1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer Elite VSX-45

Pioneer Elite VSX-44

SCORE:
70
SCORE:
71

Highlights

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

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

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Content

Overview

Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-45 to Pioneer Elite VSX-44 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-45 has 5 channel and the Pioneer Elite VSX-44 has 7 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.


Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44

Pioneer Elite VSX-45 was introduced in 2015. 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/60p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

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.

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 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.

AMPLIFIER
67
VIDEO FEATURES
73
AUDIO FEATURES
68
CONNECTIVITY
77
MULTIZONE
68
MISCELLANEOUS
52
RADIO
85
OVERALL
70

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

Advantage of Pioneer Elite VSX-45

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite VSX-45 over Pioneer Elite VSX-44.

Pioneer Elite VSX-45 has higher signal to noise ratio.

Pioneer Elite VSX-45 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-44
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio vs
Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input vs 2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter vs
Auto Level Control Multi-Channel vs 2 Channel
Dialog Enhancement vs
Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC) vs Advanced (2-Channel)
Digital Noise Reduction vs
Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide) vs
Manual MCACC vs
Higher MCACC Memory 6 vs 1
Full Band Phase Control vs
Standing Wave Control vs
More EQ Bands 9-Band (Advanced) vs 5
X-Curve vs
Distance Adjustment 1/2 Inch vs .1 Ft
Polarity Check vs
Auto Subwoofer Crossover vs
Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) vs
Analog To HDMI Upconversion Composite vs
Video Parameter Adjustments vs
Super Resolution vs
Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
Bluetooth vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
RS-232C Interface vs
On-Screen Display Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) vs Network GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
AVNavigator Built-in vs
IP Control for CI vs
Function Rename vs
More Presets 63 vs 30
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB vs 98 dB

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-45.

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 has more channels, more channel processing, more zones and bigger power supply.

Pioneer Elite VSX-45 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-44
More Channels 5.2 vs 7.2
More Channel Processing 5.1 vs 7.1
Dolby Pro Logic PLII vs PLIIz
Dolby Digital EX vs
Surround EX vs
USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
More RCA Line Inputs 2 vs 3
More Component Video Inputs vs 1
More Component Video Outputs vs 1
Front A/V Inputs USB vs HDMI, USB
More Zones 1 vs 2
adapterport vs
More Speaker Terminals 7 vs 9
More Large Speaker Terminals 5 vs 7
Bigger Power Supply 450 W vs 520 W

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
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
WEAKNESSES
  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 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-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44

5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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).

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).

    Speaker Configurations

    Pioneer Elite VSX-45's and Pioneer Elite VSX-44's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-45: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44: 5.2, 7.2 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.


    • Sound Processing

      • Compressed Music Enhancer: Pioneer Elite VSX-45 and Pioneer Elite VSX-44 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-45 and Pioneer Elite VSX-44 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-45 comes with Advanced MCACC and Pioneer Elite VSX-44 comes 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-45 and Pioneer Elite VSX-44 come with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers 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 Upscaling on Pioneer Elite VSX-45: It can upscale up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
    • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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: Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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 2 pair of line inputs on Pioneer Elite VSX-45 and 3 pair of line inputs on Pioneer Elite VSX-44 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-45
      Inputs:
      6   Outputs: 1
      8K Inputs: 0.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44
      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-45
      Inputs:
      2   Outputs: 1.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44
      Inputs:
      2   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. resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-45
      Inputs:
      0   Outputs: 0.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44
      Inputs:
      1   Outputs: 1.

    Front A/V Inputs

    • Pioneer Elite VSX-45: USB
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-44: HDMI, USB

    Pioneer Elite VSX-45

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    Pioneer Elite VSX-44

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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-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    BrandPioneerPioneer
    SeriesEliteElite
    ModelVSX-45VSX-44
    TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
    CountryUSAUSA
    Release Year20152014
    AMPLIFIER Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Channels5.27.2
    Front Wide Channel Support
    AmplifierDiscrete Direct EnergyDiscrete Direct Energy
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability Front Front
    AUDIO Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments AureusTexas Instruments Aureus
    DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
    Maximum Channel Processing5.17.1
    Air Studios Monitor Certification
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic PLII 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 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
    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, AIFF, DSDMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 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, AIFF, DSDApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
    Gapless Playback
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch Input
    DSD via USB 2-ch Input
    DSD to PCM Converter
    USB DAC
    Jitter Reduction
    Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel2 Channel
    Dialog Enhancement
    Dialogue Lift
    Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC) 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 Surround10 + 1 Mode11 + 1 Mode
    Wide Surround
    Front Stage Surround Advance
    Headphone Surround
    Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
    Virtual Depth
    Independent Subwoofer Outputs
    CALIBRATION Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC MCACC
    Manual MCACC
    MCACC Memory61
    Phase Control
    Full Band Phase Control
    Standing Wave Control
    EQ Bands9-Band (Advanced)5
    Symmetric EQ
    X-Curve
    Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch.1 Ft
    Precision Distance
    Polarity Check
    Auto Subwoofer Crossover
    VIDEO Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    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/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
    4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
    4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion Composite
    Component Video Upscaling
    Analog to Analog Video conversion
    Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
    Stream Smoother
    Pure Cinema
    Video Parameter Adjustments
    Triple HD Noise Reduction
    Super Resolution
    isf Certified Calibration Control
    CONNECTIVITY Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0) 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
    DLNA 1.5 (DMR)
    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 and iPhone via front USB
    Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android) iControlAV5 (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)
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs66 (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 Input23
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs11
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs11
    Composite Video Input22
    Composite Video Output11
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input1
    Component Video Output1
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsUSBHDMI, USB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Zones12
    Powered Zones 2
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output1 (Main)1
    Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 11 / 1
    MISC Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    On-Screen DisplayIcon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)Network GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
    Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
    AVNavigator Built-in
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSpeaker B / Bi-AmpSurround Back/Front Height/Speaker B/Bi-amp/ZONE2
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerSystem Remote ControlSystem Remote Control
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
    Presets6330
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio vTuner vTuner
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Front PanelBrushedBrushed
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Speaker Terminals79
    Large Speaker Terminals57
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    3D Space Frame Construction
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
    Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
    Transformer Stabilizer
    Power Consumption450 W520 W
    Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
    GENERAL Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power Standby
    Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 168 mm x 331.5 mm
    17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
    435 mm x 168 mm x 342.5 mm
    17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/2"
    Weight8.7 kg (19 lb 3 oz)9.2 kg (20 lb 5 oz)
    Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor2 Years Parts & Labor
    SPECS Pioneer Elite VSX-45 Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    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)315 mV/47 kΩ (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB98 dB
    S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))79 dB
    DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
    DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz
    Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 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
    Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 b/g/n
    Wi-Fi Terminal FrequencyDual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
    Bluetooth Version2․1 + EDR
    Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
    HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)Type A (19-pin)
    HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 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, 1 A
    adapterport Terminal5 V, 100 mA
    Extension Terminal
    FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 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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