Pioneer VSX-824-K

    68
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 5.2 Channels
    • 5.1 Channel Processing
    • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
    • Bluetooth, Ethernet

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

    1. Overview

    Pioneer VSX-824-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 68 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
    67
    Video Features
    66
    Connectivity
    73
    Zones
    55
    Radio
    85
    OVERALL
    68

    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-824-K.

    PROs

    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   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

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

    AVERAGE

    •   Wi-Fi
    •   6 HDMI Inputs

    3. Pioneer 2014 Lineup

    In 2014 Pioneer released 11 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Pioneer 2014 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsImmersive AudioZones Price
    SC-89 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W9.211.2Dolby Atmos4
    SC-87 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W9.211.2Dolby Atmos4
    SC-85 Image cannot be found 9.2135 W9.211.2Dolby Atmos4
    SC-82 Image cannot be found 7.2130 W7.19.24
    SC-81 Image cannot be found 7.2120 W7.12.23
    VSX-80 Image cannot be found 7.290 W7.12.23
    VSX-44 Image cannot be found 7.280 W7.12
    VSX-1124-K Image cannot be found 7.290 W7.12.23
    VSX-1024-K Image cannot be found 7.280 W7.12
    VSX-824-K Image cannot be found 5.280 W5.11
    VSX-524-K Image cannot be found 5.180 W5.11

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer SC-89 vs SC-87 vs SC-85 vs SC-82 vs SC-81 vs VSX-80.

    4. Changes from the VSX-823-K

    Pioneer VSX-824-K has replaced VSX-823-K. Here we present differences between these two models.

    UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-824-K vs Pioneer VSX-823-K
    More Channels 5.2 vs 5.1
    Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD vs Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
    DSD to PCM Converter vs
    Video Signal Passthrough up to 4K/60p (4:4:4 24-bit)
    4K/60p (4:2:2 36-bit)
    4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
    vs up to 4K/30p
    Wi-Fi via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately) vs
    USB DC Out Port 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A) vs
    DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-824-K vs Pioneer VSX-823-K
    Dolby Digital EX vs
    DTS-ES vs
    Less Composite Video Inputs 2 vs 3 (1 front)
    Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB vs HDMI, USB, Composite Video

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-824-K vs VSX-823-K.

    5. Amplifier

    5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier

    Pioneer VSX-824-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
      Channels5.2
      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

      6. Speaker Configurations

      Pioneer VSX-824-K's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

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

      7. HDMI

      Pioneer VSX-824-K 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.
      • 3D Ready: Pioneer VSX-824-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)
      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

      8. Room Calibration

      Pioneer VSX-824-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: 6 (1 front)   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

      • HDMI, USB
      Image cannot be found
      Image cannot be found
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      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 Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs

      10. Replaced by VSX-830-K

      In 2015 Pioneer VSX-824-K was replaced by Pioneer VSX-830-K. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Pioneer VSX-824-K and its successor.

      UPGRADES Pioneer VSX-830-K vs Pioneer VSX-824-K
      Bi-amp capability Front vs
      DTS-HD High Resolution Audio vs
      DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1 vs
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch/Multi-ch Input vs 2-ch Input
      Auto Level Control Multi-Channel vs 2 Channel
      Dialog Enhancement vs
      Sound Retriever Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC) vs Advanced (2-Channel)
      Virtual Speakers (Surround Back/Height/Wide) vs
      Manual MCACC vs
      Higher MCACC Memory 6 vs 1
      Auto Phase Control Plus vs
      Standing Wave Control vs
      More EQ Bands 9-Band vs 5-Band
      X-Curve vs
      Distance Adjustment 1/2 Inch vs 0.1 Feet
      Polarity Check vs
      Auto Subwoofer Crossover vs
      Video Signal Upscaling up to 4K 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)
      Speaker A/B vs
      On-Screen Display Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) vs Network GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
      AVNavigator Built-in vs
      Versatile Speaker Configuration 5.2 ch Front Bi-amp vs
      Function Rename vs
      More Presets 63 vs 30
      Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A) 100 dB vs 98 dB
      DOWNGRADES Pioneer VSX-830-K vs Pioneer VSX-824-K
      USB DC Out Port vs 1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      Less RCA Line Inputs 2 vs 3
      Front A/V Inputs USB vs HDMI, USB
      adapterport vs

      For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-824-K vs VSX-830-K.

      11. Evaluation

      We evaluate Pioneer VSX-824-K and give score of 68 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
      68

      Amplifier

      GOOD
      71

      We give Pioneer VSX-824-K a score of 71 for Amplifier features.

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

      Audio Features

      AVERAGE
      67

      We give Pioneer VSX-824-K a score of 67 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

      AVERAGE
      66

      We give Pioneer VSX-824-K a score of 66 for Video Features features.

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

      Connectivity

      GOOD
      73

      We give Pioneer VSX-824-K a score of 73 for Connectivity features.

      •   No eARC
      •   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

      Zones

      AVERAGE
      55

      We give Pioneer VSX-824-K a score of 55 for Zones features.

      •   No Zones

      Radio

      EXCELLENT
      85

      We give Pioneer VSX-824-K a score of 85 for Radio features.

      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   No Tidal

      12. Specifications

      GENERAL
      BrandPioneer
      ModelVSX-824-K
      TypeA/V Receiver
      CountryUSA
      Release Year2014
      PredecessorPioneer VSX-823-K
      SuccessorPioneer VSX-830-K
      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
      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, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
      Gapless Playback
      DSD via HDMI 2-ch Input
      DSD via USB 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 Surround11 + 1
      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
      VIDEO FEATURES
      HDR10
      HDR10+
      Dynamic HDR
      BT.2020 color space
      Dolby Vision
      HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
      HDBaseT Compatible
      Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
      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
      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 via optional AS-WL300 adapter (sold separately)
      Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
      Works with Amazon Alexa
      Chromecast Built-In
      Works with SonoS
      DTS Play-Fi
      MHL Input 1 Rear (Version 2.0)
      DLNA 1.5
      AirPlay AirPlay
      Apple Product Connection iPod and iPhone via front USB
      Remote App iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
      InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
      TERMINALS
      HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
      HDMI Outputs1
      8K Inputs
      USB Input1 Front
      USB DC Out Port1 Rear for AS-WL300 (5 V, 0.6 A)
      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 Inputs2
      Composite Video Outputs1
      S-Video Inputs
      S-Video Outputs
      Component Video Inputs
      Component Video Outputs
      Ethernet
      Ethernet Switch
      PC In
      Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB
      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 DisplayNetwork GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only
      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 vTuner
      Pandora
      Spotify
      Tidal
      Deezer
      Napster
      SiriusXM
      CONSTRUCTION
      Front PanelBrushed
      Solid Aluminum Front
      Speaker Terminals5
      Large Speaker Terminals5
      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 Consumption450 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
      17-3/16" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
      Weight8.6 kg (18 lb 16 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
      DSD Sampling Rates via USB2.8 MHz
      Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
      Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
      HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)
      HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA
      HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 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

      Discussion

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