1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer VSX-831

Pioneer VSX-830-K

SCORE:
76
SCORE:
69

Highlights

  • 5.2 channels
  • 5.1 channel processing
  • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • HDR10, Dolby Vision, 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
  • AirPlay, Chromecast
  • Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • USB and Phono inputs

Highlights

  • 5.2 channels
  • 5.1 channel processing
  • 80 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 VSX-831 to Pioneer VSX-830-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-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K

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 VSX-830-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 and upscales up to 4K video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 76 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 69 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
77
VIDEO FEATURES
92
AUDIO FEATURES
71
CONNECTIVITY
80
MULTIZONE
55
MISCELLANEOUS
45
RADIO
88
OVERALL
76

AMPLIFIER
70
VIDEO FEATURES
71
AUDIO FEATURES
68
CONNECTIVITY
77
MULTIZONE
55
MISCELLANEOUS
47
RADIO
85
OVERALL
69

Advantage of Pioneer VSX-831

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-831 over Pioneer VSX-830-K.

Pioneer VSX-831 has higher DAC specs, higher signal to noise ratio, higher DSD sampling rate via USB, higher wi-fi standard and higher bluetooth standard. In video department only Pioneer VSX-831 supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

Pioneer VSX-831 vs Pioneer VSX-830-K
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
Dolby Vision vs
BT.2020 color space vs
FireConnect vs
Chromecast Built-In vs
More RCA Line Inputs 3 (1 front) vs 2
More Optical Inputs 1 vs 1
Front A/V Inputs USB, Mini-Jack vs USB
Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS vs FM/AM
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
Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n vs IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Newer Bluetooth Version 4․1 + LE vs 2․1 + EDR
Wider AM Frequency Range 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1700 kHz

Advantage of Pioneer VSX-830-K

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-830-K over Pioneer VSX-831.

Pioneer VSX-830-K has bigger power supply.

Pioneer VSX-831 vs Pioneer VSX-830-K
DTS-ES vs Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
DSD to PCM Converter vs
Auto Level Control vs Multi-Channel
Dialog Enhancement vs
Sound Retriever Advanced (2-Channel) vs Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
Sound Retriever AIR vs
Digital Noise Reduction vs
Headphone Surround vs
Virtual Speakers vs (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
Higher MCACC Memory 1 vs 6
Standing Wave Control vs
Distance Adjustment 0.1 feet vs 1/2 Inch
Polarity Check vs
Video Parameter Adjustments vs
MHL Input vs 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5 vs
More Composite Video Outputs vs 1
Speaker A/B vs
AVNavigator vs Built-in
Versatile Speaker Configuration vs 5.2 ch Front Bi-amp
More Presets 40 vs 63
Bigger Power Supply 390 W vs 450 W

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
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  4K or 8K Signal Upscaling
  Analog To HDMI Upconversion
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
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+
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  Few HDMI Outputs
  Few 8K Inputs
  Few RCA Line Inputs
  No RCA Pre-Outs
  No Tidal

Audio Section

Amplifier

Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K

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).

5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-830-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-831's and Pioneer VSX-830-K's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • Pioneer VSX-831: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
    • Pioneer VSX-830-K: 5.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 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 VSX-831 and Pioneer VSX-830-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-831 and Pioneer VSX-830-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-831 comes with MCACC and Pioneer VSX-830-K comes 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 VSX-831 and Pioneer VSX-830-K come with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 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: Both receivers can upscale up to 4K 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: 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-831 supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

    Pioneer VSX-830-K 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.

    • 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.
    • Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-831 and 2 pair of line inputs on Pioneer VSX-830-K for connecting sources with analog outputs.
    • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-831 and 0 optical input, 1 optical output and 1 coaxial input are available on Pioneer VSX-830-K 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 VSX-830-K
      Inputs:
      6   Outputs: 1
      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 VSX-830-K
      Inputs:
      2   Outputs: 1.

    Front A/V Inputs

    • Pioneer VSX-831: USB, Mini-Jack
    • Pioneer VSX-830-K: USB

    Pioneer VSX-831

    Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

    Pioneer VSX-830-K

    Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

    Specifications

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

    BASICS Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    BrandPioneerPioneer
    ModelVSX-831VSX-830-K
    TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
    CountryAustraliaUSA
    Release Year20172015
    AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    Channels5.25.2
    AmplifierDiscrete Direct EnergyDiscrete Direct Energy
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability Front
    AUDIO Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineCirrus Logic (Quad Core) x 1Texas Instruments Aureus
    DACAKM AK4458
    DAC Specs384 kHz/32 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
    Maximum Channel Processing5.15.1
    Air Studios Monitor Certification
    Dolby Atmos
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD with Loudness Management
    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 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
    Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
    Dialog Enhancement
    Dialogue Lift
    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
    Audyssey Dynamic EQ
    Audyssey Dynamic Volume
    Audyssey LFC
    Audyssey Sub EQ HT
    Audyssey DSX
    Direct Mode
    Pure Direct Mode
    Auto Surround
    Optimum Surround
    Advanced Surround1210 + 1 Mode
    Wide Surround
    Front Stage Surround Advance
    Headphone Surround
    Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
    Virtual Depth
    Independent Subwoofer Outputs
    CALIBRATION Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Advanced MCACC
    Manual MCACC
    MCACC Memory16
    Phase Control
    Full Band Phase Control
    Standing Wave Control
    EQ Bands9-Band9-Band
    Symmetric EQ
    X-Curve
    Distance Adjustment0.1 feet1/2 Inch
    Precision Distance
    Polarity Check
    Auto Subwoofer Crossover
    VIDEO Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    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 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
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion Composite Composite
    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-831 Pioneer VSX-830-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 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
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi
    Bluetooth
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs66
    HDMI Outputs11
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front1 Front
    USB DC Out Port
    RCA Line Input3 (1 front)2
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs11
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs11
    Composite Video Input22
    Composite Video Output1
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input
    Component Video Output
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.20.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsUSB, Mini-JackUSB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    Zones11
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output
    Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 00 / 0
    MISC Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    On-Screen DisplayIcon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
    AVNavigator Built-in
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker Configuration5.2 ch Front Bi-amp
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerSystem Remote Control
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    Analog Tuner FM/AM with RDS FM/AM
    Presets4063
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio TuneIn vTuner
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    Front PanelBrushedBrushed
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Speaker Terminals55
    Large Speaker Terminals55
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
    Ceramic Speaker Terminals
    3D Space Frame Construction
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    Power SupplyAC 220-240 V, 50/60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
    Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
    Transformer Stabilizer
    Power Consumption390 W450 W
    No Sound Power45 W
    Standby Power0.15 W0.1 W
    GENERAL Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-K
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power off
    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 168 mm x 331.5 mm
    17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
    Weight9.2 kg (20.3 lbs)8.7 kg (19 lb 3 oz)
    Warranty1 Year Parts & Labor1 Year Parts & Labor
    SPECS Pioneer VSX-831 Pioneer VSX-830-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)
    Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)160 W (10% THD)
    Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)130 W (1% THD)
    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
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ315 mV/47 kΩ
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)3.5 mV/47 kΩ
    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 Impedance1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
    Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
    Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 a/b/g/nIEEE 802.11 b/g/n
    Wi-Fi Terminal FrequencyDual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHzDual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
    Bluetooth Version4․1 + LE2․1 + EDR
    Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz2.4 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
    Extension Terminal
    FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
    AM Frequency522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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

    Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

    ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.