AVR-X1500H
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Denon AVR-X1500H vs Pioneer VSX-831
      More Channels 7.2 vs 5.2
      Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
      More Channel Processing 7.1 vs 5.1
      Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2 vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      DTS:X up to 5.1.2 vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      DTS Virtual:X vs
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 vs
      Audyssey Dynamic EQ vs
      Audyssey Dynamic Volume vs
      HLG vs
      Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through vs
      Works with Amazon Alexa vs
      DLNA 1.5 vs
      AirPlay AirPlay 2 vs AirPlay
      More Optical Inputs 2 vs 1
      More Composite Video Outputs 1 vs
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB vs USB, Mini-Jack
      Speaker A/B assignable vs
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      More Zones 2 vs 1
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 1 / 0 vs 0 / 0
      Tidal vs
      Deezer vs
      Napster vs
      SiriusXM vs
      More Speaker Terminals 7 vs 5
      More Large Speaker Terminals 7 vs 5
      Color-Coded Speaker Terminals vs
      Bigger Power Supply 430 W vs 380 W
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA) 175 W (10% THD) vs 160 W (10% THD)
      Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC) 145 W (1% THD) vs 130 W (1% THD)
      Wider AM Frequency Range 520 kHz - 1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1710 kHz
      Longer Warranty 3 Years vs 1 Year Parts & Labor

      4. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-831

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-831 over Denon AVR-X1500H.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-831
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Denon AVR-X1500H vs Pioneer VSX-831
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLII
      DTS Neo vs Neo:6
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      DSD via HDMI vs 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      Video Signal Upscaling vs up to 4K
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Composite
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      More RCA Line Inputs 2 vs 3 (1 front)
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 98 dB vs 106 dB
      Higher S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A) 74 dB vs 80 dB
      Newer Bluetooth Version 3․0 + EDR vs 4․1 + LE

      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 Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Audyssey MultEQ XT MCACC
        HDR10
        Dolby Vision
        New HDCP Version2.22.2
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth SBC
        USB Input1 Front for USB memory1 Front
        Phono Input
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Pandora
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831
        Low Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
      4K/60p (4:2:0 36-bit)
      4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
        Few HDMI Outputs11
        Few 8K Inputs
        Few RCA Line Inputs23 (1 front)
        No RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
        No Digital Radio

      6. Amplifier

      Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831

      7 channel Amplifier: Denon AVR-X1500H features 7 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 80 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-831 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).


        AMPLIFIER Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831
        Channels7.25.2
        Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability assignable

        Check the Price

        Denon AVR-X1500H
        Image cannot be found
        Image cannot be found

        7. Speaker Configurations

        Denon AVR-X1500H's and Pioneer VSX-831's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
        • Denon AVR-X1500H: 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-831: Not supported.
        • DTS:X Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for DTS:X:
        • Denon AVR-X1500H: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos - 5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-831: Not supported.
        • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
        • Denon AVR-X1500H: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-831: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
        • 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

        Denon AVR-X1500H supports Dolby Atmos.

        • Dolby Surround Upmixer: Denon AVR-X1500H 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.

        DTS:X

        Denon AVR-X1500H supports DTS:X.

        • DTS Neural:X: Denon AVR-X1500H 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: Denon AVR-X1500H 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: Denon AVR-X1500H 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.
        AUDIO DECODING Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831
        Dolby Atmos up to 5.1.2
        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 up to 5.1.2
        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

        Check the Price

        Pioneer VSX-831
        Image cannot be found
        Image cannot be found

        9. HDMI

        Denon AVR-X1500H and Pioneer VSX-831 come with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
        • 4K Upscaling on Pioneer VSX-831: It can upscale up to 4K from HDMI and analog sources.
        • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer VSX-831 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 both models).
        • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are 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)

        Denon AVR-X1500H supports HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma.

        Pioneer VSX-831 supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision. 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.


        Gaming Features

        Denon AVR-X1500H supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



        VIDEO FEATURES Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.22.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/60p (4:2:0 36-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
        Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K

        Check the Price

        Denon AVR-X1500H
        Image cannot be found
        Image cannot be found

        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Denon AVR-X1500H and Pioneer VSX-831 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 2 pair of line inputs on Denon AVR-X1500H and 3 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-831 for connecting sources with analog outputs.
        • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 1 coaxial input are available on Denon AVR-X1500H and 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-831 for digital audio connections.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Denon AVR-X1500H
          Inputs:           6 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer VSX-831
          Inputs:           6   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Denon AVR-X1500H
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.
        • Pioneer VSX-831
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 0.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Denon AVR-X1500H: HDMI, USB
        • Pioneer VSX-831: USB, Mini-Jack

        Denon AVR-X1500H

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

        Pioneer VSX-831

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found
        TERMINALS Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-831
        HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)6
        HDMI Outputs11
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front for USB memory1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs21
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs11
        RCA Line Inputs23 (1 front)
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs

        Check the Price

        Pioneer VSX-831
        Image cannot be found
        Image cannot be found

        11. Evaluations

        We evaluated Denon AVR-X1500H and Pioneer VSX-831 and gave them scores of 87 and 77 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.


        Denon AVR-X1500H

        Pioneer VSX-831

        OVERALL
        87
        OVERALL
        77

        Amplifier

        EXCELLENT
        86
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W
        GOOD
        77
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W

        Audio Features

        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   No Front Wide Channel Support
        •   7.1 Channel Processing
        •   Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   No DSD via HDMI
        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   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
        94
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        Connectivity

        GOOD
        83
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Works with Amazon Alexa
        •   HEOS
        •   6 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 3․0 + EDR
        GOOD
        80
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   6 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 4․1 + LE

        Zones

        GOOD
        78
        •   2 Zones
        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        96
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   Tidal
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        For the complete list of specifications please go to the next page:

        Discussion

        Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
        ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.