Pioneer Elite VSX-44

    72
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    USA
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    Highlights

    • 7.2 Channels
    • 7.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • 4K/60Hz 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. 2014 Lineup
    4. Changes from the VSX-43
    5. Amplifier
    6. Speaker Configurations
    7. HDMI
    8. Room Calibration
    9. Multi-zone Playback
    10. Inputs and Outputs
    11. Replaced by VSX-45
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications

    1. 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 72 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
    67
    Connectivity
    74
    Zones
    80
    Radio
    85
    OVERALL
    72

    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-44.

    PROs

    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   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
    •   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

    •   7.2 Channels
    •   7.1 Channel Processing
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   6 HDMI Inputs
    •   2 Zones

    3. Pioneer 2014 Lineup

    In 2014 Pioneer released 11 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Pioneer 2014 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsImmersive AudioZones Price
    SC-89 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2140 W9.211.2Dolby Atmos4
    SC-87 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2140 W9.211.2Dolby Atmos4
    SC-85 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2135 W9.211.2Dolby Atmos4
    SC-82 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2130 W7.19.24
    SC-81 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2120 W7.12.23
    VSX-80 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.290 W7.12.23
    VSX-44 Image cannot be found 7.280 W7.12
    VSX-1124-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.290 W7.12.23
    VSX-1024-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.280 W7.12
    VSX-824-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.280 W5.11
    VSX-524-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.180 W5.11

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-89 vs SC-87 vs SC-85 vs SC-82 vs SC-81 vs VSX-80.

    4. Changes from the VSX-43

    Pioneer Elite VSX-44 has replaced VSX-43. Here we present differences between these two models.

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

    5. Amplifier

    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).

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

      6. 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.

      7. 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.


      VIDEO FEATURES
      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 (4:2:2 36-bit)
      4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
      Video Signal Upscaling

      8. 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.

      9. 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.
      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: 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

      Front A/V Inputs

      • HDMI, USB
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      Optical Inputs1
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs3
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs1
      Component Video Outputs1

      11. Replaced by VSX-45

      In 2015 Pioneer Elite VSX-44 was replaced by Pioneer VSX-45. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer Elite VSX-44 and its successor.

      UPGRADES Pioneer 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
      Auto Phase Control Plus vs
      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 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
      adapterport vs
      Less Zones 1 vs 2
      Less Speaker Terminals 7 vs 9
      Less 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 VSX-45.

      12. Evaluation

      We evaluate Pioneer Elite VSX-44 and give score of 72 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
      72

      Amplifier

      GOOD
      72

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-44 a score of 72 for Amplifier features.

      •   7.2 Channels
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W

      Audio Features

      AVERAGE
      68

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-44 a score of 68 for Audio Features features.

      •   7.2 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
      67

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-44 a score of 67 for Video Features features.

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

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      74

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-44 a score of 74 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   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-44 a score of 80 for Zones features.

      •   2 Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      85

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-44 a score of 85 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      13. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandPioneer
      SeriesElite
      ModelVSX-44
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryUSA
      Release Year2014
      PredecessorPioneer VSX-43
      SuccessorPioneer VSX-45
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels7.2
      Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Front Wide Channel Support
      Amplifier DesignDiscrete Direct 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, 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
      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)
      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
      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
      AirPlay AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection iPod and iPhone via front USB
      Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      Optical Inputs1
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs3
      RCA Line Outputs
      XLR Line Inputs
      Phono Input
      Multi-Channel Input
      RCA Pre-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs2
      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
      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
      AV Navigator
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSurround Back/Front Height/Speaker B/Bi-amp/ZONE2
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      Remote ControllerSystem 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"
      Weight9.2 kg (20 lb 5 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, 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

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