1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 (USA version)

SCORE:
71

Highlights

  • 7.2 channels
  • 7.1 channel processing
  • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • 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

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 was introduced in 2014. 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/60Hz 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
70
VIDEO FEATURES
67
AUDIO FEATURES
68
CONNECTIVITY
73
MULTIZONE
80
MISCELLANEOUS
60
RADIO
85
OVERALL
71

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer Elite VSX-44.

PROS
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  Ethernet
  Wi-Fi
  Bluetooth
  USB Input
  Composite Video Inputs
  Component Video Inputs
  Zones
  Analog Tuner
  Pandora
  Spotify
CONS
  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 eARC
  No HDR10
  No HDR10+
  No Dolby Vision
  No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling
  No Chromecast Built-In
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  Few HDMI Outputs
  Few 8K Inputs
  Few RCA Line Inputs
  Few Optical Inputs
  No RCA Pre-Outs
  No Tidal

Predecessor

Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-44 to its predecessor VSX-43 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Pioneer Elite 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 Elite 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-44 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-43.

Audio Section

7 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier

Pioneer Elite VSX-44 features 7 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 Elite VSX-44's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Configurations: Available configurations are:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite VSX-44 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.

    Sound Processing

    • Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite VSX-44 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-44 comes with MCACC room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

    • 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-44 features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass 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.
    • 3D Ready: Pioneer Elite VSX-44 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    Multi-zone Playback

    Pioneer Elite VSX-44 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.

    Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs and Outputs: 0 optical input, 1 optical output 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: 2   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-44 supports up to 1080p (1125p) resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 1   Outputs: 1
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

    Specifications

    Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer Elite VSX-44.

    BASICS
    BrandPioneer
    SeriesElite
    ModelVSX-44
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryUSA
    Release Year2014
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels7.2
    Front Wide Channel Support
    AmplifierDiscrete Direct Energy
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability Front
    AUDIO
    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, 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. MCACC
    Manual MCACC
    MCACC Memory1
    Phase Control
    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
    Enhanced ARC
    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 (4:2:2 36-bit)
    4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
    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
    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
    Apple Product Connection iPod and iPhone via front USB
    Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
    Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs1
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front
    USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
    RCA Line Input3
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs1
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs1
    Composite Video Input2
    Composite Video Output1
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input1
    Component Video Output1
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES
    Zones2
    Powered Zones 2
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output1
    Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
    MISC
    On-Screen DisplayNetwork GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
    Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
    AVNavigator
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/Front Height/Speaker B/Bi-amp/ZONE2
    FL Dimmer
    Function Rename
    Remote ControllerSystem Remote Control
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO
    Analog Tuner FM/AM
    Presets30
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio vTuner
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    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
    GENERAL
    ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
    Auto Power Standby
    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"
    Weight9.2 kg (20 lb 5 oz)
    Warranty2 Years Parts & Labor
    SPECS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 280 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 Impedance1 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, 1 A
    adapterport Terminal5 V, 100 mA
    Extension Terminal
    FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
    AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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

    Successor

    In 2015 Pioneer Elite VSX-44 was replaced by VSX-45. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


    UPGRADES Pioneer Elite VSX-45 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio vs
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input vs 2-ch Input
    DSD to PCM Converter vs
    Auto Level Control Multi-Channel vs 2 Channel
    Dialog Enhancement vs
    Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC) vs Advanced (2-Channel)
    Digital Noise Reduction vs
    Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide) vs
    Manual MCACC vs
    Higher MCACC Memory 6 vs 1
    Full Band Phase Control vs
    Standing Wave Control vs
    More EQ Bands 9-Band (Advanced) vs 5
    X-Curve vs
    Distance Adjustment 1/2 Inch vs .1 Ft
    Polarity Check vs
    Auto Subwoofer Crossover vs
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) vs
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion Composite vs
    Video Parameter Adjustments vs
    Super Resolution vs
    Wi-Fi vs via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
    Bluetooth vs via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
    RS-232C Interface vs
    On-Screen Display Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) vs Network GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
    AVNavigator Built-in vs
    IP Control for CI vs
    Function Rename vs
    More Presets 63 vs 30
    Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB vs 98 dB

    DOWNGRADES Pioneer Elite VSX-45 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-44
    Less Channels 5.2 vs 7.2
    Less Channel Processing 5.1 vs 7.1
    Dolby Pro Logic PLII vs PLIIz
    Dolby Digital EX vs
    Surround EX vs
    USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
    Less RCA Line Inputs 2 vs 3
    Less Component Video Inputs vs 1
    Less Component Video Outputs vs 1
    Front A/V Inputs USB vs HDMI, USB
    Less Zones 1 vs 2
    adapterport vs
    More Speaker Terminals 7 vs 9
    More Large Speaker Terminals 5 vs 7
    Smaller Power Supply 450 W vs 520 W

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-44 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-45.

    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.