Pioneer VSX-523-K

    63
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    USA
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    Highlights

    • 5.1 Channels
    • 5.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • 4K/30Hz Passthrough

    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-522-K
    5. Amplifier
    6. Speaker Configurations
    7. HDMI
    8. Room Calibration
    9. Inputs and Outputs
    10. Replaced by VSX-524-K
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications

    1. Overview

    Pioneer VSX-523-K was introduced in 2013. 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/30Hz video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 63 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
    71
    Audio Features
    62
    Video Features
    59
    Connectivity
    61
    Zones
    55
    Radio
    59
    OVERALL
    63

    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 VSX-523-K.

    PROs

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

    CONs

    •   Few Channels - 5.1
    •   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
    •   No Wi-Fi
    •   No Bluetooth
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   4 HDMI Inputs
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Ethernet
    •   No Zones
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Pandora
    •   No Spotify
    •   No Tidal

    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
    Compare
    		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 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-522-K

    Pioneer VSX-523-K has replaced VSX-522-K. Here we present differences between these two models.

    UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-523-K vs Pioneer VSX-522-K
    Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/30p vs up to 1080p
    DLNA 1.5 vs
    AirPlay AirPlay vs
    DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-523-K vs Pioneer VSX-522-K
    Less Channel Processing 5.1 vs 7.1
    Less RCA Pre-Outs 0.1 vs 2.1 (Surr Back/Front Height)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-523-K vs VSX-522-K.

    5. Amplifier

    5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier

    Pioneer VSX-523-K 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
      Channels5.1
      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

      6. Speaker Configurations

      Pioneer VSX-523-K's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Configurations: Available configurations are:
      • 5.1 with internal amplifier.

      7. HDMI

      Pioneer VSX-523-K features 4 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 VSX-523-K 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 VSX-523-K comes with MCACC Auto 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 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: 4   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
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs4
      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 Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      10. Replaced by VSX-524-K

      In 2014 Pioneer VSX-523-K was replaced by Pioneer VSX-524-K. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer VSX-523-K and its successor.

      UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-524-K vs Pioneer VSX-523-K
      Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/60p/4:2:0/24-bit
      4K/24p/4:4:4/24-bit
      4K/24p/4:2:2/36-bit      		 vs up to 4K/30p
      DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-524-K vs Pioneer VSX-523-K
      DLNA 1.5 vs
      AirPlay vs AirPlay

      For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-523-K vs VSX-524-K.

      11. Evaluation

      We evaluate Pioneer VSX-523-K and give score of 63 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
      63

      Amplifier

      GOOD
      71

      We give Pioneer VSX-523-K a score of 71 for Amplifier features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W

      Audio Features

      AVERAGE
      62

      We give Pioneer VSX-523-K a score of 62 for Audio Features features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   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

      AVERAGE
      59

      We give Pioneer VSX-523-K a score of 59 for Video Features features.

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

      Connectivity

      AVERAGE
      61

      We give Pioneer VSX-523-K a score of 61 for Connectivity features.

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

      Zones

      AVERAGE
      55

      We give Pioneer VSX-523-K a score of 55 for Zones features.

      •   No Zones

      Radio

      AVERAGE
      59

      We give Pioneer VSX-523-K a score of 59 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandPioneer
      ModelVSX-523-K
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryUSA
      Release Year2013
      PredecessorPioneer VSX-522-K
      SuccessorPioneer VSX-524-K
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.1
      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
      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
      IMAX Enhanced
      Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB
      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 Surround9+1 Mode DSP
      Wide Surround
      Front Stage Surround Advance
      Headphone Surround
      Virtual Speakers
      Virtual Depth
      Independent Subwoofer Outputs
      CALIBRATION
      Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Auto
      Manual MCACC
      MCACC Memory1
      Phase Control
      Auto Phase Control Plus
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      EQ Bands5-Band
      Symmetric EQ
      X-Curve
      Distance Adjustment0.1 Feet
      Precision Distance
      Polarity Check
      Auto Subwoofer Crossover
      PC Display
      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
      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
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection iPod and iPhone via front USB
      Remote App
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs4
      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 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 Output
      Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 0
      MISCELLANEOUS
      On-Screen DisplayComposite Video Only
      Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
      AV Navigator
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker Configuration
      FL Dimmer
      Function Rename
      Remote ControllerSystem Remote Control
      RADIO
      Analog Tuner FM/AM
      Presets30
      Digital Radio
      Internet Radio
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION
      Front PanelBrushed
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals5
      Large Speaker Terminals2
      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 Consumption415 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
      17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
      Weight8.3 kg (18 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 (Composite)
      Ethernet Standard
      HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)
      HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA
      USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
      AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz
      Warranty1 Year

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

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