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Pioneer VSX-532: The perfect centerpiece for building your own home theater system

Pioneer VSX-532
Pioneer VSX-532

In addition to digital television and Blu-ray, there are now various other HD image sources available, such as gaming consoles and both stationary and portable media players. It is noteworthy that the affordable Pioneer VSX-532 model includes four HDMI inputs, capable of transmitting UltraHD video content to your TV or projector. Furthermore, high resolution can also be achieved through HDMI connections. The Pioneer VSX-532 supports the decoding of multi-channel HD formats like Dolby and DTS, and it features Pioneer’s proprietary automatic acoustic calibration system, MCACC, which fine-tunes the sound to match the unique acoustics of your space, your speakers, and their placement.

Pioneer VSX-532

Pioneer VSX-532

If you would rather listen to music than watch a movie, you can easily utilize your smartphone or tablet alongside the standard players connected via analogue or digital inputs. Just open your preferred music application and connect the device wirelessly to the VSX-532’s built-in Bluetooth input. The front panel’s USB port can charge your mobile device if needed and also allows for direct playback of MP3, WMA, and AAC music files from a USB drive. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that older, heavily compressed files sound remarkably fresh and natural; Pioneer has leveraged decades of expertise in restoring lost signal components, which is reflected in the playback capabilities enhanced by Advanced Sound Retriever technology.

 

VSX 532 2

Utilize the ECO modes to enhance energy efficiency. ECO Mode 1 is ideal for playing CDs, two-channel audio files, and Internet radio. The more energy-efficient ECO Mode 2 is also compatible with movies, live concerts, and other multi-channel audio content. The Pioneer VSX-532 features a conveniently located USB port on the front panel, allowing you to play your favorite tracks effortlessly. It supports a variety of audio formats, including MP3, WMA, and AAC, and also provides a convenient charging option for connected devices.

This model is equipped to handle the latest Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio surround soundtracks, enabling you to experience uncompressed, high-resolution multi-channel audio from Blu-ray discs and other media sources. Enjoy music in a digital format that closely resembles the original analog sound. The Pioneer VSX-532 supports formats that exceed the CD standard, with sampling rates starting at 44.1 kHz and a bit depth of 16. Experience WAV files in true studio quality, with resolutions reaching up to 192/24.

Experience four times the HD resolution with 4K Ultra HD. The integrated video optimization system upscales standard definition or regular HD content to 4K resolution at a frame rate of 60p. Additionally, the high dynamic range (HDR) technology delivers exceptionally high-contrast and clear images. Effortlessly download songs from compatible devices using built-in Bluetooth technology. This AV receiver supports A2DP and Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), along with codecs such as SBC, AAC, and aptX. The standout feature is its minimalist network functionality, which includes only a built-in Bluetooth adapter.

It is likely that your previous receiver lacked these features, so you need not worry about the absence of Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Do you really require Bluetooth, or is it unnecessary? In my view, it is quite a valuable interface, especially for someone who frequently streams music from a smartphone. However, the VSX-532 is equipped with a version 3.0 interface and does not support aptX; we will evaluate how this impacts sound quality shortly.

The rear panel clearly shows some cost-cutting measures: the only analog output available (aside from the speaker connectors and headphone jack) is designated for the subwoofer. There are two types of speaker terminals: screw terminals for the front channels (which accommodate bare wire or banana plugs) and spring terminals for the rear and center channels. Unfortunately, bi-amping connections are not available, which may be a significant drawback if your previous receiver offered this capability and you utilized it.

VSX 532 3

The sole digital output available is HDMI, which, as you might expect, will be consistently utilized by the television. Fortunately, it includes a return audio channel—something the older receiver likely lacked, necessitating the use of the Toslink digital input instead. Additionally, there is a composite output that allows for the connection of a small LCD screen to display a graphical interface, enabling you to avoid powering on a large TV when accessing files from a USB flash drive.

While it may be disappointing that there is no linear analog output (preferably adjustable) for connecting an external power amplifier, it is likely that individuals with limited financial resources do not possess one that exceeds the quality of the receiver’s built-in amplifier. This rationale from the developers is understandable. However, if you began assembling a stereo system (as I did) by first acquiring a quality amplifier and speakers before adding the receiver, the absence of an analog output could be frustrating.

On the other hand, the input interfaces are more favorable, with four HDMI connectors proving to be more than sufficient. The inclusion of two composite video inputs seems excessive, as I believe neither is necessary. Three pairs of RCA audio inputs are also adequate. The receiver’s straightforward functionality is evident in its on-screen menu, which consists of two main sections: one for calibrating multichannel audio (featuring both automatic MCACC and manual settings) and another for playing music files from USB drives. Although the automatic acoustic calibration is somewhat basic—lacking measurement memory and graph viewing capabilities—it effectively accomplishes its purpose. It even includes phase control and automatic detection of the speakers’ crossover frequency.

Pioneer VSX-532

Pioneer VSX-532

The video capabilities are distinctly modern while remaining streamlined: it supports Ultra HD signals, including 4K/60p/4:4:4, along with 3D and HDR formats, and the HDMI interface is compliant with the HDCP 2.2 protocol. This allows for the connection of upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray players to the receiver. Notably, there is no 4K scaling, which is acceptable; have you encountered a 4K TV or projector that lacks such a scaler? I firmly believe that Full HD signals should only be upscaled to 4K at the final stage, specifically within the display.

According to the audio DAC specifications, it can handle signals up to 192 kHz/24 bit, which is sufficient for any use case. Now, addressing a critical aspect that a knowledgeable technology enthusiast should never overlook—the amplifier. Typically, receivers in this price range feature relatively low-power amplifiers, but this model boasts 5 x 130 W.

It is likely that this measurement was taken with one channel loaded, which is a common practice; however, the receiver is capable of adequately filling an average-sized room without strain. Additional features of this high-quality model include Direct and Pure Direct modes, which disable the tone control and all digital processing.

Pioneer VSX-532 specifications:

  • Model: Pioneer VSX-532
  • Number of Channels: 5
  • Amplification Type: Direct Energy
  • Power Output: 130 W per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 1.0%, 1-channel mode)
  • Audio Decoders:
    • Dolby® TrueHD
    • Dolby Digital Plus
    • Dolby Pro Logic II
  • Processor: Digital Core Engine with Cirrus Logic processor (4 cores) x1
  • HDMI Features:
    • Audio Return Channel
    • 3D format support (from Blu-ray® discs, broadcast, and game consoles)
    • Deep Color support (36-bit)
    • “xvColour”
  • Technologies:
    • Phase Control technology
    • Subwoofer equalizer (4-band)
    • Advanced Sound Retriever for compressed audio quality restoration (2-channel)
  • Tuner: AM / FM with 40 station memory
  • Wireless Features:
    • Built-in Bluetooth® (version 4.1, profile: A2DP / AVRCP, codec: SBC / AAC)
  • User Interface:
    • New graphical user interface with system/network setup menu
    • Automatic Power Off in Standby mode with HDMI signals
    • Automatic sleep timer
  • Remote Control: Simple and easy-to-use
  • Inputs and Outputs:
    • 1 USB input for USB storage
    • 1 Headphone output
    • 4 HDMI inputs
    • 2 Audio inputs (assignable)
    • 1 Digital coaxial input (assignable)
    • 1 Digital optical input (assignable)
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 168 x 331 mm
  • Weight: 7.2 kg

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Bob
18 days ago

Turn eco mode off and leave it off