Pioneer VSX-831 (North American version)

•   Overview
•   Pros and Cons
•   Predecessor
•   Audio Section
•   Video Section
•   Multi-zone Playback
•   Inputs and Outputs
•   Specifications
•   Successor

Pioneer VSX-831 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 and upscales up to 4K video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 76 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.

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-831.

Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-831 to its predecessor VSX-830-K and displaying the major changes.

UPGRADES	Pioneer VSX-831	vs	Pioneer VSX-830-K
Higher DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit	vs	192 kHz/24 Bit
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	up to 192 kHz/24 bit	vs	up to 96 kHz/24 bit
More Tone Control Channels	All Channels	vs	Front L/R Channels
HDR10		vs
Dolby Vision		vs
BT.2020 color space		vs
FireConnect		vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
More Analog Audio Line Inputs	3 (1 front)	vs	2
Phono Input		vs
Front A/V Inputs	USB, Mini-Jack	vs	USB
Higher S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB	vs	100 dB
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz	vs	2.8 MHz
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n	vs	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE	vs	2․1 + EDR
Wider AM Frequency Range	530 kHz - 1710 kHz	vs	530 kHz - 1700 kHz

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer VSX-831	vs	Pioneer VSX-830-K
DTS-ES		vs	Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
DSD to PCM Converter		vs
Auto Level Control		vs	Multi-Channel
Dialog Enhancement		vs
Sound Retriever	Advanced (2-Channel)	vs	Advanced (Multi-Channel / Auto with ARC)
Sound Retriever AIR		vs
Digital Noise Reduction		vs
Headphone Surround		vs
Virtual Speakers		vs	(Surround Back/Height/Wide)
Higher MCACC Memory	1	vs	6
Standing Wave Control		vs
Distance Adjustment	0.1 feet	vs	1/2 Inch
Polarity Check		vs
Video Parameter Adjustments		vs
MHL Input		vs	1 Rear (Version 2.0)
DLNA 1.5		vs
Less Composite Video Outputs		vs	1
Speaker A/B		vs
AVNavigator		vs	Built-in
Versatile Speaker Configuration		vs	5.2 ch Front Bi-amp
Less Presets	40	vs	63
Smaller Power Supply	380 W	vs	450 W

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-831 vs Pioneer VSX-830-K.

5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier

Pioneer VSX-831 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-831's 5 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Configurations: Available configurations are:
5.2 with internal amplifier.
• Bi-Amp: You can bi-amp front left and right speakers. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

Sound Processing

• Advanced Sound Retriever: Compressed music enhancement in Pioneer VSX-831 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-831 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.

HDMI

Pioneer VSX-831 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 (4:2:0 36-bit)
  4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit) video signal.
• 4K Upscaling: Pioneer VSX-831 can upscale up to 4K from HDMI and analog sources.
• Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Composite video sources and Pioneer VSX-831 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
• 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-831 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Pioneer VSX-831 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10 and Dolby Vision. 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.
• Dolby Vision: Dolby Vision is a set of technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories for high dynamic range (HDR) video. It covers content creation, distribution, and playback. Like HDR10+, it includes dynamic metadata that are used to adjust and optimize each frame of the HDR video to the consumer display's capabilities in a way specified by the content creator. Dolby Vision allows for a maximum resolution of 8K up to 12-bit color depth, maximum peak brightness of 10,000 nits and a color gamut up to Rec. 2020. It uses Dolby's proprietary dynamic metadata defined in SMPTE ST 2094-10.

Audio

• Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
• 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   Outputs: 1
8K Inputs: 0
• Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0

Here we list all the available features and specifications of Pioneer VSX-831.

BASICS
Brand	Pioneer
Model	VSX-831
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	North America
Release Year	2017

AMPLIFIER
Channels	5.2
Amplifier	Discrete Direct Energy
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Cirrus Logic (Quad Core) x 1
DAC	AKM AK4458
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 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, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network	64, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
Multi-Channel Music File Playback via USB	up to 192 kHz/24 bit
Gapless Playback
DSD via HDMI	2-ch/Multi-ch Input
DSD via USB	2-ch Input
DSD to PCM Converter
USB DAC
Jitter Reduction
Auto Level Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialogue Lift
Sound Retriever	Advanced (2-Channel)
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 Surround	12
Wide Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance
Headphone Surround
Virtual Speakers
Virtual Depth
Independent Subwoofer Outputs

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	MCACC
Manual MCACC
MCACC Memory	1
Phase Control
Full Band Phase Control
Standing Wave Control
EQ Bands	9-Band
Symmetric EQ
X-Curve
Distance Adjustment	0.1 feet
Precision Distance
Polarity Check
Auto Subwoofer Crossover

VIDEO
Enhanced ARC
HDCP Version	2.2
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 (4:4:4 24-bit) 4K/60p (4:2:0 36-bit) 4K/24p (4:4:4 36-bit)
Video Signal Upscaling	up to 4K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion	Composite
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	AirPlay
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad (Airplay only)
Remote App	iControlAV5 (for iOS and Android)
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
Ethernet
Ethernet Switch
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
HDBaseT Compatible
HDMI Inputs	6
HDMI Outputs	1
8K Inputs
USB Input	1 Front
USB DC Out Port
Analog Audio Line Input	3 (1 front)
Analog Audio Line Output
Phono Input
Optical Inputs	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
Composite Video Input	2
Composite Video Output
S-Video Input
S-Video Output
Component Video Input
Component Video Output
PC In
Multi-Channel Input
Analog Pre-Outs	0.2
XLR Inputs
XLR Pre-outs
Front A/V Inputs	USB, Mini-Jack
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	Icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)
AVNavigator
IP Control for CI
PreAmp Mode
Versatile Speaker Configuration
FL Dimmer
Function Rename
Remote Controller
Detachable Power Cord
adapterport

RADIO
Analog Tuner	FM/AM
Presets	40
Digital Radio
Internet Radio	TuneIn
Pandora
Spotify
Tidal
Deezer
Napster
SiriusXM Internet Radio

CONSTRUCTION
Front Panel	Brushed
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	5
Large Speaker Terminals	5
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
Ceramic 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	380 W
No Sound Power	45 W
Standby Power	0.1 W

GENERAL
Auto Power off
Dimensions (W x H x D)	435 mm x 173 mm x 370.5 mm 17-1/8" x 6-13/16" x 14-9/16"
Weight	9.0 kg (19.8 lbs)
Warranty	1 Year Parts & Labor

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)
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	160 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	130 W (1% 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
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)	200 mV/47 kΩ
Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)	3.5 mV/47 kΩ
Rated Headphone Jack Output Level and Impedance	330 Ω
Rated Headphone Power Output	85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)
Phono Overload	70 mV (MM, 1 kHz, 0.5%)
S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)	106 dB
S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)	80 dB
Frequency Response (Analog In)	10 Hz - 100 kHz/+1 dB, -3 dB (Pure Direct)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance	1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	Dual band 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․1 + LE
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
HDMI Terminal	Type A (19-pin)
HDMI Output Type	5 V, 55 mA
USB Terminal	USB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
Extension Terminal
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 107.9 MHz
AM Frequency	530 kHz - 1710 kHz

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

In 2017 Pioneer VSX-831 was replaced by VSX-832. Let us now have a look at some important changes that the successor brought.

UPGRADES	Pioneer VSX-832	vs	Pioneer VSX-831
Certified 4 Ω Performance		vs
Dolby Atmos		vs
Dolby Surround Upmixer		vs
DTS:X		vs
DTS Neural:X		vs
Music Playback via USB	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Dolby TrueHD	vs	MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
High Resolution Audio Formats via USB	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, AAC, DSD, Dolby TrueHD	vs	Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD
HLG		vs
FlareConnect		vs
DTS Play-Fi		vs
USB Input	2 (1 Front)	vs	1 Front
Versatile Speaker Configuration	FRONT, CENTER, SURROUND	vs
Tidal		vs
Deezer		vs
Bigger Power Supply	400 W	vs	380 W
Higher Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA)	165 W (10% THD)	vs	160 W (10% THD)

DOWNGRADES	Pioneer VSX-832	vs	Pioneer VSX-831
Less Channels	5.1	vs	5.2
Bi-amp capability		vs
Dolby Pro Logic		vs	PLII
DTS Neo		vs	Neo:6
More Tone Control Channels	2 Channel	vs	All Channels
FireConnect		vs
Less HDMI Inputs	4	vs	6
Phono Input		vs
Lower Rated Headphone Power Output	80 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)	vs	85 mW (32 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% THD)

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-831 vs Pioneer VSX-832.