1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Pioneer VSX-522-K
Pioneer VSX-523-K
Highlights
- 5.1 channels
- 7.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 1080p Passthrough
- USB input
Highlights
- 5.1 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay, DLNA
- USB input
Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.
Content
Overview
Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-522-K to Pioneer VSX-523-K 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 5 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.
Advantage of Pioneer VSX-522-K
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-522-K over Pioneer VSX-523-K.
Pioneer VSX-522-K has more channel processing. It has analog pre-outs.
Pioneer VSX-522-K | vs | Pioneer VSX-523-K | |
---|---|---|---|
More Channel Processing | 7.1 | vs | 5.1 |
More RCA Pre-Outs | 2.1 (Surr Back/Front Height) | vs | 0.1 |
Advantage of Pioneer VSX-523-K
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-523-K over Pioneer VSX-522-K.
Pioneer VSX-522-K | vs | Pioneer VSX-523-K | |
---|---|---|---|
Video Signal Passthrough | up to 1080p | vs | up to 4K/30p |
DLNA 1.5 | vs | ||
AirPlay | vs | AirPlay |
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 |
USB Input |
Composite Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
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 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
No Ethernet |
No Wi-Fi |
No Bluetooth |
Few HDMI Inputs |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few RCA Line Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
No Pandora |
No Spotify |
No Tidal |
Audio Section
Amplifier
Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|
5 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-522-K features 5 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven). |
5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-523-K 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). |
Speaker Configurations
Pioneer VSX-522-K's and Pioneer VSX-523-K's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Configurations: Available configurations are:
- Pioneer VSX-522-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.
- Pioneer VSX-523-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.
- Compressed Music Enhancer: Pioneer VSX-522-K and Pioneer VSX-523-K feature Compressed Music Enhancer which enhances the quality of the music files with lossy compression.
- Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer VSX-522-K and Pioneer VSX-523-K 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.
- 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.
Sound Processing
Room Calibration
Pioneer VSX-522-K and Pioneer VSX-523-K come with MCACC Auto room correction system.
Video Section
HDMI
Pioneer VSX-522-K and Pioneer VSX-523-K come with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.
- 1080/60p Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-522-K: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer VSX-523-K: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal. - 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 Pre-Outs: Pioneer VSX-522-K has 2.1 preamplifier outputs which allows you to connect the receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the receiver to power the rest. Also, Pioneer VSX-522-K has 7 channel processing but has only 5 channel amplifier, so it needs external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach its maximum speaker configuration.
- 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 VSX-522-K
Inputs: 4 Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Pioneer VSX-523-K
Inputs: 4 Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
- Pioneer VSX-522-K
Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1. - Pioneer VSX-523-K
Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1.
Front A/V Inputs
- Pioneer VSX-522-K: USB
- Pioneer VSX-523-K: USB
Pioneer VSX-522-K
Pioneer VSX-523-K
Specifications
And in the end let us list all the available specifications of the receivers side-by-side.
BASICS | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Brand | Pioneer | Pioneer |
Model | VSX-522-K | VSX-523-K |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA | USA |
Release Year | 2012 | 2013 |
AMPLIFIER | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Channels | 5.1 | 5.1 |
Amplifier | Direct Energy | Discrete Direct Energy |
THX™ Certification | ||
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | ||
Certified 4 Ω Performance | ||
Bi-amp Capability |
AUDIO | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | Texas Instruments Aureus | Texas Instruments Aureus |
DAC Specs | 192 kHz/24 Bit | 192 kHz/24 Bit |
Maximum Channel Processing | 7.1 | 5.1 |
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 | PLII |
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 | MP3, WMA, AAC |
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 | ||
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 | 9+1 Mode DSP | 9+1 Mode DSP |
Wide Surround | ||
Front Stage Surround Advance | ||
Headphone Surround | ||
Virtual Speakers | ||
Virtual Depth | ||
Independent Subwoofer Outputs |
CALIBRATION | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | MCACC Auto | MCACC Auto |
Manual MCACC | ||
MCACC Memory | 1 | 1 |
Phase Control | ||
Full Band Phase Control | ||
Standing Wave Control | ||
EQ Bands | 5-Band | 5-Band |
Symmetric EQ | ||
X-Curve | ||
Distance Adjustment | 0.1 Feet | 0.1 Feet |
Precision Distance | ||
Polarity Check | ||
Auto Subwoofer Crossover | ||
PC Display |
VIDEO | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
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 1080p | up to 4K/30p |
Video Signal Upscaling | ||
Analog To HDMI Upconversion | ||
Component Video Upscaling | ||
Analog to Analog Video conversion | ||
Stream Smoother | ||
Pure Cinema | ||
Video Parameter Adjustments | ||
Triple HD Noise Reduction | ||
Super Resolution | ||
isf Certified Calibration Control |
CONNECTIVITY | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
MHL Input | ||
DLNA 1.5 | ||
FireConnect | ||
FlareConnect | ||
Chromecast Built-In | ||
DTS Play-Fi | ||
Works with Amazon Alexa | ||
Works with SONOS | ||
AirPlay | AirPlay | |
Apple Product Connection | iPod, iPhone via front USB | iPod and iPhone via front USB |
Remote App | ||
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | ||
Ethernet | ||
Ethernet Switch | ||
Wi-Fi | ||
Bluetooth | ||
HDBaseT Compatible | ||
HDMI Inputs | 4 | 4 |
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 | 2 | 2 |
Composite Video Output | 1 | 1 |
S-Video Input | ||
S-Video Output | ||
Component Video Input | ||
Component Video Output | ||
PC In | ||
Multi-Channel Input | ||
RCA Pre-Outs | 2.1 (Surr Back/Front Height) | 0.1 |
XLR Pre-outs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | USB | USB |
Speaker A/B | ||
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Zones | 1 | 1 |
RS-232C Interface | ||
+12V Trigger Output | ||
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
MISC | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | Composite Video Only | Composite Video Only |
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display | ||
AVNavigator | ||
IP Control for CI | ||
PreAmp Mode | ||
Versatile Speaker Configuration | ||
FL Dimmer | ||
Function Rename | ||
Remote Controller | System Remote Control | System Remote Control |
Detachable Power Cord | ||
adapterport |
RADIO | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM | FM/AM |
Presets | 30 | 30 |
Digital Radio | ||
Internet Radio | ||
Pandora | ||
Spotify | ||
Tidal | ||
Deezer | ||
Napster | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Front Panel | Brushed | Brushed |
Solid Aluminum Front | ||
Speaker Terminals | 5 | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 2 | 2 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | ||
Ceramic Speaker Terminals | ||
3D Space Frame Construction | ||
Gold plated RCA terminals |
POWER | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer | ||
Transformer Stabilizer | ||
Power Consumption | 415 W | 415 W |
Standby Power | 0.4 W | 0.1 W |
GENERAL | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | ||
Auto Power Standby | ||
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 435 mm x 168 mm x 342.5 mm 17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/2" | 435 mm x 168 mm x 331.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16" |
Weight | 8.7 kg (19 lb 3 oz) | 8.3 kg (18 lb 5 oz) |
Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
SPECS | Pioneer VSX-522-K | Pioneer VSX-523-K |
---|---|---|
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) | 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 (Composite) | 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite) |
Ethernet Standard | ||
HDMI Terminal | Type A (19-pin) | Type A (19-pin) |
HDMI Output Type | 5 V, 100 mA | 5 V, 100 mA |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A |
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