Pioneer VSX-831 vs Pioneer SC-81

      Pioneer VSX-831

      Pioneer SC-81
      78
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      81
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      Asia
      USA
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      Highlights

      • 5.2 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • HDR10, Dolby Vision
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
      • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
      • Phono Input

      Highlights

      • 7.2 Channels
      • 7.1 Channel Processing
      • 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-831
      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-81
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Amplifier
      7. Speaker Configurations
      8. Immersive Audio Formats
      9. HDMI
      10. Inputs and Outputs
      11. Evaluations
      12. Specifications

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-831 to Pioneer SC-81 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 VSX-831 has 5 channel and the Pioneer SC-81 has 7 channel amplifiers.


      Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81

      Pioneer VSX-831 was introduced in 2017. 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 video signal.

      Pioneer SC-81 was introduced in 2014. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) video signal.

      We evaluated Pioneer VSX-831 and Pioneer SC-81 and gave them scores of 78 and 81 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Pioneer VSX-831

      Pioneer SC-81

      Amplifier
      77
      Amplifier
      89
      Audio Features
      71
      Audio Features
      75
      Video Features
      92
      Video Features
      73
      Connectivity
      80
      Connectivity
      78
      Zones
      55
      Zones
      91
      Radio
      88
      Radio
      85
      OVERALL
      78
      OVERALL
      81

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-831 and Pioneer SC-81.

      PROS

      Pioneer VSX-831

      Pioneer SC-81

      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   HDR10
      •   Dolby Vision
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Chromecast Built-In
      •   USB Input
      •   Phono Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   High Power Output - 120 W
      •   Front Wide Channel Support
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      •   Bluetooth
      •   7 HDMI Inputs
      •   USB Input
      •   RCA Pre-Outs
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Component Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   3 Zones
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify

      CONS

      Pioneer VSX-831

      Pioneer SC-81

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W
      •   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 HDR10+
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer VSX-831

      Pioneer SC-81

      •   6 HDMI Inputs
      •   Bluetooth 4․1 + LE
      •   7.2 Channels
      •   7.1 Channel Processing
      •   Wi-Fi
      •   3 HDMI Outputs

      3. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-831

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-831 over Pioneer SC-81.

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      Pioneer VSX-831
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      Pioneer VSX-831 vs Pioneer SC-81
      Higher DAC Specs 384 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
      More Tone Control Channels All Channels vs Front L/R Channels
      HDR10 vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      Phono Input vs
      Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS vs FM/AM
      Bigger Power Supply 390 W vs 290 W
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 106 dB vs 100 dB
      Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz vs 2.8 MHz
      Wider AM Frequency Range 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1700 kHz

      4. Advantage of Pioneer SC-81

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer SC-81 over Pioneer VSX-831.

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      Pioneer SC-81
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      Pioneer VSX-831 vs Pioneer SC-81
      More Channels 5.2 vs 7.2
      Higher Power Output 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) vs 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
      More Channel Processing 5.1 vs 7.1
      Dolby Pro Logic PLII vs PLIIz
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      DTS Neo Neo:6 vs Neo:X
      DTS-ES vs Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      Jitter Reduction vs plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
      Dialog Enhancement vs
      Dialogue Lift vs via Dialog Enhancement
      Sound Retriever Advanced (2-Channel) vs Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
      Sound Retriever AIR vs
      Digital Noise Reduction vs
      High-resolution Music Enhancer vs Hi-bit24 Audio Processing
      Wide Surround vs
      Headphone Surround vs
      Virtual Speakers vs (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
      Virtual Depth vs
      Higher MCACC Memory 1 vs 6
      Auto Phase Control Plus vs
      Full Band Phase Control vs
      Standing Wave Control vs
      Distance Adjustment 0.1 feet vs 1/2 Inch
      Polarity Check vs
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K vs up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)
      Stream Smoother vs
      Pure Cinema vs
      Video Parameter Adjustments vs YNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
      Triple HD Noise Reduction vs
      MHL Input vs 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
      DLNA 1.5 vs (DMR)
      More HDMI Inputs 6 vs 7 (1 front)
      More HDMI Outputs 1 vs 2 (1 for MAIN, 1 for MAIN/HDZONE)
      USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      More Optical Inputs 1 vs 2
      More Coaxial Inputs/Outputs 1 vs 2
      More RCA Line Outputs vs 1
      More RCA Pre-Outs 0.2 vs 2.2
      More Composite Video Outputs vs 2
      More Component Video Inputs vs 2
      More Component Video Outputs vs 1
      Front A/V Inputs USB, Mini-Jack vs HDMI, USB
      Speaker A/B vs
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      adapterport vs
      More Zones 1 vs 3
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output vs 2 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 0 / 0 vs 1 / 1
      On-Screen Display Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) vs Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
      AVNavigator vs Built-in
      IP Control for CI vs
      PreAmp Mode vs
      Versatile Speaker Configuration vs Surround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker/ Powered HD Zone
      More Presets 40 vs 63
      Advanced Direct Construction [] vs Advanced Direct Construction
      More Speaker Terminals 5 vs 9
      More Large Speaker Terminals 5 vs 9
      Transformer Stabilizer vs
      Longer Warranty 1 Year Parts & Labor vs 2 Years Parts & Labor

      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Advanced MCACC
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Composite Component****, Composite
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Ethernet
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Pandora
        Spotify
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        No Dolby Atmos
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No DTS:X
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10+
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
      4K/60p (4:2:0 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)
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few 8K Inputs
        Few RCA Line Inputs3 (1 front)3
        No Digital Radio
        No Tidal

      6. Amplifier

      Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81

      5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-831 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 Class D3 Amplifier: Pioneer SC-81 features 7 channel power amplifier with Class D3 design. It is rated at 120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.


        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Channels5.27.2
        Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Amplifier DesignDiscrete Direct EnergyClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front

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        Pioneer VSX-831
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        7. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer VSX-831's and Pioneer SC-81's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Configurations: Available configurations are:
        • Pioneer VSX-831: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer SC-81: 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 VSX-831: Does not support.
        • Pioneer SC-81: 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.

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        Pioneer SC-81
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        8. HDMI

        Pioneer VSX-831 comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

        Pioneer SC-81 comes with 7 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs - 1 for MAIN and 1 for MAIN/HDZONE.

        • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
          4K/60p (4:2:0 36-bit)
          4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit) video signal.
        • 4K Upscaling on Pioneer VSX-831: It can upscale up to 4K from HDMI and analog sources.
          4K Upscaling on Pioneer SC-81: It can upscale up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) 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.
        • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35% (available on Pioneer VSX-831 only).
        • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Pioneer VSX-831 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.

        HDR (High Dynamic Range)

        Pioneer VSX-831 supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

        Pioneer SC-81 does not support HDR. 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.



        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        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 (4:2:0 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 up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)

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        Pioneer VSX-831
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        9. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input on Pioneer VSX-831 with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the receiver.
        • Analog Pre-Outs: Pioneer SC-81 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.
        • Analog Line Inputs and Outputs: There are 3 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs. There is also 1 pair of line outputs on Pioneer SC-81.
        • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-831 and 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available on Pioneer SC-81 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 VSX-831
          Inputs:           6   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-81
          Inputs:           7 (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 VSX-831
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-81
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 2.
        • 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 SC-81 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Pioneer VSX-831
          Inputs:           0   Outputs: 0.
        • Pioneer SC-81
          Inputs:           2   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer VSX-831: USB, Mini-Jack
        • Pioneer SC-81: HDMI, USB

        Pioneer VSX-831

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        Pioneer SC-81

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        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        HDMI Inputs67 (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)
        Optical Inputs12
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs12
        RCA Line Inputs3 (1 front)3
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.22.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs2
        Component Video Outputs1

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        Pioneer SC-81
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        10. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer VSX-831 and Pioneer SC-81 and gave them scores of 78 and 81 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        Pioneer VSX-831

        Pioneer SC-81

        OVERALL
        78
        OVERALL
        81

        Amplifier

        GOOD
        77
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W
        EXCELLENT
        89
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   High Power Output - 120 W

        Audio Features

        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.2
        •   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
        •   DSD via HDMI
        GOOD
        75
        •   7.2 Channels
        •   Front Wide Channel Support
        •   7.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI

        Video Features

        EXCELLENT
        92
        •   HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        GOOD
        73
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

        Connectivity

        GOOD
        80
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   Chromecast Built-In
        •   6 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        •   Bluetooth 4․1 + LE
        GOOD
        78
        •   No eARC
        •   Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   7 HDMI Inputs
        •   3 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet

        Zones

        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones
        EXCELLENT
        91
        •   3 Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        88
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal
        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        11. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        SeriesElite
        ModelVSX-831SC-81
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryAsiaUSA
        Release Year20172014
        PredecessorPioneer VSX-830-K Pioneer SC-71
        SuccessorPioneer VSX-832 Pioneer SC-91
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Channels5.27.2
        Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)120 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignDiscrete Direct EnergyClass D3 (Direct Energy HD)
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineCirrus Logic (Quad Core) x 1Texas Instruments Aureus
        DACAKM AK4458SABRE Premier (ES9006S)
        DAC Specs384 kHz/32 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:X
        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, DSD
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 64, 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, DSD
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        DSD via USB 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction plus PQLS (HDMI Bitstream/ Multi)
        Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialogue Lift via Dialog Enhancement
        Sound Retriever Advanced (2-Channel) Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control All Channels Front L/R Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer Hi-bit24 Audio Processing
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround1211 + 1
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Advanced MCACC
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory16
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control
        EQ Bands9-Band9-Band (Advanced)
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment0.1 feet1/2 Inch
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.2
        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 (4:2:0 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 up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo)
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion Composite Component****, Composite
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter AdjustmentsYNR, CNR, BNR, MNR, Detail, Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Chroma, Black Level
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Chromecast Built-In
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
        DLNA 1.5 (DMR)
        AirPlay AirPlay AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad (Airplay only) iPod and iPhone via front USB
        Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android) iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        HDMI Inputs67 (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)
        Optical Inputs12
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs12
        RCA Line Inputs3 (1 front)3
        RCA Line Outputs1
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.22.2
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs22
        Composite Video Outputs2
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs2
        Component Video Outputs1
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsUSB, Mini-JackHDMI, USB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Number of Zones13
        Powered Zones2 and HDZone
        Zone 2 OutsRCA Pre/Line Out
        Zone 3 OutsHDMI
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output2 (Main, Zone2, HDZone)
        Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 01 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        On-Screen DisplayIcon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)Graphical User Interface (GUI) with Album Artwork (HDMI only)
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
        AV Navigator Built-in
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/ Front Height/ Front Wide/ Front Bi-Amp/ Zone 2/ B-Speaker/ Powered HD Zone
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control (Lumius)
        RADIO Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
        Presets4063
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio TuneIn vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Front PanelBrushedBrushed
        Solid Aluminum Front
        ConstructionAdvanced Direct Construction
        Speaker Terminals59
        Large Speaker Terminals59
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption390 W290 W
        No Sound Power45 W
        Standby Power0.15 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        Auto Power off
        PHYSICAL Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 173 mm x 370.5 mm
        17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-9/16"        		435 mm x 185 mm x 441 mm
        17-1/8" x 7-5/16" x 17-3/8"
        Weight9.2 kg (20.3 lbs)14.3 kg (31.5 lbs)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer SC-81
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)120 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)150 W (1.0% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 W (1% THD)
        Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)160 W (10% THD)
        Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)130 W (1% THD)
        Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)180 W (1.0% THD)
        Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive560 W (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 1.0%)
        Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)160 W
        Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)125 W
        Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)85 W
        THD0.04% (1 kHz, 100 W + 100 W, 8 Ω)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ365 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ
        Rated Lineout Level and Impedance365 mV/2.2 kΩ (REC OUT)
        Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance330 Ω
        Rated Headphone Power Output85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
        Phono Overload70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5%)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)106 dB100 dB
        S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)80 dB
        Frequency Response (Analog In)10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Pure Direct)
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        DSD Sampling Rates via USB5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 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
        Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Wi-Fi Terminal FrequencyDual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
        Wi-Fi Terminal5 V, 600 mA
        Bluetooth Version4․1 + LE
        Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
        HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)19-pin (not DVI)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA5 V, 55 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 AUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
        AM Frequency522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty1 Year Parts & Labor2 Years Parts & Labor

        * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
        ** - 480i/576i only
        *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
        **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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