1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer Elite VSX-60

Pioneer Elite VSX-70

SCORE:
70
SCORE:
75

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 1080p Upscaling, 1080p Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB input

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay, DLNA
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • 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 Elite VSX-60 to Pioneer Elite VSX-70 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 7 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.


Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70

Pioneer Elite VSX-60 was introduced in 2012. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 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 1080/60p and upscales up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

Pioneer Elite VSX-70 was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 90 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 and upscales up to 4K/30p 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 75 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
69
VIDEO FEATURES
54
AUDIO FEATURES
73
CONNECTIVITY
78
MULTIZONE
82
MISCELLANEOUS
67
RADIO
85
OVERALL
70

AMPLIFIER
73
VIDEO FEATURES
66
AUDIO FEATURES
75
CONNECTIVITY
78
MULTIZONE
87
MISCELLANEOUS
68
RADIO
85
OVERALL
75

Advantage of Pioneer Elite VSX-60

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite VSX-60 over Pioneer Elite VSX-70.

Only Pioneer Elite VSX-60 supports SiriusXM.

Pioneer Elite VSX-60 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-70
DSD to PCM Converter vs
More RCA Line Outputs 1 vs
More Optical Outputs vs
More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 2 vs 1
More Composite Video Outputs 2 vs 1
Multi-Zone On-Screen Display vs
SiriusXM Internet Radio vs

Advantage of Pioneer Elite VSX-70

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer Elite VSX-70 over Pioneer Elite VSX-60.

Pioneer Elite VSX-70 has more zones. It supports gapless playback and Spotify. It has analog pre-outs.

Pioneer Elite VSX-60 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-70
DTS Neo Neo:6 vs Neo:X
Music Playback via USB WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB WAV/FLAC vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Gapless Playback vs
Video Signal Passthrough up to 1080p vs up to 4K/30p
Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) vs up to 4K/30p
MHL Input vs 1 (Front)
More HDMI Inputs 7 (1 front) vs 8 (1 front)
More HDMI Outputs 1 vs 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
More RCA Pre-Outs 0.2 vs 2.2
More Zones 2 vs 3
Zone 2 Outs RCA Pre/Line Out vs Composite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
HDMI Speaker B Link vs
Spotify vs

Common Strengths and Weaknesses

Here we list common strengths and weaknesses of both receivers.

STRENGTHS
  Front Wide Channel Support
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  Analog To HDMI Upconversion
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  Many HDMI Inputs
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
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 8K Inputs
  Few Optical Inputs
  No Tidal

Audio Section

Amplifier

Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70

7 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer Elite VSX-60 features 7 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

7 channel Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer Elite VSX-70 features 7 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 90 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

    Speaker Configurations

    Pioneer Elite VSX-60's and Pioneer Elite VSX-70's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-60: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-70: 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Front Wide Channel support: With the presence of two front wide speakers you can enhance the front surround stage. The following speaker configurations are available for front wide channels:
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-60: 7.2.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-70: 7.2.
    • 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-60 and Pioneer Elite VSX-70 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-60 and Pioneer Elite VSX-70 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-60 and Pioneer Elite VSX-70 come with Advanced 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-60 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    Pioneer Elite VSX-70 comes with 8 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

    • 1080/60p Passthrough on Pioneer Elite VSX-60: All inputs pass up to 1080p video signal.
      4K/30Hz Passthrough on Pioneer Elite VSX-70: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
    • 1080p Upscaling on Pioneer Elite VSX-60: It can upscale up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
      4K Upscaling on Pioneer Elite VSX-70: It can upscale up to 4K/30p from HDMI and analog sources.
    • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: Both receivers support 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: 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 Elite VSX-70 has 2.2 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, both receivers have 7 channel processing but have only 7 channel amplifiers, so they need external amplifiers connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach their maximum speaker configurations.
    • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 4 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer Elite VSX-60.
    • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 2 optical outputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer Elite VSX-60 and 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer Elite VSX-70 for digital audio connections.
    • 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-60
      Inputs:
      7 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
      8K Inputs: 0.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-70
      Inputs:
      8 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      8K Inputs: 0.
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-60
      Inputs:
      4   Outputs: 2.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-70
      Inputs:
      4   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-60
      Inputs:
      2   Outputs: 1.
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-70
      Inputs:
      2   Outputs: 1.

    Front A/V Inputs

    • Pioneer Elite VSX-60: HDMI, USB, Composite Video
    • Pioneer Elite VSX-70: HDMI, USB, Composite Video

    Pioneer Elite VSX-60

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    Pioneer Elite VSX-70

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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-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    BrandPioneerPioneer
    SeriesEliteElite
    ModelVSX-60VSX-70
    TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
    CountryUSAUSA
    Release Year20122013
    AMPLIFIER Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Channels7.27.2
    Front Wide Channel Support
    AmplifierDirect EnergyDirect Energy
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp CapabilityFront Channel Front
    AUDIO Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTI 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:X
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    DTS Express
    DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 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 USBWAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    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 USBWAV/FLACApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
    Gapless Playback
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
    DSD via USB 2-ch Input
    DSD to PCM Converter
    USB DAC
    Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi) plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
    Auto Level ControlMulti-ChannelMulti-Channel
    Dialog Enhancement
    Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement via Dialog Enhancement
    Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC) Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
    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 Hi-bit24 Audio Processing Hi-bit24 Audio Processing
    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 Surround15 + Headphone Surround11 + 1 Mode
    Wide Surround
    Front Stage Surround Advance (Focus/Wide)
    Headphone Surround
    Virtual SpeakersSurround Back / Height / Depth / Wide
    Virtual Depth
    Independent Subwoofer Outputs
    CALIBRATION Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC Advanced MCACC
    Manual MCACC
    MCACC Memory66
    Full Band Phase Control
    Standing Wave Control
    EQ Bands99-Band (Advanced)
    Symmetric EQ
    X-Curve
    Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch1/2 Inch
    Precision Distance
    Polarity Check
    Auto Subwoofer Crossover
    VIDEO Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Enhanced ARC
    HDCP Version2.22.2
    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 1080pup to 4K/30p
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 1080/24p (Marvell Qdeo) up to 4K/30p
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion Component****, Composite Component****, Composite
    Component Video Upscaling
    Analog to Analog Video conversion
    Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)1080p (1125p)
    Stream Smoother
    Pure Cinema
    Video Parameter AdjustmentsAdvanced Video Adjust - HD Sources Progressive Motion - YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black levelYNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
    Triple HD Noise Reduction
    Super Resolution
    isf Certified Calibration Control
    CONNECTIVITY Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    MHL Input1 (Front)
    DLNA 1.5
    FireConnect
    FlareConnect
    Chromecast Built-In
    DTS Play-Fi
    Works with Amazon Alexa
    Works with SONOS
    AirPlay AirPlay AirPlay
    Apple Product ConnectioniPod/iPhone/iPad iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
    Remote AppiControlAV2012 (iPad, iPhone, Android) iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android)
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately) 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 Inputs7 (1 front)8 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs12 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front1 Front
    USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
    RCA Line Input44
    RCA Line Output1
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs21
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs21
    Composite Video Input4 (1 front)4 (1 front)
    Composite Video Output21
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input22
    Component Video Output11
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.22.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite VideoHDMI, USB, Composite Video
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Zones23
    Powered Zones 2 2
    Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line OutComposite Video, RCA Pre/Line Out
    Zone 3 OutsHDMI
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output1 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)1 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
    Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 11 / 1
    MISC Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    On-Screen DisplayGUI with Album ArtGraphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
    Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
    HDMI Speaker B Link
    AVNavigator Built-in
    PC Set-Up
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker ConfigurationBi-Amp / Zone 2 / B-Speaker / Surround Back / Front Height / Front WidthSurround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerLearningLearning Remote Control
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
    Presets6363
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio vTuner vTuner
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Chassis
    Front PanelHairlineBrushed
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Speaker Terminals99
    Large Speaker Terminals99
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Ceramic Speaker Terminals
    3D Space Frame Construction
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
    Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
    Transformer Stabilizer
    Power Consumption550 W550 W
    Standby Power0.2 W0.1 W
    GENERAL Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power Standby
    Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 168 mm x 362.5 mm
    17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 14-5/16"
    435 mm x 168 mm x 363 mm
    17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 14-5/16"
    Weight9.9 kg (22 lbs)9.8 kg (21 lb 10 oz)
    Warranty2 Years2 Years Parts & Labor
    SPECS Pioneer Elite VSX-60 Pioneer Elite VSX-70
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 290 W (0.08% THD)90 W (0.08% THD)
    Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)165 W (1% THD)
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)315 mV/47 kΩ (Line)315 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
    Rated Lineout Level and Impedance315 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB100 dB
    S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))81 dB81 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 (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 Terminal19-pin (not DVI)19-pin (not DVI)
    HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 Ma5 V, 100 mA
    HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 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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