1-on-1 Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
Pioneer VSX-831 (North American version)
Highlights
- 5.2 channels
- 5.1 channel processing
- 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
- HDR10, Dolby Vision, 4K Upscaling, 4K Passthrough
- AirPlay, Chromecast
- Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- USB and Phono inputs
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Content
Overview
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.
Pros and Cons
In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-831.
PROS |
---|
DSD via HDMI |
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. |
New HDCP Version |
HDR10 |
Dolby Vision |
4K or 8K Video Passthrough |
4K or 8K Signal Upscaling |
Analog To HDMI Upconversion |
Chromecast Built-In |
Ethernet |
Wi-Fi |
Bluetooth |
USB Input |
Many Optical Inputs |
Composite Video Inputs |
Zones |
Analog Tuner |
Pandora |
Spotify |
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+ |
Does not Work with Amazon Alexa |
Few HDMI Outputs |
Few 8K Inputs |
Few RCA Line Inputs |
No RCA Pre-Outs |
No Tidal |
Predecessor
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 |
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 RCA Line Inputs | 3 (1 front) | vs | 2 |
More Optical Inputs | 1 | vs | 1 |
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.
Audio Section
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.
- 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer VSX-831 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. 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.
Video Section
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.
Inputs and Outputs
Audio
- Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 line inputs for analog audio connection.
- Digital Inputs and Outputs: 1 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: 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


Specifications
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 |
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 | |
RCA Line Input | 3 (1 front) |
RCA Line Output | |
XLR Line Inputs | |
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 | |
RCA Pre-Outs | 0.2 |
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 | |
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
Successor
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 |
Less Optical Inputs | 1 | vs | 1 |
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.