Pioneer VSX-534

    78
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    North America
    Taiwan Europe Australia and Asia
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    Highlights

    • 5.2 Channels
    • 5.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
    • HDR10, Dolby Vision
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough, 4K/30Hz Upscaling
    • Bluetooth

    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. 2019 Lineup
    4. Changes from the VSX-532
    5. Amplifier
    6. Speaker Configurations
    7. Immersive Audio Formats
    8. HDMI
    9. Room Calibration
    10. Inputs and Outputs
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications

    1. Overview

    Pioneer VSX-534 was introduced in 2019. 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 supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 78 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
    84
    Audio Features
    86
    Video Features
    95
    Connectivity
    57
    Zones
    55
    Radio
    59
    OVERALL
    78

    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-534.

    PROs

    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Analog Tuner

    CONs

    •   Few Channels - 5.2
    •   Low Power Output - 80 W
    •   5.1 Channel Processing
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No eARC
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   No Wi-Fi
    •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
    •   4 HDMI Inputs
    •   1 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   No USB Input
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   No Phono Input
    •   No RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Composite Video Inputs
    •   No Ethernet
    •   No Zones
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Pandora
    •   No Spotify
    •   No Tidal

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

    AVERAGE

    •   Bluetooth 4․2

    3. Pioneer 2019 Lineup

    In 2019 Pioneer released 9 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Pioneer 2019 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsZones Price
    SC-LX904 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		11.2140 W11.211.23
    SC-LX704 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2135 W11.211.23
    VSX-LX504 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2120 W11.211.23
    VSX-LX304 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		9.2100 W9.13
    VSX-LX104 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.280 W7.12
    VSX-934 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.280 W7.12
    VSX-834 Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.280 W7.11
    VSX-534 Image cannot be found 5.280 W5.11
    VSX-534D Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		5.280 W5.11

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-LX904 vs SC-LX704 vs VSX-LX504 vs VSX-LX304 vs VSX-LX104 vs VSX-934.

    4. Changes from the VSX-532

    Pioneer VSX-534 has replaced VSX-532. Here we present differences between these two models.

    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-534 vs VSX-532.

    5. Amplifier

    5 channel Direct Energy Amplifier

    Pioneer VSX-534 features 5 channel power amplifier with Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

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

      6. Speaker Configurations

      Pioneer VSX-534's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

      • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
      • 3.1.2 with internal amplifier.
      • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
      • 3.1.2 with internal amplifier.
      • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
      • 5.2 with internal amplifier.

      7. Immersive Audio Formats

      Dolby Atmos

      Pioneer VSX-534 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

      • Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
      • Atmos Height Virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

      DTS:X

      Pioneer VSX-534 supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

      • Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
      • Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
      • DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
      DECODING
      Dolby Atmos
      Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      Dolby Atmos Music
      Dolby TrueHD
      Dolby Digital Plus
      Dolby Surround Upmixer
      Dolby Pro Logic
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo
      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

      8. HDMI

      Pioneer VSX-534 features 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

      • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4) video signal.
      • 4K Upscaling: Pioneer VSX-534 can upscale 1080p to 4K from HDMI sources.
      • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
      • 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-534 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

      HDR (High Dynamic Range)

      Pioneer VSX-534 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. 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.



      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 (YCbCr 4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K

      9. Room Calibration

      Pioneer VSX-534 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.

      10. 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
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      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs4
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input
      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-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      11. Evaluation

      We evaluate Pioneer VSX-534 and give score of 78 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
      78

      Amplifier

      GOOD
      84

      We give Pioneer VSX-534 a score of 84 for Amplifier features.

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

      Audio Features

      EXCELLENT
      86

      We give Pioneer VSX-534 a score of 86 for Audio Features features.

      •   Few Channels - 5.2
      •   5.1 Channel Processing
      •   Dolby Atmos
      •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   DSD via HDMI

      Video Features

      EXCELLENT
      95

      We give Pioneer VSX-534 a score of 95 for Video Features features.

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

      Connectivity

      AVERAGE
      57

      We give Pioneer VSX-534 a score of 57 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   4 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   No USB Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Composite Video Inputs
      •   No Ethernet
      •   Bluetooth 4․2

      Zones

      AVERAGE
      55

      We give Pioneer VSX-534 a score of 55 for Zones features.

      •   No Zones

      Radio

      AVERAGE
      59

      We give Pioneer VSX-534 a score of 59 for Radio features.

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

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandPioneer
      ModelVSX-534
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryNorth America
      Release Year2019
      PredecessorPioneer VSX-532
      AMPLIFIER
      Channels5.2
      Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      Amplifier DesignDirect Energy
      THX™ Certification
      Continuous 6 Ω Rated
      Certified 4 Ω Performance
      Bi-amp Capability
      AUDIO FEATURES
      Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineDigital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic)
      DACAKM AK4438
      DAC Specs384 kHz/32 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
      Dolby Digital EX
      Surround EX
      DTS:X
      DTS Neural:X
      DTS Virtual:X
      DTS Neo
      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
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
      DSD via USB 2-ch Input
      DSD to PCM Converter
      USB DAC
      Jitter Reduction
      DTS Dialogue Control
      Dialog Enhancement
      Dialog normalization
      Dialogue Lift
      Sound Retriever Advanced
      Sound Retriever AIR
      Digital noise Reduction
      Tone Control All 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
      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
      Auto Phase Control Plus
      Full Band Phase Control
      Standing Wave Control
      EQ Bands9-Band
      Symmetric EQ
      Distance Adjustment0.1 feet
      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 (YCbCr 4:4:4)
      Video Signal Upscaling 1080p to 4K
      Analog To HDMI Upconversion
      Stream Smoother
      Pure Cinema
      Video Parameter Adjustments
      Super Resolution
      isf Certified Calibration Control
      CONNECTIVITY
      Wi-Fi
      Bluetooth SBC, AAC
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Google Assistant
      Chromecast Built-In
      Apple Siri
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs4
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input
      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-Outs0.2
      XLR Pre-outs
      Composite Video Inputs
      Composite Video Outputs
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V Inputs
      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 Display User-Friendly GUI with System Setup Menu
      GUI Languages7
      AV Navigator
      IP Control
      PreAmp Mode
      Versatile Speaker ConfigurationFRONT, CENTER, SURROUND/HEIGHT
      FL Dimmer
      RADIO
      Analog Tuner FM/AM
      Presets40
      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
      Transparent High-Grade 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 Consumption445 W
      No Sound Power38.6 W
      Standby Power0.1 W
      PHYSICAL
      Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 148 mm x 321 mm
      17-1/8" x 5-13/16" x 12-5/8"
      Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)525 mm x 230 mm x 390 mm
      20-11/16" x 9-1/16" x 15-3/8"
      Weight8 kg (17.6 lbs)
      Weight of Package10.5 kg (23.1 lbs)
      SPECIFICATIONS
      Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 W (0.08% THD)
      Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)150 W (10% THD)
      Dynamic Power per Channel (3 Ω, Front)160 W
      Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)125 W
      Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)85 W
      THD0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)
      Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ
      Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance8 Ω - 600 Ω
      Rated Headphone Power Output80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
      S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)109 dB
      Frequency Response (Analog In)10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Pure Audio)
      DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz
      Bluetooth Version4․2
      Bluetooth Frequency2.4 GHz
      FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
      FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
      AM Frequency530 kHz - 1710 kHz
      Warranty1 Year 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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