Pioneer Elite VSX-45

    72
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    Highlights

    • 5.2 Channels
    • 5.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/60Hz Upscaling
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    1. Overview

    Pioneer Elite VSX-45 was introduced in 2015. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It passes 4K/60Hz and upscales up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) 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
    69
    Audio Features
    68
    Video Features
    73
    Connectivity
    78
    Zones
    68
    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-45.

    PROs

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

    CONs

    •   Few Channels - 5.2
    •   Low Power Output - 80 W
    •   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 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 Zones
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Tidal
    •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   6 HDMI Inputs

    3. Pioneer 2015 Lineup

    In 2015 Pioneer released 9 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Pioneer 2015 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsImmersive AudioHDRZones Price
    SC-99 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W11.213.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR104
    SC-97 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W11.213.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR104
    SC-95 Image cannot be found 9.2135 W11.213.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    HDR104
    SC-91 Image cannot be found 7.2130 W7.1Dolby Atmos3
    VSX-90 Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.1Dolby Atmos3
    VSX-45 Image cannot be found 5.280 W5.11
    VSX-1130-K Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.1Dolby Atmos2
    VSX-830-K Image cannot be found 5.280 W5.11
    VSX-530-K Image cannot be found 5.180 W5.11

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-99 vs SC-97 vs SC-95 vs SC-91 vs VSX-90 vs VSX-45.

    4. Changes from the VSX-44

    Pioneer Elite VSX-45 has replaced VSX-44. Here we present differences between these two models.

    UPGRADES Pioneer Elite VSX-45 vs Pioneer 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 Elite VSX-45 vs Pioneer 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-45 vs VSX-44.

    5. Amplifier

    5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier

    Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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).

      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.2
      Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Amplifier DesignDiscrete Direct Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability Front

      6. Speaker Configurations

      Pioneer Elite VSX-45's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Configurations: Available configurations are:
      • 5.2 with internal amplifier.
      • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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-45 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.
      • 4K Upscaling: Pioneer Elite VSX-45 can upscale up to 4K/60p (Marvell Qdeo) from HDMI and analog sources.
      • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Composite video sources and Pioneer Elite VSX-45 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
      • 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-45 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/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/60p (Marvell Qdeo)

      8. Room Calibration

      Pioneer Elite VSX-45 comes with Advanced 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. Inputs and Outputs

      Audio

      • Analog Line Inputs: There are 2 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   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

      Front A/V Inputs

      • USB
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs1
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs2
      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 Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      10. Replaced by VSX-LX101

      In 2017 Pioneer Elite VSX-45 was replaced by Pioneer VSX-LX101. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer Elite VSX-45 and its successor.

      UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-LX101 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-45
      More Channels 7.2 vs 5.2
      Higher DAC Specs 384 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
      More Channel Processing 7.1 vs 5.1
      Dolby Atmos vs
      Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
      DTS:X vs
      DTS Neural:X vs
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      More Tone Control Channels All Channels vs Front L/R Channels
      HDR10 vs
      BT.2020 color space vs
      Dolby Vision vs
      Chromecast Built-In vs
      More RCA Line Inputs 4 (1 front) vs 2
      Phono Input vs
      Front A/V Inputs USB, Mini-Jack vs USB
      Detachable Power Cord vs
      Tidal vs
      Deezer vs
      More Large Speaker Terminals 7 vs 5
      Bigger Power Supply 460 W vs 450 W
      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 530 kHz - 1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Longer Warranty 3 Years Parts & Labor vs 2 Years Parts & Labor
      DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-LX101 vs Pioneer Elite VSX-45
      Dolby Pro Logic vs PLII
      DSD to PCM Converter vs
      Dialog Enhancement vs
      Sound Retriever AIR vs
      Digital Noise Reduction vs
      Headphone Surround vs
      Virtual Speakers vs (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
      Higher MCACC Memory 1 vs 6
      Auto Phase Control Plus vs
      Full Band Phase Control vs
      Standing Wave Control vs
      X-Curve vs
      Distance Adjustment 0.1 feet vs 1/2 Inch
      Polarity Check vs
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion Composite vs Composite
      Video Parameter Adjustments vs
      MHL Input vs 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
      DLNA 1.5 vs (DMR)
      Less Composite Video Outputs vs 1
      Speaker A/B vs
      RS-232C Interface vs
      +12V Trigger Output vs 1 (Main)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output 0 / 0 vs 1 / 1
      AVNavigator vs Built-in
      Less Presets 40 vs 63

      For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer Elite VSX-45 vs VSX-LX101.

      11. Evaluation

      We evaluate Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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

      AVERAGE
      69

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-45 a score of 69 for Amplifier features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W

      Audio Features

      AVERAGE
      68

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-45 a score of 68 for Audio Features features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   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
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      GOOD
      73

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-45 a score of 73 for Video Features features.

      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      78

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-45 a score of 78 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   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
      •   Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 2․1 + EDR

      Zones

      AVERAGE
      68

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-45 a score of 68 for Zones features.

      •   No Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      85

      We give Pioneer Elite VSX-45 a score of 85 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandPioneer
      SeriesElite
      ModelVSX-45
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryUSA
      Release Year2015
      PredecessorPioneer VSX-44
      SuccessorPioneer VSX-LX101
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.2
      Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      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 Processing5.1
      Air Studios Monitor Certification
      Dolby Atmos
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic PLII
      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 Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
      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, DSD
      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, DSD
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD via USB 2-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction
      Auto Level ControlMulti-Channel
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialogue Lift
      Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
      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 Surround10 + 1 Mode
      Wide Surround
      Front Stage Surround Advance
      Headphone Surround
      Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide)
      Virtual Depth
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Advanced MCACC
      Manual MCACC
      MCACC Memory6
      Phase Control
      Auto Phase Control Plus
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      EQ Bands9-Band (Advanced)
      Symmetric EQ
      X-Curve
      Distance Adjustment1/2 Inch
      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/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/60p (Marvell Qdeo)
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion 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
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Chromecast Built-In
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
      DLNA 1.5 (DMR)
      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
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port
      Optical Inputs1
      Optical Outputs
      Coaxial Inputs1
      RCA Line Inputs2
      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 Inputs
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsUSB
      Speaker A/B
      Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
      Detachable Power Cord
      adapterport
      ZONES
      Number of Zones1
      RS-232C Interface
      +12V Trigger Output1 (Main)
      Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 1
      MISCELLANEOUS
      On-Screen DisplayIcon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
      AV Navigator Built-in
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker ConfigurationSpeaker B / Bi-Amp
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      Remote ControllerSystem Remote Control
      RADIO
      Analog Tuner FM/AM
      Presets63
      Digital Radio
      Internet Radio vTuner
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION
      Front PanelBrushed
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals7
      Large Speaker Terminals5
      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 Consumption450 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 331.5 mm
      17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
      Weight8.7 kg (19 lb 3 oz)
      SPECIFICATIONS
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 W (0.08% THD)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)315 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
      S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)100 dB
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
      DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
      Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
      Wi-Fi StandardIEEE 802.11 b/g/n
      Wi-Fi Terminal FrequencyDual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
      Bluetooth Version2․1 + EDR
      Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
      HDMI Terminal19-pin (not DVI)
      HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
      HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
      USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108.0 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

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