Pioneer Elite VSX-43

    71
    Image cannot be found
    USA
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 7.1 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • 4K/30Hz Passthrough
    • 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. 2013 Lineup
    4. Changes from the VSX-42
    5. Amplifier
    6. Speaker Configurations
    7. HDMI
    8. Room Calibration
    9. Multi-zone Playback
    10. Inputs and Outputs
    11. Replaced by VSX-44
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications

    1. Overview

    Pioneer Elite VSX-43 was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 4K/30Hz video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 71 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
    72
    Audio Features
    68
    Video Features
    60
    Connectivity
    75
    Zones
    80
    Radio
    85
    OVERALL
    71

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

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite VSX-43.

    PROs

    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Bluetooth
    •   USB Input
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify

    CONs

    •   Low Power Output - 80 W
    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   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
    •   No Wi-Fi
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   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

    •   7.1 Channels
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   6 HDMI Inputs
    •   2 Zones

    3. Pioneer 2013 Lineup

    In 2013 Pioneer released 14 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Pioneer 2013 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsZones Price
    SC-79 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2150 W9.111.24
    SC-77 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2140 W9.111.24
    SC-75 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2135 W9.111.24
    SC-72 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2130 W7.19.24
    SC-71 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2120 W7.12.23
    VSX-70 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.290 W7.12.23
    VSX-43 Image cannot be found 7.180 W7.12
    SC-1523-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2135 W9.111.24
    SC-1323-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2125 W7.19.24
    SC-1223-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2120 W7.12.23
    VSX-1123-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.290 W7.12.23
    VSX-1023-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.180 W7.12
    VSX-823-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.180 W5.11
    VSX-523-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.180 W5.11

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-79 vs SC-77 vs SC-75 vs SC-72 vs SC-71 vs VSX-70.

    4. Changes from the VSX-42

    Pioneer Elite VSX-43 has replaced VSX-42. Here we present differences between these two models.

    UPGRADES Pioneer Elite VSX-43 vs Pioneer VSX-42
    Bi-amp capability Front vs
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF vs WAV, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC,
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF vs WAV/FLAC
    Gapless Playback vs
    Wide Surround vs
    Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080p
    MHL Input 1 (Front) vs
    More Component Video Outputs 1 vs
    Ethernet vs
    Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB, Composite Video vs USB, Composite Video
    Spotify vs
    DOWNGRADES Pioneer Elite VSX-43 vs Pioneer VSX-42
    Headphone Surround vs
    Video Signal Upscaling vs Anchor Bay up to 1080p
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion vs Component****, Composite

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-43 vs VSX-42.

    5. Amplifier

    7 channel Direct Energy Amplifier

    Pioneer Elite VSX-43 features 7 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.1
      Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignDirect Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability Front

      6. Speaker Configurations

      Pioneer Elite VSX-43's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Configurations: Available configurations are:
      • 5.1, 7.1 with internal amplifier.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite VSX-43 allows you 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.

      7. HDMI

      Pioneer Elite VSX-43 features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

      • 4K/30Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
      • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
      • 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite VSX-43 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.


      VIDEO FEATURES
      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/30p
      Video Signal Upscaling

      8. Room Calibration

      Pioneer Elite VSX-43 comes with room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

        9. Multi-zone Playback

        Pioneer Elite VSX-43 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


        Zone 2

        • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
        ZONES
        Number of Zones2
        Powered Zones 2
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output1
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1

        10. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 line inputs for analog audio connection.
        • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connection.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Inputs: 6 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Inputs: 3   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. Pioneer Elite VSX-43 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
        • Inputs: 1   Outputs: 1

        Front A/V Inputs

        • HDMI, USB, Composite Video
        Image cannot be found
        Image cannot be found
        TERMINALS
        HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs1
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs1
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs3
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.1
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs3 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs1
        Component Video Outputs1

        11. Replaced by VSX-44

        In 2014 Pioneer Elite VSX-43 was replaced by Pioneer VSX-44. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and its successor.

        UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-44 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-43
        More Channels 7.2 vs 7.1
        Surround EX vs
        Headphone Surround vs
        Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
        4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
        4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)        		 vs up to 4K/30p
        Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately) vs
        USB DC Out Port 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A) vs
        DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-44 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-43
        Wide Surround vs
        Less Composite Video Inputs 2 vs 3 (1 front)
        Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB vs HDMI, USB, Composite Video

        For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-43 vs VSX-44.

        12. Evaluation

        We evaluate Pioneer Elite VSX-43 and give score of 71 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 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.


        OVERALL
        71

        Amplifier

        GOOD
        72

        We give Pioneer Elite VSX-43 a score of 72 for Amplifier features.

        •   7.1 Channels
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W

        Audio Features

        AVERAGE
        68

        We give Pioneer Elite VSX-43 a score of 68 for Audio Features features.

        •   7.1 Channels
        •   No 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

        AVERAGE
        60

        We give Pioneer Elite VSX-43 a score of 60 for Video Features features.

        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough

        Connectivity

        GOOD
        75

        We give Pioneer Elite VSX-43 a score of 75 for Connectivity features.

        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   No Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   6 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Component Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet

        Zones

        GOOD
        80

        We give Pioneer Elite VSX-43 a score of 80 for Zones features.

        •   2 Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        85

        We give Pioneer Elite VSX-43 a score of 85 for Radio features.

        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        13. Specifications

        GENERAL
        BrandPioneer
        SeriesElite
        ModelVSX-43
        TypeA/V Receiver
        CountryUSA
        Release Year2013
        PredecessorPioneer VSX-42
        SuccessorPioneer VSX-44
        AMPLIFIER
        Channels7.1
        Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Front Wide Channel Support
        Amplifier DesignDirect Energy
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability Front
        AUDIO FEATURES
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments Aureus
        DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing7.1
        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
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo 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 USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction
        Auto Level Control2 Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialogue Lift
        Sound Retriever Advanced (2-Channel)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control Front L/R Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer 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 Surround11 + 1 Mode
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory1
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control
        EQ Bands5
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment.1 Ft
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        VIDEO FEATURES
        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/30p
        Video Signal Upscaling
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Component Video Maximum Resolution1080p (1125p)
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter Adjustments
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY
        Wi-Fi
        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 Input1 (Front)
        DLNA 1.5
        AirPlay AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB
        Remote App iControlAV2013 (for iOS and Android)
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS
        HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
        HDMI Outputs1
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs1
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs1
        RCA Line Inputs3
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.1
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs3 (1 front)
        Composite Video Outputs1
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs1
        Component Video Outputs1
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite Video
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES
        Number of Zones2
        Powered Zones 2
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output1
        Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
        MISCELLANEOUS
        On-Screen DisplayNetwork GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
        HDMI Speaker B Link
        AV Navigator
        PC Set-Up
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back / Front Height / Speaker B
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerLearning Remote Control
        RADIO
        Analog Tuner FM/AM
        Presets30
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION
        Front PanelBrushed
        Solid Aluminum Front
        Speaker Terminals9
        Large Speaker Terminals7
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption520 W
        Standby Power0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL
        Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 168 mm x 342.5 mm
        17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/2"
        Weight9.3 kg (20 lb 9 oz)
        SPECIFICATIONS
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 W (1% THD)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)98 dB
        S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))79 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 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-TX
        HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor

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

        Discussion

        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.