Pioneer Elite VSX-45

    72
    Image cannot be found
    USA

    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
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found

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

    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.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2015 Lineup
    4. Predecessor
    5. Successor
    6. Audio Section
    7. Video Section
    8. Multi-zone Playback
    9. Inputs and Outputs
    10. Evaluation
    11. Specifications  

    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

    Pioneer 2015 Lineup

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

    Pioneer 2015 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsRoom Corr.Immersive AudioHDRZones Price
    SC-99 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2140 W11.213.2 MCACC ProDolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR104
    SC-97 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2140 W11.213.2 MCACC ProDolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR104
    SC-95 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2135 W11.213.2 MCACC ProDolby Atmos
    DTS:X    		HDR104
    SC-91 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2130 W7.1 MCACC ProDolby Atmos3
    VSX-90 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2100 W7.1 MCACC ProDolby Atmos3
    VSX-45 Image cannot be found 5.280 W5.1 Advanced MCACC1
    VSX-1130-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.2100 W7.1 MCACC ProDolby Atmos2
    VSX-830-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.280 W5.1 Advanced MCACC1
    VSX-530-K Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		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.

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Pioneer Elite VSX-45 to its predecessor VSX-44 and displaying the major changes.

    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.

    Successor

    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.

    Audio Section

    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

      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.
      Pioneer Elite VSX-45
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      DECODING
      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

      Sound Processing

      • Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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-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.

      Video Section

      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.
      Pioneer Elite VSX-45
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      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)
      >

      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

      Pioneer Elite VSX-45 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


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

      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.