1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer Elite VSX-43

Pioneer Elite VSX-42

SCORE:
70
SCORE:
66

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.


Pioneer Elite VSX-43 Pioneer Elite VSX-42

Pioneer Elite VSX-43 was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 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 video signal.

Pioneer Elite VSX-42 was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 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 1080/60p and upscales Anchor Bay up to 1080p video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 70 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 66 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

AMPLIFIER
70
VIDEO FEATURES
60
AUDIO FEATURES
68
CONNECTIVITY
75
MULTIZONE
80
MISCELLANEOUS
60
RADIO
85
OVERALL
70

AMPLIFIER
67
VIDEO FEATURES
54
AUDIO FEATURES
67
CONNECTIVITY
67
MULTIZONE
79
MISCELLANEOUS
59
RADIO
79
OVERALL
66

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.


    • Sound Processing

      • 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.

      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

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      Pioneer Elite VSX-42

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      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
      BrandPioneerPioneer
      SeriesEliteElite
      ModelVSX-43VSX-42
      TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
      CountryUSAUSA
      Release Year20132012
      AMPLIFIER Pioneer Elite VSX-43 Pioneer Elite VSX-42
      Channels7.17.1
      Front Wide Channel Support
      AmplifierDirect EnergyDirect 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) EngineTexas Instruments AureusTI Aureus
      DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
      Maximum Channel Processing7.17.1
      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 USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFFWAV, 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 USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFFWAV/FLAC
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction
      Auto Level Control2 Channel2 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 Surround11 + 1 Mode9 + 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 Memory11
      Phase Control
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      EQ Bands55
      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 Version2.22.2
      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 Passthroughup to 4K/30pup to 1080p
      Video Signal UpscalingAnchor Bay up to 1080p
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite
      Component Video Upscaling
      Analog to Analog Video conversion
      Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (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 Input1 (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 USBiPod/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 Inputs6 (1 front)6
      HDMI Outputs11
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front1 Front
      USB DC Out Port
      RCA Line Input33
      RCA Line Output
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Optical Inputs11
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs11
      Composite Video Input3 (1 front)3 (1 front)
      Composite Video Output11
      S-Video Input
      S-Video Output
      Component Video Input11
      Component Video Output1
      PC In
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.10.1
      XLR Pre-outs
      Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite VideoUSB, Composite Video
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
      ZONES Pioneer Elite VSX-43 Pioneer Elite VSX-42
      Zones22
      Powered Zones 2 2
      Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output11
      Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 11 / 1
      MISC Pioneer Elite VSX-43 Pioneer Elite VSX-42
      On-Screen DisplayNetwork GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI OnlyGUI with Album Art
      Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
      HDMI Speaker B Link
      AVNavigator
      PC Set-Up
      IP Control for CI
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back / Front Height / Speaker BSurround Back / Front Height / Speaker B
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      Remote ControllerLearning Remote ControlPreset
      Detachable Power Cord
      adapterport
      RADIO Pioneer Elite VSX-43 Pioneer Elite VSX-42
      Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
      Presets3030
      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 PanelBrushedHairline
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals99
      Large Speaker Terminals77
      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 SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
      Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
      Transformer Stabilizer
      Power Consumption520 W520 W
      Standby Power0.1 W0.4 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"
      Weight9.3 kg (20 lb 9 oz)9.3 kg (20 lb 9 oz)
      Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor2 Years
      SPECS Pioneer Elite VSX-43 Pioneer Elite VSX-42
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 280 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 dB98 dB
      S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))79 dB79 dB
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 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 Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
      HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)Type A (19-pin)
      HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA5 V, 100 mA
      HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
      USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 AUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
      adapterport Terminal5 V, 100 mA5 V, 100 mA
      Extension Terminal
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
      AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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

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