1-on-1 Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pioneer VSX-532 (North American version)

SCORE:
66

Highlights

  • 5.1 channels
  • 5.1 channel processing
  • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
  • HDR10, 4K Passthrough
  • Bluetooth
  • USB input

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Content

Overview

Pioneer VSX-532 was introduced in 2017. 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 66 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
VIDEO FEATURES
81
AUDIO FEATURES
62
CONNECTIVITY
62
MULTIZONE
55
MISCELLANEOUS
38
RADIO
59
OVERALL
66

Pros and Cons

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-532.

PROS
  DSD via HDMI
  Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
  New HDCP Version
  HDR10
  4K or 8K Video Passthrough
  Bluetooth
  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 Dolby Vision
  No 4K or 8K Video Upscaling
  No Chromecast Built-In
  Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
  No Ethernet
  No Wi-Fi
  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
  Old Bluetooth Version

Predecessor

Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-532 to its predecessor VSX-531 and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-532 vs Pioneer VSX-531
Front Stage Surround Advance vs
More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System MCACC vs
Manual MCACC vs
Auto Subwoofer Crossover vs
Versatile Speaker Configuration FRONT, CENTER, SURROUND vs

DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-532 vs Pioneer VSX-531
Front A/V Inputs USB vs USB, Mini-Jack

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-532 vs Pioneer VSX-531.

Audio Section

5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier

Pioneer VSX-532 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-532'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-532 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-532 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.

    Video Section

    HDMI

    Pioneer VSX-532 features 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (4:4:4) 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-532 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.
    andh3>HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Pioneer VSX-532 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.

    • HDR10: HDR10 uses the wide-gamut Rec. 2020 color space. It sends static metadata via video stream to the TV which calibrates its screen brightness and color according to that. HDR10 supports 10-bit color which corresponds to 1024 shades of the primary RGB colors. It is technically limited to a maximum of 10,000 nits peak brightness, however common HDR10 contents are mastered with peak brightness from 1,000 to 4,000 nits.

    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
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    Specifications

    Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer VSX-532.

    BASICS
    BrandPioneer
    ModelVSX-532
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryNorth America
    Release Year2017
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels5.1
    AmplifierDiscrete Direct Energy
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability
    AUDIO
    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineDigital Core Engine with Texas Instruments Aureus™ DSP
    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
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch Input
    DSD via USB
    DSD to PCM Converter
    USB DAC
    Jitter Reduction
    Dialog Enhancement
    Dialog Normalization
    Dialogue Lift
    Sound Retriever Advanced (2-Channel)
    Sound Retriever AIR
    Digital Noise Reduction
    Tone Control 2 Channel
    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
    Wide Surround
    Front Stage Surround Advance
    Headphone Surround
    Virtual Speakers
    Virtual Depth
    CALIBRATION
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC
    Manual MCACC
    MCACC Memory1
    Reflex Optimizer
    Phase Control
    Full Band Phase Control
    Standing Wave Control
    Symmetric EQ
    X-Curve
    Precision Distance
    Polarity Check
    Auto Subwoofer Crossover
    VIDEO
    Enhanced ARC
    HDCP Version2.2
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    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)
    Video Signal Upscaling
    Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    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
    Remote App
    InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    Wi-Fi
    Bluetooth SBC, AAC
    HDBaseT Compatible
    HDMI Inputs4
    HDMI Outputs1
    8K Inputs
    USB Input1 Front
    USB DC Out Port
    RCA Line Input3 (1 front)
    RCA Line Output
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Optical Inputs1
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs1
    Composite Video Input2
    Composite Video Output1
    S-Video Input
    S-Video Output
    Component Video Input
    Component Video Output
    PC In
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs0.1
    XLR Pre-outs
    Front A/V InputsUSB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    ZONES
    Zones1
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output
    Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 0
    MISC
    On-Screen Display HDMI only
    AVNavigator
    IP Control for CI
    PreAmp Mode
    Versatile Speaker ConfigurationFRONT, CENTER, SURROUND
    FL Dimmer
    Detachable Power Cord
    adapterport
    RADIO
    Analog Tuner FM/AM
    Presets30
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM Internet Radio
    CONSTRUCTION
    Front PanelBrushed
    Solid Aluminum Front
    Speaker Terminals5
    Large Speaker Terminals2
    Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
    Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
    Ceramic 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 Consumption210 W
    Standby Power0.35 W
    GENERAL
    Auto Power off
    Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 168 mm x 320.5 mm
    17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 12-5/8"
    Weight8.0 kg (17 lb 10 oz)
    Warranty1 Year Parts & Labor
    SPECS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 280 W (0.08% THD)
    Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 W (1% THD)
    Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)150 W (10% THD)
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)106 dB
    DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
    Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
    Bluetooth Version3.0
    Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
    HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)
    HDMI Output Type5 V, 55 mA
    USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 0.5 A
    Extension Terminal
    FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
    AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz

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

    Successor

    In 2019 Pioneer VSX-532 was replaced by VSX-534. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.


    UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-534 vs Pioneer VSX-532
    More Channels 5.2 vs 5.1
    Certified 4 Ω Performance vs
    Higher DAC Specs 384 kHz/32 Bit vs 192 kHz/24 Bit
    Dolby Atmos vs
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization vs
    Dolby Surround Upmixer vs
    DTS:X vs
    DTS Neural:X vs
    DTS Virtual:X vs
    DTS Express vs
    DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 vs
    DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input vs 2-ch Input
    DSD via USB 2-ch Input vs
    Dialog Enhancement vs
    More Tone Control Channels All Channels vs 2 Channel
    Reflex Optimizer vs
    Symmetric EQ vs
    Dolby Vision vs
    HLG vs
    Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K vs
    Super Resolution vs
    USB DC Out Port vs
    More Presets 40 vs 30
    Bigger Power Supply 445 W vs 210 W
    Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 109 dB vs 106 dB
    Newer Bluetooth Version 4․2 vs 3.0
    Wider AM Frequency Range 530 kHz - 1710 kHz vs 530 kHz - 1700 kHz

    DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-534 vs Pioneer VSX-532
    Dolby Pro Logic vs PLII
    DTS Neo vs Neo:6
    USB Input vs 1 Front
    Less Composite Video Inputs vs 2
    Less Composite Video Outputs vs 1
    Front A/V Inputs vs USB

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-532 vs Pioneer VSX-534.

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