Pioneer Pads Its AVR Offerings with Two Wallet-Friendly Options: VSX-835 and VSX- 535

(March 12, 2024) Pioneer has unveiled specs and details for two new AV receiver options, both designed to deliver big on the bang-for-the-buck quotient. The duo is headlined by the VSX-835, a 7.2-channel model that's priced at $499 (on sale at Amazon for $479) and injected with several advanced features not found on the less expensive, albeit very capable VSX-535 ($379, $359 at Amazon).

The VSX-835 is tailored for those seeking broader immersive sound capabilities. It comes with IMAX Enhanced Certification and both DTS:X and Dolby Atmos compatibility while also supporting Dolby Surround, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, DTS Virtual:X, and Neural:X upmixing. Those, combined with a 7.2 channel count capable of 5.2.2 immersive sound, can deliver the most popular high-level audio formats found on the market today, including IMAX digitally remastered content. The VSX-835's amp section also offers a subtle bump in muscle, tho Pioneer's reported specs suggest it won't amount to a significant performance difference.

The VSX-535 is aimed squarely at enthusiasts looking for new-in-box equipment that won't break the bank. While owners will lose access to IMAX Enhanced and DTS:X support, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Surround remain in play with output rounded out by 5.2 or 3.2.2 performance.

Both receivers offer four HDMI 2.1 inputs and one out, along with Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), which allows you to run audio - including Dolby Atmos encoded audio - directly from a TV to the receiver using HDMI. HDMI 2.1 support also brings 8K support to the table, suggesting some amount of relative future-proofing when it comes to video content, along with broad support for High Dynamic Range versions, including HLG, HDR10, HDR10+. and Dolby Vision, and BT.2020/4:4:4 color. They also offer Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and other audio content from external devices, and MCACC Auto Room Tuning software for optimized audio calibration.

Music fans will appreciate the inclusion of Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever technology, which detects compressed audio and attempts to restore bits of missing information to deliver a sound that approaches lossless Hi-Res audio.

Both of Pioneer's new receivers are available to purchase now. If you'd like to support AV NIRVANA, you can buy directly from Amazon by using the following links:

• VSX-835: https://amzn.to/3IB4Nna
• VSX:535: https://amzn.to/3wSH9Ab

They can also be found on Pioneer's website.

VSX-535 Specifications:

• Channels: 5.2
• Power Output: 150w (1kHz, 10% THD, 1ch @ 6 ohms), 80w (20-20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch @ 8 ohms)
• HDMI I/O: 4 In / 1 Out (eARC)
• HDMI Capabilities: 8K/4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDMI2.1a, etc.
• Audio Inputs: 4 HDMI, 3 RCA, 1 Optical, 1 Coaxial
• Audio Outputs: Zone B Stereo RCA, 2 Preout subwoofer
• Surround Modes: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, Dolby Surround
• Other Features: Bluetooth, MCACC Auto Room Tuning

VSX-835 Specifications:

• Channels: 7.2
• Power Output: 165w (1kHz, 10% THD, 1ch @ 6 ohms), 80w (20-20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch @ 8 ohms)
• HDMI I/O: 4 In / 1 Out (eARC)
• HDMI Capabilities: 8K/4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDMI2.1a, etc.
• Audio Inputs: 4 HDMI, 3 RCA, 1 Optical, 1 Coaxial
• Audio Outputs: 2 Preout Subwoofer, Zone B Stereo RCA Pre/Lineout, Power Zone B
• Surround Modes: IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer, Dolby Surround, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Neural:X
• Other Features: Bluetooth, MCACC Auto Room Tuning

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[VJM]

Nice budget receivers

Am I missing something, the VSX-535 outputs 5.2 and has Atmos?

 

[Todd Anderson]

Nice budget receivers

Am I missing something, the VSX-535 outputs 5.2 and has Atmos?

Yup. And can run as 3.1.2. I can’t imagine running it like that, because I think 5.1 would be more impactful. But, if you had a small enough room where surround channels aren’t a possibility, I bet the added height to your front channels would be notable

 

[VJM]

Yup. And can run as 3.1.2. I can’t imagine running it like that, because I think 5.1 would be more impactful. But, if you had a small enough room where surround channels aren’t a possibility, I bet the added height to your front channels would be notable

I see, that's pretty cool, at least the option is there. I run a 3.1 system in my living room, that would be something to try out.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I’ve never heard a 3.1.2… I wonder if the overall effect would be much different than a virtualized 3.1 arrangement?

 

[VJM]

I’ve never heard a 3.1.2… I wonder if the overall effect would be much different than a virtualized 3.1 arrangement?

Good question, if I had one I'd definitely check it out

 

[Tim Hector]

I use 3.1. It works for me. I find a good sub for me is more impactful than the surround, but no doubt, with the right content I can see missing surround.