Comparison Pioneer VSX-531-K vs Onkyo TX-SR444

Possibility to simulate multi-channel (for example, 5.1) sound in traditional two-channel headphones. For this, a Dolby Headphone decoder is usually used, which processes the sound in such a way that the sound heard in the headphones is perceived as multi-channel — in particular, the intended position of its sources can be determined much more accurately. And considering that modern Hi-Fi class headphones are not inferior in sound quality to acoustics (and are significantly cheaper), this feature may well come in handy even for demanding audiophiles.

The possibility of using the receiver for simultaneous transmission of signals from different sources to screens and speakers located in different places (zones). For example, in a large house, you can simultaneously stream a movie from a Blu-ray player to a screen in a large room, a TV show to a TV in the kitchen, and a radio programme to speakers in a library. Another option for using Multi-Zone is entertainment centers with several rooms of different types (for example, a cinema hall, a roller skating rink and a cafe).

The maximum number of channels that the receiver can output to external speakers. This parameter is specified for all types (see above): even AV processors that do not have an amplifier as such are often equipped with a very extensive set of audio processing tools (and this set is sometimes even wider than in models with amplifiers).

The most popular options by the number of channels today are as follows:

— 2.1. The simplest option found in modern AV receivers is the classic two-channel stereo sound, supplemented by a third channel for a subwoofer. It is worth noting here that the "volume" of such a sound is very limited: it allows you to simulate the shift of the sound source to the left or right, but does not cover the space on the sides and behind the listener. Receivers of this kind are usually entry-level devices.

— 3.1. Such a system is usually the 2.1 described above, supplemented by a third front speaker — in the centre. This provides a more authentic sound from the front. And for some 3.1 systems, design tricks are claimed that allow them to be used for surround sound, similar to 5.1. Rear channels in such systems are simulated by reflecting sound from the walls behind the user. Of course, the sound accuracy is noticeably lower than that of a full-fledged 5.1, but this option may be optimal in tight spaces where there is no space for a full set of six-channel acoustics.

— 5.1. The most popular surround sound format that can provide the effect of "environment". 5 main channels include a centre, two front (left-right) and two rear (similarly), a unit indicates a separate low-frequency channel for a subwoofer.

— 5.2. Sound format similar to 5.1 above, except for two channels for subwoofers instead of one. This improves the quality of the bass sound, which can be useful for films with a lot of special effects, live performance recordings, etc.

— 6.1. A sound format with an expanded number of main channels relative to the classic 5.1. The sixth main channel in this format is usually the centre back — this increases the accuracy of the sound transmission in the back of the stage.

— 6.2. 6.1 version of the format described above, supplemented by a second subwoofer; this improves the quality of low frequency transmission and allows you to cover a larger area.

— 7.1. With this sound format, five main channels (similar to the 5.1 system described above) are supplemented with two more. There are a lot of options for installing speakers for these channels — for example, these can be additional speakers above two front or two rear speakers, two separate side speakers, an additional “centre” pair on the rear channel, etc. Anyway, an increase in the number of channels makes it possible to achieve a more accurate transmission of “surround” sound compared to 5.1, however, much less content has been released for such systems.

— 7.2. A variation on the 7.1 format (see above) that allows the use of two separate subwoofers; this increases the accuracy of the transmission of low frequencies and expands the possibilities for their adjustment.

— 8.4. A specific variant found in single models of AV receivers. It is not so much a generally accepted sound format as an illustration of advanced configuration options: up to 8 main speakers and up to 4 subwoofers can be connected to the device, which gives very extensive fine-tuning options (however, such options are not cheap).

— 9.1. One of the most advanced surround sound formats today: it includes 5 classic main channels (similar to a 5.1 system) and 4 additional ones, the location of which can be different — for example, two side speakers and two upper ones above the left and right front, or even 4 speakers, directed towards the ceiling. The 9.1 format allows you to achieve very high fidelity of multi-channel audio transmission, but it is expensive, difficult to set up, and very little content has been released for such systems.

— 9.2. Modification of the above 9.1 format, supplemented by a second subwoofer for more accurate and high-quality reproduction of low-frequency sound.

— 11.1. Further, after 9.1, expansion and improvement of the idea of multi-channel sound. Usually in 11.1 systems, the five "classic" main channels (see 5.1) are supplemented with six more in the following way: two speakers to the left and right of the centre (in addition to the left and right front), two height speakers above the main front and two more — above main rear. This significantly increases the accuracy of surround sound transmission and adds the ability to shift it not only horizontally, but also vertically. However, the price and complexity of setting up such systems is appropriate, so they are designed more for the professional sphere (for example, cinema halls of entertainment centers) than for home use.

— 11.2. Systems almost identical to those described above 11.1, but supplemented by a second subwoofer. The latter is useful not only for reliability, but also for covering a vast area.

— 12.4. A top-of-the-line AV receiver option that is designed to handle all existing surround sound formats (including "true" 3D sound) and offers extremely wide customization options (albeit at an appropriate price).

— 13.2. Another format typical for luxury AV receivers and similar to 12.4 described above (with the exception of differences in the number of channels, which are not critical in this case).

— 15.1. A very rare and expensive option, designed for the use of mainly advanced acoustic systems — in particular, the halls of small cinemas.

Note that this paragraph indicates the most advanced sound format that the receiver is capable of working with; the general set also includes simpler options. For example, 7.1 systems usually handle 5.1 without any problems, not to mention stereo.

This indicator determines the amount of extraneous noise that accompanies the sound output by the receiver's amplifier. It is convenient because it takes into account almost all possible significant noise — both created by the device itself and due to external causes. The higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the lower the noise volume compared to the main signal, the cleaner the amplifier will sound. A reading of 70-80 dB is considered normal for most consumer electronics, but in AV receivers, which are usually premium devices, this can only be called satisfactory. In the most advanced models, this figure can significantly exceed 100 dB.

The range of sound frequencies that the receiver is capable of outputting (this parameter can also be specified for models without their own amplifier, see “Number of channels” for more details). The completeness of the transmitted sound depends on this parameter; of course, the sound quality in general is highly dependent on a number of other factors (for example, frequency response), but the wider the frequency range, the less risk that the amplifier will completely “cut off” some part of the sound. On the other hand, it should be taken into account here that the normal hearing range of the human ear is approximately 16 – 20,000 Hz, and deviations from these limits are rather small. And although many modern receivers provide a much wider frequency range, however, this is more of a marketing ploy than a really significant indicator (or some kind of "side defect" in the design of a high-quality amplifier).

It is also worth considering that in order to reproduce the full frequency of the amplifier, you will need speakers with the appropriate characteristics.

The ability of the receiver to work in Bi-amping and/or Tri-amping mode.

The basic principle of both of these modes is that the audio signal is divided into several frequency bands (LF and HF for Bi-amping, in the case of Tri-amping, mid frequencies are separated separately), and each band is processed by its own amplifier and output to its own specialized set of speakers. . In this way, a noticeable improvement in sound quality can be achieved. However, note that the specific implementation of this function in AV receivers may be different. The simplest option involves two or three built-in power amplifiers, each of which outputs the entire audio range to its own set of connectors. To such a device, you need to connect an external crossover (frequency filter) or speakers with built-in filters for each frequency band. More advanced receivers may have their own built-in crossovers, in which case only part of the frequency range is output to each amplifier with a set of connectors; this eliminates the need for external frequency filters. However, anyway, to use Bi/Tri-amping, you will need speakers that support this connection format.

— AM/FM radio. The presence of a built-in tuner that allows you to receive AM and FM radio broadcasts without additional devices (except perhaps an antenna is required, and then not always). In FM, it is possible to realize the transmission of high-quality stereo sound, however, the waves propagate only within the line of sight (10-20 km); therefore, most of the stations in this range are classified as "urban music". In AM, the transmission range is already measured in hundreds of kilometers, but the sound quality is noticeably lower; therefore, such stations usually specialize in talk programs (particularly news).

— USB stick. The ability to connect a USB drive to the receiver — for example, a "flash drive" or an external hard drive — and play content from it directly. This requires a USB connector. Most often, in models with this function, it is located on the front panel (see below) — this provides ease of connection; at the same time, there are exceptions. Also note that the very presence of USB does not necessarily imply the possibility of playing from external media — this interface can be used for service purposes, for example, to update the firmware or play from a PC (see "Advanced (inputs) — USB Type B").

— Network audio streaming. The ability to play streaming audio over a local network or the Internet (including from services like Grooveshark o...r Last.Fm). The name "streaming" is due to the fact that each song is played directly from the network, without being written to the receiver's own permanent storage. This function, by definition, requires connection to computer networks; most often, a Wi-Fi module is used for this purpose (see "Interfaces") or a LAN connector.

— Internet radio. The ability to use the receiver to receive and play Internet radio broadcasts. This feature is similar in many ways to the network audio described above — in particular, it requires a network connection to work, and the data is streamed; however, in the case of network audio, the user himself chooses what and when to listen, here the broadcast is similar to conventional radio transmissions and is controlled from the radio station. Actually, many major stations broadcast their programs not only on the traditional air, but also via the Internet; There are also specialized projects broadcasting only on the Web. In general, the choice of programs is much more extensive than for conventional radio broadcasting — after all, Internet radio has no range restrictions. And the receivers themselves may provide additional tools for managing such broadcasting — for example, catalogs, search by genres, languages, etc.

Audio and video file formats that the receiver is capable of playing on its own. Models with player features generally support most popular media file types (particularly AVI, MPEG and MKV for video, MP3, WAV and WMA for audio), but the file set may have its own peculiarities. This item allows you to find out.

- AirPlay. Technology for transmitting multimedia data via a wireless connection ( Wi-Fi). Developed by Apple, it is intended mainly for broadcasting content from various Apple devices (primarily portable gadgets) to compatible external devices. Allows you to transfer audio files (in audio streaming mode, see “Tuner and playback” for more details), as well as images, text data and even video. The presence of AirPlay in the receiver will allow you to connect Apple equipment with support for this technology to it for direct playback, as well as display information about files on an external screen (for example, a TV) - song name, artist name, etc.

- AirPlay 2. The second version of the AirPlay technology described above, released in 2018. One of the main innovations introduced in this update was support for the multi-room format - the ability to simultaneously broadcast several separate audio signals to different compatible devices installed in different locations. Thus, you can, for example, turn on the next episode of your favorite series from your iPhone on the TV in the living room, and relaxing music from your iPod in the kitchen, etc. In addition, AirPlay 2 received a number of other improvements - improved buffering, the ability to stream to stereo acoustics, as well as support for voice control via Siri.

- Chromecast.... Original name: Google Cast. Technology for broadcasting content to external devices, developed by Google. Allows you to transmit video and audio from a PC or mobile device to the AV receiver; broadcasting is usually carried out via Wi-Fi, while the receiver and the signal source must be on the same Wi-Fi network (with the exception of Chromecast media players). Chromecast technology supports two modes - actual broadcasting through special applications (available for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS) and “mirroring” content opened in the Google Chrome browser on an external screen.

- Wi-Fi. A wireless interface used primarily for building computer networks. Accordingly, AV receivers may need its presence primarily to implement network functions - streaming audio, Internet radio (see “Tuner and playback”), AirPlay (see above), DLNA (see below). Connecting to computer networks can also be done through a wired LAN interface(see below), but Wi-Fi is more convenient due to the absence of wires and the ability to work through obstacles (including walls) at a distance of several tens of meters. In addition, in some models, this technology can also be used to communicate directly with other devices - for example, to use a smartphone or tablet as a remote control, or to broadcast live video using Miracast technology or another similar format.

— Bluetooth. Direct wireless communication technology between various electronic devices; operates at a range of about 10 m, although some specific operating formats provide a longer range. Technically, it can be used for different purposes, depending on the protocols supported by a particular device; In AV receivers, two protocols are most often found - A2DP for wireless broadcasting of audio signals and AVRCP for remote control. In the first case, we are usually talking about transmitting a signal from an external device (smartphone, laptop, etc.) to the receiver; theoretically, the opposite option is also possible - broadcasting sound to Bluetooth headphones or acoustics, however, for a number of reasons, this format of operation is almost never found in AV receivers. AVRCP, in turn, allows you to use an external gadget (for example, the same smartphone) as a remote control.

- LAN. A standard interface for wired connection of various equipment (including AV receivers) to computer networks, incl. to access the Internet. Due to the presence of a wire, it is less convenient to connect than the Wi-Fi described above. On the other hand, a LAN connection wins in terms of connection reliability and actual data transfer speed - especially if there are many wireless devices on the network and Wi-Fi channels are busy (which is often the case, since Wi-Fi modules are very popular in modern electronics ). Therefore, for working with large volumes of data - for example, watching high-definition video via DLNA (see below) - LAN is better suited.

— RS-232. A wired interface that originally appeared in computer technology. In AV receivers, it can be called a service connector: content is not transmitted through this connector, but through it you can connect the device to a computer and remotely change settings, as well as update the firmware.

— MHL. High-speed wired interface for transmitting multimedia data (video and audio) from mobile devices to external screens. The bandwidth allows you to work with high or even ultra-high resolution images, as well as multi-channel audio. Also, when connected, the gadget can be charged. In mobile devices, the MHL signal is output via a standard microUSB port; and the role of the input in AV receivers (and other stationary equipment) is played by the HDMI connector (see below) - however, not every connector, but only one that is initially compatible with MHL and has the appropriate marking. Adapters are available for connecting to regular HDMI, but additional functions (like charging) may not be available with this connection.

- DLNA. A technology used to connect various electronic devices into a single digital network with the ability to directly exchange content. Devices for which support for this standard is declared are able to communicate effectively regardless of the manufacturer. An AV receiver with DLNA can, for example, play a movie directly from the hard drive of a computer in the next room, or transfer photos from a smartphone to the TV. Connecting to the Network can be done either wired (LAN) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi, see above).

- Roon Tested. Roon Tested accreditation means the AV receiver is compatible with the popular audiophile music streaming platform Roon. Certified models have undergone a series of tests and meet the quality standards required to operate Roon flawlessly. This ensures convenient management and organization of content within the platform.

— Coordination of Remote control. A function that allows you to connect the AV receiver to another device (for example, a Blu-ray player or external amplifier) and control both devices with one remote control. When purchasing equipment with such a function, it is necessary to clarify compatibility - as a rule, only equipment from one manufacturer can work in such a “bundle”, and even in such cases, their own nuances are possible upon agreement.

— Voice assistant. Receiver support for voice assistant. The most popular assistants these days are:

• Google Assistant
• Apple Siri
  
• Amazon Alexa

However, other solutions may also emerge. In any case, it is worth noting that we are not talking about an assistant built into the receiver itself, but about compatibility with external devices that have this function (for example, a smartphone or tablet). But even such compatibility allows you to give commands to the receiver by voice - this is often more convenient than more traditional control methods. The specific set of supported commands and languages may vary depending on the voice assistant and its specific version.