1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer Elite VSX-44

Pioneer Elite VSX-43

SCORE:
71
SCORE:
70

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB input

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

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Content

Overview

Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-44 to Pioneer Elite VSX-43 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 Pioneer Elite VSX-44 has 7 channel and the Pioneer Elite VSX-43 has 7 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.


Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 was introduced in 2014. 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/60Hz video signal.

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.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 71 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 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.

AMPLIFIER
70
VIDEO FEATURES
67
AUDIO FEATURES
68
CONNECTIVITY
73
MULTIZONE
80
MISCELLANEOUS
60
RADIO
85
OVERALL
71

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

Advantage of Pioneer Elite VSX-44

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite VSX-44 over Pioneer Elite VSX-43.

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 has more channels.

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-43
More Channels 7.2 vs 7.1
Surround EX vs
Headphone Surround vs
Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
vs up to 4K/30p
Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately) vs
USB DC Out Port 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A) vs

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-44.

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-43
Wide Surround vs
More Composite Video Inputs 2 vs 3 (1 front)
Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB vs HDMI, USB, Composite Video

Common Strengths and Weaknesses

Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.

STRENGTHS
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  Ethernet
  Bluetooth
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
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
  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-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43

7 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer Elite VSX-44 features 7 channel power amplifier with Discrete 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-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).

    Speaker Configurations

    Pioneer Elite VSX-44's and Pioneer Elite VSX-43's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-43: 5.1, 7.1 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.


    • Sound Processing

      • Compressed Music Enhancer: Pioneer Elite VSX-44 and Pioneer Elite VSX-43 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-44 and Pioneer Elite VSX-43 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-44 and Pioneer Elite VSX-43 come with MCACC room correction system.

      • MCACC: Pioneer’s exclusive Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) delivers an easy-to-use, automatic sound adjustment system to precision-tune your Pioneer and Pioneer Elite receivers with minimal effort. Every MCACC system comes with a microphone to measure and analyze reverb characteristics. The equalizer optimally adjusts sound parameters to fit the size and shape of your home environment while maintaining the integrity of high-resolution playback without any degradation to the quality of your music.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Pioneer Elite VSX-44 and Pioneer Elite VSX-43 come with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough on Pioneer Elite VSX-44: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
      4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
      4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit) video signal.
      4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer Elite VSX-43: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
    • HDCP 2.-1 Copy Protection: Pioneer Elite VSX-43 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.

    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-44
      Inputs:
      6 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
      8K Inputs: 0.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-43
      Inputs:
      6 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
      8K Inputs: 0.
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44
      Inputs:
      2   Outputs: 1.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-43
      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-44
      Inputs:
      1   Outputs: 1.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-43
      Inputs:
      1   Outputs: 1.

    Front A/V Inputs

    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44: HDMI, USB
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-43: HDMI, USB, Composite Video

    Pioneer Elite VSX-44

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    Pioneer Elite VSX-43

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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-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    BrandPioneerPioneer
    SeriesEliteElite
    ModelVSX-44VSX-43
    TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
    CountryUSAUSA
    Release Year20142013
    AMPLIFIER Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    Channels7.27.1
    Front Wide Channel Support
    AmplifierDiscrete Direct EnergyDirect Energy
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability Front Front
    AUDIO Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments AureusTexas Instruments 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, WAV, FLAC, AIFFMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF
    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, AIFFApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
    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
    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 Mode11 + 1 Mode
    Wide Surround
    Front Stage Surround Advance
    Headphone Surround
    Virtual Speakers
    Virtual Depth
    Independent Subwoofer Outputs
    CALIBRATION Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC
    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-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    Enhanced ARC
    HDCP Version2.2
    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/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
    4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
    4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
    up to 4K/30p
    Video Signal Upscaling
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    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-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0)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 and iPhone via front USB iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
    Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android) iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android)
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
    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 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs11
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front1 Front
    USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
    RCA Line Input33
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs11
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs11
    Composite Video Input23 (1 front)
    Composite Video Output11
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input11
    Component Video Output11
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.20.1
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USBHDMI, USB, Composite Video
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    Zones22
    Powered Zones 2 2
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output11
    Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 11 / 1
    MISC Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    On-Screen DisplayNetwork GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI OnlyNetwork GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
    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 B/Bi-amp/ZONE2Surround Back / Front Height / Speaker B
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerSystem Remote ControlLearning Remote Control
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    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-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    Front PanelBrushedBrushed
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Speaker Terminals99
    Large Speaker Terminals77
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    3D Space Frame Construction
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
    Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
    Transformer Stabilizer
    Power Consumption520 W520 W
    Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
    GENERAL Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    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
    17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/2"
    Weight9.2 kg (20 lb 5 oz)9.3 kg (20 lb 9 oz)
    Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor2 Years Parts & Labor
    SPECS Pioneer Elite VSX-44 Pioneer Elite VSX-43
    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)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 mA5 V, 900 mA
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 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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