1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Pioneer VSX-530-K
Pioneer VSX-531
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
Highlights
- 5.1 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- HDR10, 4K Passthrough
- Bluetooth
- USB input
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Content
Overview
Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-530-K to Pioneer VSX-531 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-530-K
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-530-K over Pioneer VSX-531.
Pioneer VSX-530-K has bigger power supply.
Pioneer VSX-530-K | vs | Pioneer VSX-531 | |
---|---|---|---|
Front Stage Surround Advance | vs | ||
Headphone Surround | vs | ||
Super Resolution | vs | ||
MHL Input | 1 Rear (Version 2.0) | vs | |
DLNA 1.5 | vs | ||
AirPlay | AirPlay | vs | |
Remote Controll App | iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android) | vs | |
Bigger Power Supply | 415 W | vs | 210 W |
Advantage of Pioneer VSX-531
This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-531 over Pioneer VSX-530-K.
In video department only Pioneer VSX-531 supports HDR10.
Pioneer VSX-530-K | vs | Pioneer VSX-531 | |
---|---|---|---|
Auto Level Control | vs | ||
HDR10 | vs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | USB | vs | USB, Mini-Jack |
Common Strengths and Weaknesses
Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.
STRENGTHS |
---|
DSD via HDMI |
New HDCP Version |
4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
Bluetooth |
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 Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
No eARC |
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 |
Old Bluetooth Version |
Audio Section
Amplifier
Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|
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). |
5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-531 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-530-K's and Pioneer VSX-531's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Configurations: Available configurations are:
- Pioneer VSX-530-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.
- Pioneer VSX-531: 5.1 with internal amplifier.
- Compressed Music Enhancer: Pioneer VSX-530-K and Pioneer VSX-531 feature Compressed Music Enhancer which enhances the quality of the music files with lossy compression.
- Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer VSX-530-K and Pioneer VSX-531 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.
Sound Processing
Video Section
HDMI
Pioneer VSX-530-K and Pioneer VSX-531 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 2.2 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.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Pioneer VSX-530-K does not support HDR.
Pioneer VSX-531 supports HDR10
High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.
- HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.
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-530-K
Inputs: 4 Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0. - Pioneer VSX-531
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-530-K
Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1. - Pioneer VSX-531
Inputs: 2 Outputs: 1.
Front A/V Inputs
- Pioneer VSX-530-K: USB
- Pioneer VSX-531: USB, Mini-Jack
Pioneer VSX-530-K
Pioneer VSX-531
Specifications
And in the end let us list all the available specifications of the receivers side-by-side.
BASICS | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Brand | Pioneer | Pioneer |
Model | VSX-530-K | VSX-531 |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA | North America |
Release Year | 2015 | 2016 |
AMPLIFIER | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Channels | 5.1 | 5.1 |
Amplifier | Discrete Direct Energy | Discrete Direct Energy |
THX™ Certification | ||
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | ||
Certified 4 Ω Performance | ||
Bi-amp Capability |
AUDIO | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | Texas Instruments Aureus | Texas Instruments Aureus |
DAC Specs | 192 kHz/24 Bit | 192 kHz/24 Bit |
Maximum Channel Processing | 5.1 | 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 | |
Music Playback via USB | MP3, WMA, AAC | MP3, WMA, AAC |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | ||
DSD via HDMI | 2-ch Input | 2-ch Input |
DSD via USB | ||
DSD to PCM Converter | ||
USB DAC | ||
Jitter Reduction | ||
Auto Level Control | ||
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 Surround | 10 + 1 Mode | 10 + 1 |
Wide Surround | ||
Front Stage Surround Advance | ||
Headphone Surround | ||
Virtual Speakers | ||
Virtual Depth | ||
Independent Subwoofer Outputs |
CALIBRATION | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. | ||
Manual MCACC | ||
Phase Control | ||
Full Band Phase Control | ||
Standing Wave Control | ||
EQ Bands | ||
Symmetric EQ | ||
X-Curve | ||
Distance Adjustment | 0.1 feet | 0.1 feet |
Precision Distance | ||
Polarity Check | ||
Auto Subwoofer Crossover |
VIDEO | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
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 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 (4:4:4) |
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-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
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 | ||
Remote App | iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android) | |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | ||
Ethernet | ||
Ethernet Switch | ||
Wi-Fi | ||
Bluetooth | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
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 (1 front) |
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 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
XLR Pre-outs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | USB | USB, Mini-Jack |
Speaker A/B | ||
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Zones | 1 | 1 |
RS-232C Interface | ||
+12V Trigger Output | ||
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
MISC | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | HDMI only | HDMI only |
AVNavigator | ||
IP Control for CI | ||
PreAmp Mode | ||
Versatile Speaker Configuration | ||
FL Dimmer | ||
Function Rename | ||
Remote Controller | System Remote Control | |
Detachable Power Cord | ||
adapterport |
RADIO | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM | FM/AM |
Presets | 30 | 30 |
Digital Radio | ||
Internet Radio | ||
Pandora | ||
Spotify | ||
Tidal | ||
Deezer | ||
Napster | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Front Panel | Brushed | Brushed |
Solid Aluminum Front | ||
Speaker Terminals | 5 | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 2 | 2 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | ||
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals | ||
Ceramic Speaker Terminals | ||
3D Space Frame Construction | ||
Gold plated RCA terminals |
POWER | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer | ||
Transformer Stabilizer | ||
Power Consumption | 415 W | 210 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W | 0.45 W |
GENERAL | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | ||
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 320.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 12-5/8" |
Weight | 8.3 kg (18 lb 5 oz) | 8.0 kg (17 lb 10 oz) |
Warranty | 1 Year Parts & Labor | 1 Year Parts & Labor |
SPECS | Pioneer VSX-530-K | Pioneer VSX-531 |
---|---|---|
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 | |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 98 dB | |
S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz)) | 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) |
Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
HDMI Terminal | Type A (19-pin) | Type A (19-pin) |
HDMI Output Type | 5 V, 55 mA | 5 V, 55 mA |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 0.5 A | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 0.5 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