1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Pioneer VSX-831
Pioneer VSX-830-K
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
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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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Sound Processing
Room Calibration
Pioneer VSX-831 comes with MCACC and Pioneer VSX-830-K comes with Advanced MCACC room correction system.
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
Pioneer VSX-830-K
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 |
---|---|---|
Brand | Pioneer | Pioneer |
Model | VSX-831 | VSX-830-K |
Type | A/V Receiver | A/V Receiver |
Country | Australia | USA |
Release Year | 2017 | 2015 |
AMPLIFIER | Pioneer VSX-831 | Pioneer VSX-830-K |
---|---|---|
Channels | 5.2 | 5.2 |
Amplifier | Discrete Direct Energy | Discrete 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) Engine | Cirrus Logic (Quad Core) x 1 | Texas Instruments Aureus |
DAC | AKM AK4458 | |
DAC Specs | 384 kHz/32 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 | 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 USB | MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD | MP3, 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 USB | Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD | Apple 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 Control | Multi-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 Surround | 12 | 10 + 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 Memory | 1 | 6 |
Phase Control | ||
Full Band Phase Control | ||
Standing Wave Control | ||
EQ Bands | 9-Band | 9-Band |
Symmetric EQ | ||
X-Curve | ||
Distance Adjustment | 0.1 feet | 1/2 Inch |
Precision Distance | ||
Polarity Check | ||
Auto Subwoofer Crossover |
VIDEO | Pioneer VSX-831 | Pioneer VSX-830-K |
---|---|---|
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 (4:4:4 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 Inputs | 6 | 6 |
HDMI Outputs | 1 | 1 |
8K Inputs | ||
USB Input | 1 Front | 1 Front |
USB DC Out Port | ||
RCA Line Input | 3 (1 front) | 2 |
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 | |
S-Video Input | ||
S-Video Output | ||
Component Video Input | ||
Component Video Output | ||
PC In | ||
Multi-Channel Input | ||
RCA Pre-Outs | 0.2 | 0.2 |
XLR Pre-outs | ||
Front A/V Inputs | USB, Mini-Jack | USB |
Speaker A/B | ||
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | Pioneer VSX-831 | Pioneer VSX-830-K |
---|---|---|
Zones | 1 | 1 |
RS-232C Interface | ||
+12V Trigger Output | ||
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
MISC | Pioneer VSX-831 | Pioneer VSX-830-K |
---|---|---|
On-Screen Display | Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) | Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) |
AVNavigator | Built-in | |
IP Control for CI | ||
PreAmp Mode | ||
Versatile Speaker Configuration | 5.2 ch Front Bi-amp | |
FL Dimmer | ||
Function Rename | ||
Remote Controller | System Remote Control | |
Detachable Power Cord | ||
adapterport |
RADIO | Pioneer VSX-831 | Pioneer VSX-830-K |
---|---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM with RDS | FM/AM |
Presets | 40 | 63 |
Digital Radio | ||
Internet Radio | TuneIn | vTuner |
Pandora | ||
Spotify | ||
Tidal | ||
Deezer | ||
Napster | ||
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | Pioneer VSX-831 | Pioneer VSX-830-K |
---|---|---|
Front Panel | Brushed | Brushed |
Solid Aluminum Front | ||
Speaker Terminals | 5 | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 5 | 5 |
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 Supply | AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer | ||
Transformer Stabilizer | ||
Power Consumption | 390 W | 450 W |
No Sound Power | 45 W | |
Standby Power | 0.15 W | 0.1 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" |
Weight | 9.2 kg (20.3 lbs) | 8.7 kg (19 lb 3 oz) |
Warranty | 1 Year Parts & Labor | 1 Year Parts & Labor |
SPECS | Pioneer VSX-831 | Pioneer VSX-830-K |
---|---|---|
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) |
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 kΩ | 315 mV/47 kΩ |
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM) | 3.5 mV/47 kΩ | |
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance | 330 Ω | |
Rated Headphone Power Output | 85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD) | |
Phono Overload | 70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5%) | |
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 106 dB | 100 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 HDMI | 2.8 MHz | 2.8 MHz |
DSD Sampling Rates via USB | 5.6 MHz, 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) |
Ethernet Standard | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX |
Wi-Fi Standard | IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n | IEEE 802.11 b/g/n |
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency | Dual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | Dual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
Bluetooth Version | 4․1 + LE | 2․1 + EDR |
Bluetooth Frequency | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
HDMI Terminal | Type A (19-pin) | 19-pin (not DVI) |
HDMI Output Type | 5 V, 55 mA | 5 V, 55 mA |
HDMI Input/MHL Terminal | 5 V, 900 mA | |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A |
Extension Terminal | ||
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz | 87.5 MHz - 108 MHz |
AM Frequency | 522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz | 530 kHz - 1700 kHz |
* - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
** - 480i/576i only
*** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
**** - 1080p signal is not converted