1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer VSX-524-K

Pioneer VSX-530-K

SCORE:
61
SCORE:
64
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Highlights

  • 5.1 channels
  • 5.1 channel processing
  • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 4K 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
  • Bluetooth
  • USB input

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Content

Overview

Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-524-K to Pioneer VSX-530-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.


Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K

Pioneer VSX-524-K was introduced in 2014. 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 video signal.

Pioneer VSX-530-K 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 video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 61 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 64 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
66
AUDIO FEATURES
62
CONNECTIVITY
47
MULTIZONE
55
MISCELLANEOUS
40
RADIO
59
OVERALL
61

AMPLIFIER
70
VIDEO FEATURES
66
AUDIO FEATURES
62
CONNECTIVITY
68
MULTIZONE
55
MISCELLANEOUS
38
RADIO
59
OVERALL
64

Advantage of Pioneer VSX-524-K

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-524-K over Pioneer VSX-530-K.

Pioneer VSX-524-K has room correction system.

Pioneer VSX-524-K vs Pioneer VSX-530-K
DTS Express vs
Auto Level Control 2 Channel vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System MCACC Auto vs
More EQ Bands 5-Band vs
Symmetric EQ vs

Advantage of Pioneer VSX-530-K

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-530-K over Pioneer VSX-524-K.

Pioneer VSX-524-K vs Pioneer VSX-530-K
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio vs
Super Resolution vs
MHL Input vs 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5 vs
AirPlay vs AirPlay
Remote Controll App vs iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
Bluetooth vs SBC, AAC
On-Screen Display Analog Only vs HDMI only

Common Strengths and Weaknesses

Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.

STRENGTHS
  DSD via HDMI
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
WEAKNESSES
  5.1 Channel Processing
  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
  Few HDMI Inputs
  Few HDMI Outputs
  Few 8K Inputs
  Few RCA Line Inputs
  Few Optical Inputs
  No RCA Pre-Outs
  No Pandora
  No Spotify
  No Tidal

Audio Section

Amplifier

Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K

5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-524-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).

5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-530-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-524-K's and Pioneer VSX-530-K's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • Pioneer VSX-524-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.
    • Pioneer VSX-530-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.

      • Sound Processing

      • Compressed Music Enhancer: Pioneer VSX-524-K and Pioneer VSX-530-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-524-K and Pioneer VSX-530-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.

      Room Calibration

      Pioneer VSX-524-K comes with MCACC Auto 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 VSX-524-K and Pioneer VSX-530-K come with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p/4:2:0/24-bit
      4K/24p/4:4:4/24-bit
      4K/24p/4:2:2/36-bit video signal.
    • HDCP 2.-1 Copy Protection: Pioneer VSX-530-K 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 VSX-524-K
      Inputs:       4   Outputs: 1
      8K Inputs: 0.
    • Pioneer VSX-530-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-524-K
      Inputs:       2   Outputs: 1.
    • Pioneer VSX-530-K
      Inputs:       2   Outputs: 1.

    Front A/V Inputs

    • Pioneer VSX-524-K: USB
    • Pioneer VSX-530-K: USB

    Pioneer VSX-524-K

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    Pioneer VSX-530-K

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    Specifications

    And in the end let us list all the available specifications of the receivers side-by-side.

    BASICS Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    BrandPioneerPioneer
    ModelVSX-524-KVSX-530-K
    TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
    CountryUSAUSA
    Release Year20142015
    AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    Channels5.15.1
    AmplifierDiscrete Direct EnergyDiscrete Direct Energy
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability
    AUDIO Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments AureusTexas Instruments Aureus
    DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
    Maximum Channel Processing5.15.1
    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
    Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AACMP3, WMA, AAC
    High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB
    Gapless Playback
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
    DSD via USB
    DSD to PCM Converter
    USB DAC
    Jitter Reduction
    Auto Level Control2 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 Surround9+1 Mode DSP10 + 1 Mode
    Wide Surround
    Front Stage Surround Advance
    Headphone Surround
    Virtual Speakers
    Virtual Depth
    Independent Subwoofer Outputs
    CALIBRATION Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Auto
    Manual MCACC
    MCACC Memory1
    Phase Control
    Full Band Phase Control
    Standing Wave Control
    EQ Bands5-Band
    Symmetric EQ
    X-Curve
    Distance Adjustment0.1 Feet0.1 feet
    Precision Distance
    Polarity Check
    Auto Subwoofer Crossover
    VIDEO Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    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/4:2:0/24-bit
    4K/24p/4:4:4/24-bit
    4K/24p/4:2:2/36-bit    		up to 4K/60p (4:2:0 24-bit)
    4K/24p (4:4:4 24-bit)
    4K/24p (4:2:2 36-bit)
    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-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
    DLNA 1.5
    FireConnect
    FlareConnect
    Chromecast Built-In
    DTS Play-Fi
    Works with Amazon Alexa
    Works with SONOS
    AirPlay AirPlay
    Apple Product Connection iPod and iPhone via front USB
    Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi
    Bluetooth SBC, AAC
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs44
    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 Input22
    Composite Video Output11
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input
    Component Video Output
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.10.1
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsUSBUSB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    Zones11
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output
    Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 00 / 0
    MISC Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    On-Screen DisplayAnalog Only HDMI only
    AVNavigator
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker Configuration
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerSystem Remote ControlSystem Remote Control
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
    Presets3030
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    Front PanelBrushedBrushed
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Speaker Terminals55
    Large Speaker Terminals22
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
    Ceramic Speaker Terminals
    3D Space Frame Construction
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
    Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
    Transformer Stabilizer
    Power Consumption415 W415 W
    Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
    GENERAL Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power Standby
    Auto Power off
    Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 168 mm x 331..5 mm
    17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"    		435 mm x 168 mm x 331.5 mm
    17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
    Weight8.3 kg (18 lb 5 oz)8.3 kg (18 lb 5 oz)
    Warranty1 Year1 Year Parts & Labor
    SPECS Pioneer VSX-524-K Pioneer VSX-530-K
    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
    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 (Composite)1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
    Ethernet Standard
    Bluetooth Version3.0
    Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
    HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)Type A (19-pin)
    HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA5 V, 55 mA
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 AUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 0.5 A
    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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