1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Pioneer VSX-524-K (USA version)
Highlights
- 5.1 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- 4K Passthrough
- USB input
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Content
Overview
Pioneer VSX-524-K was introduced in 2014. 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 video signal.
We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 61 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.
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-524-K.
PROS |
---|
DSD via HDMI |
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
USB Input |
Composite Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
CONS |
---|
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 eARC |
No HDR10 |
No HDR10+ |
No Dolby Vision |
No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling |
No Chromecast Built-In |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
No Ethernet |
No Wi-Fi |
No Bluetooth |
Few HDMI Inputs |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few RCA Line Inputs |
Few Optical Inputs |
No RCA Pre-Outs |
No Pandora |
No Spotify |
No Tidal |
Predecessor
Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-524-K to its predecessor VSX-523-K and displaying the major changes.
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-524-K vs Pioneer VSX-523-K.
Audio Section
5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier
Pioneer VSX-524-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).
Speaker Configurations
Pioneer VSX-524-K's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.
- Configurations: Available configurations are:
- 5.1 with internal amplifier.
Sound Processing
- Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer VSX-524-K 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 VSX-524-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.
Video Section
HDMI
Pioneer VSX-524-K features 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.
- 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p/4:2:0/24-bit
4K/24p/4:4:4/24-bit
4K/24p/4:2:2/36-bit video signal. - 3D Ready: Pioneer VSX-524-K is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
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: 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


Specifications
Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer VSX-524-K.
BASICS | |
---|---|
Brand | Pioneer |
Model | VSX-524-K |
Type | A/V Receiver |
Country | USA |
Release Year | 2014 |
AMPLIFIER | |
---|---|
Channels | 5.1 |
Amplifier | Discrete Direct Energy |
THX™ Certification | |
Continuous 6 Ω Rated | |
Certified 4 Ω Performance | |
Bi-amp Capability |
AUDIO | |
---|---|
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine | Texas Instruments Aureus |
DAC Specs | 192 kHz/24 Bit |
Maximum Channel Processing | 5.1 |
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 USB | MP3, WMA, AAC |
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network | |
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB | |
Gapless Playback | |
DSD via HDMI | 2-ch Input |
DSD to PCM Converter | |
USB DAC | |
Jitter Reduction | |
Auto Level Control | 2 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 Surround | 9+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 Memory | 1 |
Phase Control | |
Full Band Phase Control | |
Standing Wave Control | |
EQ Bands | 5-Band |
Symmetric EQ | |
X-Curve | |
Distance Adjustment | 0.1 Feet |
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 Passthrough | up to 4K/60p/4:2:0/24-bit 4K/24p/4:4:4/24-bit 4K/24p/4:2:2/36-bit |
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 | |
---|---|
MHL Input | |
DLNA 1.5 | |
FireConnect | |
FlareConnect | |
Chromecast Built-In | |
DTS Play-Fi | |
Works with Amazon Alexa | |
Works with SONOS | |
AirPlay | |
Apple Product Connection | iPod and iPhone via front USB |
Remote App | |
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue | |
Ethernet | |
Ethernet Switch | |
Wi-Fi | |
Bluetooth | |
HDBaseT Compatible | |
HDMI Inputs | 4 |
HDMI Outputs | 1 |
8K Inputs | |
USB Input | 1 Front |
USB DC Out Port | |
RCA Line Input | 3 |
RCA Line Output | |
XLR Line Inputs | |
Phono Input | |
Optical Inputs | 1 |
Optical Outputs | |
Coaxial Inputs | 1 |
Composite Video Input | 2 |
Composite Video Output | 1 |
S-Video Input | |
S-Video Output | |
Component Video Input | |
Component Video Output | |
PC In | |
Multi-Channel Input | |
RCA Pre-Outs | 0.1 |
XLR Pre-outs | |
Front A/V Inputs | USB |
Speaker A/B | |
Headphone Out | 6.3 mm (1/4") |
ZONES | |
---|---|
Zones | 1 |
RS-232C Interface | |
+12V Trigger Output | |
Remote (IR) Input/Output | 0 / 0 |
MISC | |
---|---|
On-Screen Display | Analog Only |
AVNavigator | |
IP Control for CI | |
PreAmp Mode | |
Versatile Speaker Configuration | |
FL Dimmer | |
Function Rename | |
Remote Controller | System Remote Control |
Detachable Power Cord | |
adapterport |
RADIO | |
---|---|
Analog Tuner | FM/AM |
Presets | 30 |
Digital Radio | |
Internet Radio | |
Pandora | |
Spotify | |
Tidal | |
Deezer | |
Napster | |
SiriusXM Internet Radio |
CONSTRUCTION | |
---|---|
Front Panel | Brushed |
Solid Aluminum Front | |
Speaker Terminals | 5 |
Large Speaker Terminals | 2 |
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals | |
3D Space Frame Construction | |
Gold plated RCA terminals |
POWER | |
---|---|
Power Supply | AC 120 V, 60 Hz |
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer | |
Transformer Stabilizer | |
Power Consumption | 415 W |
Standby Power | 0.1 W |
GENERAL | |
---|---|
ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function | |
Auto Power Standby | |
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" |
Weight | 8.3 kg (18 lb 5 oz) |
Warranty | 1 Year |
SPECS | |
---|---|
Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 | 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 HDMI | 2.8 MHz |
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance | 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite) |
Ethernet Standard | |
HDMI Terminal | Type A (19-pin) |
HDMI Output Type | 5 V, 100 mA |
USB Terminal | USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A |
Extension Terminal | |
FM Frequency | 87.5 MHz - 108 MHz |
AM Frequency | 530 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 VSX-524-K was replaced by VSX-530-K. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.
UPGRADES | Pioneer VSX-530-K | vs | Pioneer VSX-524-K |
---|---|---|---|
DTS-HD High Resolution Audio | vs | ||
Super Resolution | vs | ||
MHL Input | 1 Rear (Version 2.0) | vs | |
DLNA 1.5 | vs | ||
AirPlay | AirPlay | vs | |
Remote Controll App | iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android) | vs | |
Bluetooth | SBC, AAC | vs | |
On-Screen Display | HDMI only | vs | Analog Only |
DOWNGRADES | Pioneer VSX-530-K | vs | Pioneer VSX-524-K |
---|---|---|---|
DTS Express | vs | ||
Auto Level Control | vs | 2 Channel | |
Less Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System | vs | MCACC Auto | |
More EQ Bands | vs | 5-Band | |
Symmetric EQ | vs |
For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-524-K vs Pioneer VSX-530-K.