Pioneer Introduces New VSX-933 7.2-Channel Network Receiver

Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation has announced the Pioneer VSX-933 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver, which is available from today with a retail price of $479. With a selection of inputs for high-res audio, the company claims that playback quality of music, movies, TV programs and games is ‘vastly’ improved.

The receiver handles 4K/60p-ready media players, TV displays and projectors with pass-through support for HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and BT.2020 color space via HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI terminals. Maxing out at 7.2 channels, the unit will support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback with a 5.2.2-channel speaker layout, while onboard amp design includes a claimed 165W/channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10%, 1 channel driven).

In addition to its discrete immersive audio options, Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X up-mixing solutions for legacy ‘2D’ soundtrack formats on DVD and BD discs are also supported.

The Pioneer VSX-933 also incorporates MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), developed with the expertise of professional recording studios, according to the company. Using a custom setup microphone, the system compensates for differences in speaker size, level, and distance, and equalizes response. Additionally, Phase Control technology eliminates phase-lag caused by the low-pass filter between main channels and subwoofer, and reproduces clearer mid- and high-range sound while adding dynamic impact to LFEs.

All HDMI terminals support 4K/60p, 4:4:4, 24-bit video pass-through, and the HDCP 2.2 digital copy-protection standard for playback of premium content. Video with HDR (High Dynamic Range) in HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), or Dolby Vision formats is passed through to a compatible display. Further, video with BT.2020 color space for spectacular color performance is supported. Pioneer’s Super Resolution is a 4K upscaling technology suited to HD sources that is also onboard.

As well as online music services from Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL and Deezer, news and a ‘limitless flow’ of radio entertainment comes courtesy of TuneIn internet radio. Music can be streamed via smartphone, laptop, or PC to the receiver with Chromecast-enabled apps or control your entertainment with the Google Assistant. Any smart speaker with the Google Assistant built-in, can be used to queue up, play back, and control content on the VSX-933 by voice.

DTS Play-Fi enables distribution of high-quality music from online services, media server, and mobile device to any number of compatible products using Pioneer Music Control App. DTS Play-Fi can synchronize music in every room, and family members can use their own device to listen in a room or group of rooms. A number of dedicated Zone 2 audio distribution options are also included, which is typical for this class of AV receiver product.

Another compelling model for home theater newbies then, with a raft of features, all of which combined are impressive in an amp with a $479 price tag. If you’re in the market for this category and are considering making a purchase, let us know in the thread.

 

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

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