1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Pioneer Elite VSX-43
Pioneer Elite VSX-42
Highlights
- 7.1 channels
- 7.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay, DLNA
- Ethernet, Bluetooth
- USB input
Highlights
- 7.1 channels
- 7.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 1080p Upscaling, 1080p Passthrough
- AirPlay, DLNA
- Ethernet, Bluetooth
- USB input
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Content
Overview
Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-43 to Pioneer Elite VSX-42 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 and equally powerful amplifiers.
Advantage of Pioneer Elite VSX-43
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite VSX-43 over Pioneer Elite VSX-42.
Only Pioneer Elite VSX-43 supports gapless playback and Spotify.
Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | vs | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 | |
---|---|---|---|
Bi-amp capability | Front | vs | |
Music Playback via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF | vs | WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF | vs | WAV/FLAC |
Gapless Playback | vs | ||
Wide Surround | vs | ||
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K/30p | vs | up to 1080p |
MHL Input | 1 (Front) | vs | |
Ethernet | vs | ||
More Component Video Outputs | 1 | vs | |
Front A/V Inputs | HDMI, USB, Composite Video | vs | USB, Composite Video |
Spotify | vs |
Advantage of Pioneer Elite VSX-42
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite VSX-42 over Pioneer Elite VSX-43.
Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | vs | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 | |
---|---|---|---|
Headphone Surround | vs | ||
Video Signal Upscaling | vs | Anchor Bay up to 1080p | |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | vs | Component****, Composite |
Common Strengths and Weaknesses
Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.
STRENGTHS |
---|
DSD via HDMI |
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
New HDCP Version |
Bluetooth |
USB Input |
Composite Video Inputs |
Component Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
Pandora |
WEAKNESSES |
---|
No Front Wide Channel Support |
No Dolby Atmos |
No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization |
No DTS:X |
No IMAX Enhanced |
No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer |
No eARC |
No HDR10 |
No HDR10+ |
No Dolby Vision |
No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
No Wi-Fi |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few RCA Line Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
No RCA Pre-Outs |
No Tidal |
Audio Section
Amplifier
Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|
7 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer Elite VSX-43 features 7 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven). |
7 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer Elite VSX-42 features 7 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven). |
Speaker Configurations
Pioneer Elite VSX-43's and Pioneer Elite VSX-42's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Configurations: Available configurations are:
- Pioneer Elite VSX-43: 5.1, 7.1 with internal amplifier.
- Pioneer Elite VSX-42: 5.1, 7.1 with internal amplifier.
- Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite VSX-43 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.
- Compressed Music Enhancer: Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and Pioneer Elite VSX-42 feature Compressed Music Enhancer which enhances the quality of the music files with lossy compression.
- Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and Pioneer Elite VSX-42 is done by Pioneer’s Advanced Sound Retriever. Hear the detail, warmth and clarity, the way the artist intended it, from all of your highly compressed MP3 and WMA files stored on USB, Smartphone and portable media players. By restoring data that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneers Advanced Sound Retriever Technology enhances audio reproduction all the way upto 20 Khz frequencies.
Sound Processing
Room Calibration
Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and Pioneer Elite VSX-42 come with room correction system.
Video Section
HDMI
Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and Pioneer Elite VSX-42 come with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.
- 4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer Elite VSX-43: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
1080/60p Passthrough on Pioneer Elite VSX-42: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal. - 1080p Upscaling on Pioneer Elite VSX-42: It can upscale Anchor Bay up to 1080p from HDMI and analog sources.
- Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer Elite VSX-42 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.
- 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.
Inputs and Outputs
Audio
- Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs.
- Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connections on both receivers.
- Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.
Video
- HDMI:
- Pioneer Elite VSX-43
Inputs: 6 (1 front) Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Pioneer Elite VSX-42
Inputs: 6 Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
- Pioneer Elite VSX-43
Inputs: 3 Outputs: 1. - Pioneer Elite VSX-42
Inputs: 3 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. Both receivers support up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
- Pioneer Elite VSX-43
Inputs: 1 Outputs: 1. - Pioneer Elite VSX-42
Inputs: 1 Outputs: 0.
Front A/V Inputs
- Pioneer Elite VSX-43: HDMI, USB, Composite Video
- Pioneer Elite VSX-42: USB, Composite Video
Pioneer Elite VSX-43
Pioneer Elite VSX-42
Specifications
And in the end let us list all the available specifications of the receivers side-by-side.
BASICS | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Brand | Pioneer | Pioneer |
Series | Elite | Elite |
Model | VSX-43 | VSX-42 |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA | USA |
Release Year | 2013 | 2012 |
AMPLIFIER | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Channels | 7.1 | 7.1 |
Front Wide Channel Support | ||
Amplifier | Direct Energy | Direct Energy |
THX™ Certification | ||
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | ||
Certified 4 Ω Performance | ||
Bi-amp Capability | Front |
AUDIO | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | Texas Instruments Aureus | TI Aureus |
DAC Specs | 192 kHz/24 Bit | 192 kHz/24 Bit |
Maximum Channel Processing | 7.1 | 7.1 |
Air Studios Monitor Certification | ||
Dolby Atmos | ||
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization | ||
Dolby Atmos Music | ||
Dolby TrueHD | ||
Dolby Digital Plus | ||
Dolby Surround Upmixer | ||
Dolby Pro Logic | PLIIz | PLIIz |
Dolby Digital EX | ||
Surround EX | ||
DTS:X | ||
DTS Neural:X | ||
DTS Virtual:X | ||
DTS Neo | Neo:6 | Neo:6 |
DTS-HD Master Audio | ||
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | ||
DTS 96/24 | ||
DTS Express | ||
DTS-ES | ||
IMAX Enhanced | ||
Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer | ||
PCM | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input | 2-ch/Multi-ch Input |
Music Playback via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF | WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit | 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF | WAV/FLAC |
Gapless Playback | ||
DSD via HDMI | 2-ch Input | 2-ch Input |
DSD to PCM Converter | ||
USB DAC | ||
Jitter Reduction | ||
Auto Level Control | 2 Channel | 2 Channel |
Dialog Enhancement | ||
Dialogue Lift | ||
Sound Retriever | Advanced (2-Channel) | Advanced (2-Channel) |
Sound Retriever AIR | ||
Digital Noise Reduction | ||
Tone Control | Front L/R Channels | Front L/R Channels |
Compressed Music Enhancer | Advanced Sound Retriever | Advanced Sound Retriever |
High-resolution Music Enhancer | ||
Digital Filter Slow Mode | ||
Audyssey Dynamic EQ | ||
Audyssey Dynamic Volume | ||
Audyssey LFC | ||
Audyssey Sub EQ HT | ||
Audyssey DSX | ||
Direct Mode | ||
Pure Direct Mode | ||
Auto Surround | ||
Optimum Surround | ||
Advanced Surround | 11 + 1 Mode | 9 + Headphone Surround |
Wide Surround | ||
Front Stage Surround Advance | ||
Headphone Surround | ||
Virtual Speakers | ||
Virtual Depth | ||
Independent Subwoofer Outputs |
CALIBRATION | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | ||
Manual MCACC | ||
MCACC Memory | 1 | 1 |
Phase Control | ||
Full Band Phase Control | ||
Standing Wave Control | ||
EQ Bands | 5 | 5 |
Symmetric EQ | ||
X-Curve | ||
Distance Adjustment | .1 Ft | .1 Ft |
Precision Distance | ||
Polarity Check | ||
Auto Subwoofer Crossover |
VIDEO | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Enhanced ARC | ||
HDCP Version | 2.2 | 2.2 |
HDR10 | ||
HDR10+ | ||
Dynamic HDR | ||
Dolby Vision | ||
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) | ||
BT.2020 color space | ||
QMS (Quick Media Switching) | ||
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) | ||
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) | ||
QFT (Quick Frame transport) | ||
3-D Ready | ||
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 4K/30p | up to 1080p |
Video Signal Upscaling | Anchor Bay up to 1080p | |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | Component****, Composite | |
Component Video Upscaling | ||
Analog to Analog Video conversion | ||
Component Video Maximum Resolution | 1080p (1125p) | 1080p (1125p) |
Stream Smoother | ||
Pure Cinema | ||
Video Parameter Adjustments | ||
Triple HD Noise Reduction | ||
Super Resolution | ||
isf Certified Calibration Control |
CONNECTIVITY | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
MHL Input | 1 (Front) | |
DLNA 1.5 | ||
FireConnect | ||
FlareConnect | ||
Chromecast Built-In | ||
DTS Play-Fi | ||
Works with Amazon Alexa | ||
Works with SONOS | ||
AirPlay | AirPlay | AirPlay |
Apple Product Connection | iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB | iPod/iPhone/iPad |
Remote App | iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android) | ControlApp (iPad, iPhone, Android) |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | ||
Ethernet | ||
Ethernet Switch | ||
Wi-Fi | ||
Bluetooth | via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately) | via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately) |
HDBaseT Compatible | ||
HDMI Inputs | 6 (1 front) | 6 |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
8K Inputs | ||
USB Input | 1 Front | 1 Front |
USB DC Out Port | ||
RCA Line Input | 3 | 3 |
RCA Line Output | ||
XLR Line Inputs | ||
Phono Input | ||
Optical Inputs | 1 | 1 |
Optical Outputs | ||
Coaxial Inputs | 1 | 1 |
Composite Video Input | 3 (1 front) | 3 (1 front) |
Composite Video Output | 1 | 1 |
S-Video Input | ||
S-Video Output | ||
Component Video Input | 1 | 1 |
Component Video Output | 1 | |
PC In | ||
Multi-Channel Input | ||
RCA Pre-Outs | 0.1 | 0.1 |
XLR Pre-outs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | HDMI, USB, Composite Video | USB, Composite Video |
Speaker A/B | ||
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Zones | 2 | 2 |
Powered Zones | 2 | 2 |
Zone 2 Outs | RCA Pre/Line Out | |
RS-232C Interface | ||
+12V Trigger Output | 1 | 1 |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 1 / 1 | 1 / 1 |
MISC | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | Network GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only | GUI with Album Art |
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display | ||
HDMI Speaker B Link | ||
AVNavigator | ||
PC Set-Up | ||
IP Control for CI | ||
PreAmp Mode | ||
Versatile Speaker Configuration | Surround Back / Front Height / Speaker B | Surround Back / Front Height / Speaker B |
FL Dimmer | ||
Function Rename | ||
Remote Controller | Learning Remote Control | Preset |
Detachable Power Cord | ||
adapterport |
RADIO | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM | FM/AM |
Presets | 30 | 30 |
Digital Radio | ||
Internet Radio | vTuner | vTuner |
Pandora | ||
Spotify | ||
Tidal | ||
Deezer | ||
Napster | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Chassis | ||
Front Panel | Brushed | Hairline |
Solid Aluminum Front | ||
Speaker Terminals | 9 | 9 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 7 | 7 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | ||
Ceramic Speaker Terminals | ||
3D Space Frame Construction | ||
Gold plated RCA terminals |
POWER | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer | ||
Transformer Stabilizer | ||
Power Consumption | 520 W | 520 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W | 0.4 W |
GENERAL | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | ||
Auto Power Standby | ||
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 435 mm x 168 mm x 342.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/2" | 435 mm x 168 mm x 342.5 mm 17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/2" |
Weight | 9.3 kg (20 lb 9 oz) | 9.3 kg (20 lb 9 oz) |
Warranty | 2 Years Parts & Labor | 2 Years |
SPECS | Pioneer Elite VSX-43 | Pioneer Elite VSX-42 |
---|---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 80 W (0.08% THD) | 80 W (0.08% THD) |
Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC) | 140 W (1% THD) | |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line) | 200 mV/47 kΩ (Line) | 200 mV/47 kΩ (Line) |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 98 dB | 98 dB |
S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz)) | 79 dB | 79 dB |
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI | 2.8 MHz | 2.8 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) | 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 Standard | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX |
HDMI Terminal | Type A (19-pin) | Type A (19-pin) |
HDMI Output Type | 5 V, 100 mA | 5 V, 100 mA |
HDMI Input/MHL Terminal | 5 V, 900 mA | |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A |
adapterport Terminal | 5 V, 100 mA | 5 V, 100 mA |
Extension Terminal | ||
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 108 MHz | 87.5 MHz - 108 MHz |
AM Frequency | 530 kHz - 1700 kHz | 530 kHz - 1700 kHz |
* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted