Pioneer VSX-935

Pioneer VSX-935 was introduced in 2021. It is equipped with 7 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 7.1 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K video signal.

We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 89 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.

For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-935.

In 2021 Pioneer released 4 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Pioneer VSX-LX505 vs VSX-LX305 vs VSX-LX105 vs VSX-935.

Pioneer VSX-935 has replaced VSX-934. Here we present differences between these two models.

UPGRADES	Pioneer VSX-935	vs	Pioneer VSX-934
HDR10+		vs
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)		vs
Newer HDCP Version	2.3	vs	2.2
QMS		vs
Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through		vs
VRR		vs
QFT		vs
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p	vs	up to 4K/60p (YCbCr 4:4:4)
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K	vs	1080p to 4K
Works with Amazon Alexa		vs
Google Assistant		vs
Chromecast Built-In		vs
More 8K Inputs	3	vs
More RCA Line Inputs	5 (1 front)	vs	4
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Line Out (shared with Zone B line out)	vs	HDMI
Higher DSD Sampling Rate via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz	vs	5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	vs	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
Newer Bluetooth Version	4․2	vs	4․1 + LE

For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Pioneer VSX-935 vs VSX-934.

Pioneer VSX-935's 7 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

• Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
5.2.2 with internal amplifier.
• Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
• 2-ch Bi-Amp: Pioneer VSX-935 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.

Dolby Atmos

Pioneer VSX-935 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-935 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

Pioneer VSX-935 features 3 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support and 3 inputs with 4K support. It has 2 outputs: 1 MAIN and 1 SUB/ZONE 2.

• 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: 3 out of 6 inputs pass up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p and the rest of the inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
• 8K Upscaling: Pioneer VSX-935 can upscale 1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K 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 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
• Quick Media Switching (QMS): With HDMI 2.1a, Quick Media Switching for movies and video uses the HDMI VRR mechanism to eliminate the blackout period when an HDMI Source device switches its video mode. As long as the resolution remains the same and only the frame rate changes, QMS will instantly switch between frame rates. QMS eliminates A/V blackouts by using VRR technology to change frame rates, allowing instant changes from 24Hz to 60Hz frame rate, and anywhere in-between. The viewer never sees blank screens and gets a seamless experience.
• 3D Ready: Pioneer VSX-935 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Pioneer VSX-935 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, 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.

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.

Gaming Features

Pioneer VSX-935 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
DSC (Display Stream Compression)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K

Pioneer VSX-935 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.

Pioneer VSX-935 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.

Zone 2

• Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 5 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
• HDMI Output: Pioneer VSX-935 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
• Audio Line Output: If you have a dedicated integrated amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via line outs by sending fixed signal and then control volume on the Zone 2 amplifier.

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 5 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: 2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
8K Inputs: 3

Front A/V Inputs

• USB, Mini-Jack

GENERAL
Brand	Pioneer
Model	VSX-935
Type	A/V Receiver
Country	Australia and Asia
Release Year	2021
Predecessor	Pioneer VSX-934

AMPLIFIER
Channels	7.2
Power Output	80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
Front Wide Channel Support
Amplifier Design	Direct Energy
THX™ Certification
Continuous 6 Ω Rated
Certified 4 Ω Performance
Bi-amp Capability

AUDIO FEATURES
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engine	Digital Quad-Core 32-bit DSP (Cirrus Logic)
DAC	AKM AK4458
DAC Specs	384 kHz/32 Bit
Maximum Channel Processing	7.1
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
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, AAC, 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
DTS Dialogue Control
Dialog Enhancement
Dialog normalization
Dialogue Lift
Sound Retriever	Advanced (2ch)
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
Advanced Surround
Front Stage Surround Advance
Virtual Speakers
Virtual Depth

CALIBRATION
Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.	MCACC
Manual MCACC
MCACC Memory	1
Reflex Optimizer
Phase Control
Auto Phase Control Plus
Full Band Phase Control
Standing Wave Control

VIDEO FEATURES
HDR10
HDR10+
Dynamic HDR
BT.2020 color space
Dolby Vision
HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
HDMI Version	2.1
HDBaseT Compatible
Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
HDCP Version	2.3
QMS (Quick Media Switching)
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
QFT (Quick Frame transport)
DSC (Display Stream Compression)
3-D Ready
Video Signal Passthrough	up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p
Video Signal Upscaling	1080p to 4K/8K and 4K to 8K
Analog To HDMI Upconversion
Super Resolution
isf Certified Calibration Control

CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Works with Amazon Alexa
Google Assistant
Chromecast Built-In
Apple Siri
Works with SonoS
DTS Play-Fi
MHL Input
AirPlay	AirPlay 2
Apple Product Connection	iPod, iPhone and iPad
Remote App	Pioneer Remote App
InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue

TERMINALS
HDMI Inputs	6
HDMI Outputs	2 (1 MAIN, 1 SUB/ZONE 2)
8K Inputs	3
USB Input	2 (1 Front)
USB DC Out Port
Optical Inputs	1
Optical Outputs
Coaxial Inputs	1
RCA Line Inputs	5 (1 front)
RCA Line Outputs
XLR Line Inputs
Phono Input
Multi-Channel Input
RCA Pre-Outs	0.2
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	USB, Mini-Jack
Speaker A/B
Headphone Out	6.3 mm (1/4")
Detachable Power Cord

ZONES
Number of Zones	2
Powered Zones	2
Zone 2 Outs	HDMI, RCA Line Out (shared with Zone B line out)
RS-232C Interface
+12V Trigger Output
Remote (IR) Input/Output	0 / 0

MISCELLANEOUS
GUI Languages	9
AV Navigator
IP Control
PreAmp Mode
FL Dimmer
Remote Controller	RC-974R

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

CONSTRUCTION
Front Panel	Brushed
Solid Aluminum Front
Speaker Terminals	7
Large Speaker Terminals	7
Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
Transparent High-Grade Speaker Terminals
3D Space Frame Construction
Gold plated RCA terminals

POWER
Power Supply	AC 220-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
Transformer Stabilizer
Power Consumption	450 W
No Sound Power	55 W
Standby Power	0.15 W

PHYSICAL
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"
Dimensions of Package (W x H x D)	536 mm x 265 mm x 458 mm 21-1/8" x 10-7/16" x 18-1/16"
Weight	9.6 kg (21.2 lbs)
Weight of Package	12.0 kg (26.5 lbs)

SPECIFICATIONS
Maximum Effective Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, JEITA or IEC)	160 W (10% THD)
Rated Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, IEC)	135 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
THD	0.08% (20 Hz - 20 kHz, half power)
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	8 Ω - 600 Ω
Rated Headphone Power Output	80 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 (Direct/Pure Audio)
DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI	2.8 MHz
DSD Sampling Rates via USB	11.2 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 2.8 MHz
Ethernet Standard	10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
Wi-Fi Standard	IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Wi-Fi Terminal Frequency	5 GHz, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth Version	4․2
Bluetooth Frequency	2.4 GHz
USB Terminal	Front : Ver.2.0, 5 V/0.5 A Rear : Ver.2.0, 5V/1 A
FM Frequency	87.5 MHz - 108.0 MHz
FM 50 dB Quiet Sensitivity (IHF, 1 kHz, 100% MOD.)	Mono: 1.0 µV (11.2 dBf)
AM Frequency	522/530 kHz - 1611/1710 kHz
Warranty	1 Year Parts & Labor

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