The Pioneer VSX-534 is the entry-level member of the new generation of Pioneer VSX receivers, which received the number “4” at the end of their model number. The Pioneer VSX-534 is a classic hi-fi design, available exclusively in a black finish. For a modern receiver, it’s quite short—14.8 cm—which, incidentally, is almost two centimeters shorter than its predecessor. This AV receiver utilizes a classic five-channel design, which has quickly become a hallmark of entry-level equipment. The reason is clear: even mid-range equipment today deems height channels a must-have. We’ll return to the intricacies of immersive sound later, but for now, let’s take a look at our test unit.
The matte black façade is adorned with two impressive rotary input selectors and a volume control. In short, the design is utterly traditional. However, there are also external hints of advanced circuitry. Firstly, a large “4K” indicator has appeared on the display, denoting the use of ultra-high-resolution signals, and secondly, a sticker listing the key advanced functions is located next to the buttons. I know that some people leave such labels on the front panel.
Both the trim and the adjustment knobs are, of course, plastic, but the quality of their molding is impeccable. The only thing you can feel when trying to turn the impressive rotary knob is its lightness and hollowness. But where metal is truly needed, it’s there. For example, the headphone and calibration microphone jacks are made of it. Glancing at the rear panel, I was initially taken aback: there were only two pairs of screw-type terminals for connecting the speakers. But a second later, everything fell into place. All five speaker terminals are present, but the center and surround speakers are connected using spring clips. In my opinion, given the price range, there’s nothing wrong with this solution. After all, it’s highly unlikely that any potential VSX-534 buyer will connect the rear speakers to it with wire thicker than 1.5 square meters.
However, there were actually two subwoofer outputs. However, as it later turned out, the same signal is sent to both, so the “5.2 Channels” label on the aforementioned sticker doesn’t necessarily mean it can decode two separate LFE channels. Pay close attention to the adjacent pair of outputs labeled “Zone B.” Technically, there’s nothing fishy about this designation, with the only caveat being that the same signal currently playing on the front channels of Zone A will be sent to Zone B. This is essentially a typical preamp output—a rare and useful feature in this price range, by the way. It’s not so much for creating a second zone, but for better amplification of the main channels with a separate power amplifier.
However, when using this output, the audio path is switched to stereo, so using external amplification in home theater mode is impossible. The instructions also suggest using the Zone B ports for connecting wireless headphones. A logical solution, especially if you have a high-quality set of headphones with a base station that supports line-in. The other terminals didn’t have any unusual features. All four HDMI inputs and one HDMI output comply with the 2.0 standard, meaning they can handle video signals up to 4096x2160p/60Hz/12-bit (in YCbCr 4:2:0 format). Pleasantly, there’s also a USB power port next to the HDMI connectors, meaning there shouldn’t be any issues connecting dongles like Chromecast.
Pioneer VSX-534 specifications:
- Number of channels 5.2
- Output power 135 W per channel (6 Ohm, 1 kHz, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)
- Input sensitivity/impedance 200 mV/47 kOhm
- FM tuner 87.5 MHz – 108 MHz
- AM tuner 522 kHz – 1611 kHz; 530 kHz – 1710 kHz
- Number of memory presets 40
- Built-in decoders (main) Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Express, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X
- Processors Dolby Surround, DTS Neural:X
- MCACC auto calibration system
- DSP processor 32 bit
- Enhancer for compressed music files yes
- Support Bluetooth version 4.1
- Direct Mode yes
- Independent crossover frequency adjustment for each channel 40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/200 Hz
- Inputs 4 HDMI 2.0 inputs with support for 4K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10 / Dolby Vision, Phono, 3 linear (RCA), 1 coaxial, 1 optical, USB port (power)
- Outputs HDMI 2.0 with support for 4K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10, line (for zone 2), 2 subwoofer outputs, 6.3 mm headphone jack
- Other connections mini-jack for calibration microphone, jacks for AM and FM antennas,
- Speaker output terminals 2 pairs of screw terminals and 3 pairs of spring terminals
- Power supply: high-current transformer.
- Power consumption: 465 W, in standby mode: 0.15 W.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435x148x321 mm.
- Weight: 8 kg.
