The Pioneer VSX-835 AV receiver serves as an outstanding foundation for a contemporary home theater system. Priced competitively, it boasts a range of features that were once exclusive to higher-end models. With a seven-channel setup, the Pioneer VSX-835 utilizes discrete components in its power amplifiers, allowing for substantial output current. Its proprietary design ensures low impedance in the amplifiers, facilitating reliable performance with speakers rated at 4 ohms. Additionally, the power supply incorporates a custom transformer that minimizes external interference.
The Pioneer VSX-835 features decoders for all major surround sound formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. With its seven integrated amplifiers, this model supports a 5.2.2 configuration, which is typically adequate for delivering immersive sound in a living room setting, whether in an apartment or a house. Furthermore, the Pioneer VSX-835 includes Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer and DTS Virtual:X modes, enabling the simulation of ceiling audio effects.
The Pioneer VSX-835 incorporates MCACC technology for automatic surround sound calibration, including enhancements for the subwoofer channel and compatibility with 3D audio formats. It is equipped with high-performance DACs featuring 32-bit / 384 kHz AKM4438 specifications. Users can activate Direct mode to turn off all additional sound processing. This AV receiver includes four HDMI inputs that support 8K video, Dolby Vision, and HDR10. It is capable of upscaling 1080p signals to 4K resolution when connected through HDMI. Additionally, the device offers a comprehensive array of digital and analog inputs for connecting various audio sources, along with Bluetooth functionality that supports High-Quality Audio.
The Pioneer VSX-835 features an output for multi-zone audio. Its user-friendly design, including a clear display, strategically positioned controls on both the front panel and remote, along with intuitive on-screen graphics, makes the AV receiver straightforward to configure and operate.
Pioneer VSX-835 specifications:
- Number of Channels: 7.2
- Output Power: 165 W per Channel (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD, 1 Channel Driven, IEC)
- Harmonic Distortion: 0.08% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, half power)
- Input Sensitivity/Impedance: 200 mV/47 kOhm
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+1 dB, -3 dB, Direct Mode)
- Tones: ±10 dB, 90 Hz (LF), ±10 dB, 7.5 kHz (HF)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 109 dB (Line Input)
- Speaker Impedance: 4 – 16 Ohms
- 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
- Dolby Pro Logic IIz
- Dolby Digital Plus
- DTS:X
- DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
- DTS-HD Express
- Dolby TrueHD
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer
- DTS Virtual:X
- Auto-Calibration System: MCACC, EQ Subwoofer, AccuReflex
- DAC: AKM 4458 (32 bit/384 kHz)
- DSP Processor: 32 bit
- Enhancer for Compressed Music Files: Advanced Music Optimizer
- Support for Bluetooth: High-Quality Audio
- Direct Mode: Yes
- Independent Crossover Frequency Adjustment for Each Channel: 40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/150/200 Hz
- Inputs:
- 4 HDMI inputs (HDMI 2.0) with support for 4K/60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 / HDR10, Dolby Vision
- 3 linear (RCA)
- 1 coaxial
- 1 optical
- USB port (only power supply 5V / 1A)
- Outputs:
- HDMI (2.0)
- 2 subwoofer outputs
- Pre-Out (for second zone)
- 6.3 mm headphone jack
- Other Connections:
- Mini-jack for calibration microphone
- Jacks for AM and FM antennas
- Output Terminals for Speakers:
- 2 pairs of screw terminals
- 5 pairs of spring terminals
- Power Supply: HCPS, high-current transformer
- Power Consumption: 480 W (standby mode: 0.2 W)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435x160x328 mm
- Weight: 8.2 kg
Might seem like a stripped down system, but the important parts are there. Has an AM tuner(rare but useful), plenty of 8K HDMI ports, supports all the latest sound formats that are not even listed in specs. For a small or medium setup the power output is plenty. Even with my budget mini speakers and low power subwoofer it sounds great in a 400 square foot living room. Don’t let the lack of internet connectivity scare you. Connect a decent streaming box for $50-$100 and that will far outlive the usefulness of built-in apps. Those usually lose support after a couple of years making your receiver outdated. This one is MORE future-proof because you can always swap a streamer for a newer faster one cheaply.