Audio Video News

Pioneer today announced the availability of the VSX-933 7.2-channel AV receiver, a slightly less expensive close cousin to the Elite series VSX-LX103 introduced just a few weeks ago.

Like it’s $499 Elite counterpart, the $479 VSX-933 supports 5.2.2-channel surround sound via Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing and delivers 7 x 80 watts of FTC-rated power, which can be routed via powered Zone 2 outputs to speakers in a remote room; there’s also a Zone 2 pre/line out for using an outboard amplifier.

The receiver has six HDMI inputs and supports 4K/Ultra HD upscaling and passthrough with HDCP 2.2, 4K/60 Hz, wide color gamut, and three high dynamic range (HDR) formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma).

Audio chops include support for hi-res audio up to 24 bits/192 kHz in FLAC, WAV, AIFF and ALAC file formats in addition to DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) and Dolby TrueHD.

System setup is automated via Pioneer’s Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) system, which uses a microphone to analyze the sound, apply equalization, and compensate for differences in speaker size, level, and distance. Pioneer’s Phase Control also compensates for phase lags between the subwoofer and the main channel speakers to clarify sound in the middle and high frequency bands.

Additional features the VSX-933 shares with the LX103 include:

• A Reflex Optimizer that enhances object-based surround-sound reproduction from up-firing Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers
• Compatibility with Google Assistant devices for using voice commands to start/stop music, turn up the volume, and skip tracks
• Wireless connectivity that supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth streaming, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay, DTS Play-Fi, and Pioneer’s FlareConnect protocol that mirrors any audio source connected to the receiver on compatible speakers in other rooms
• Access to Internet radio and a variety of music streaming services, including Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, and TuneIn internet radio

Differences between the VSX-933 and the Elite LSX-103 include a one-year warranty instead of the LX103’s three-year warranty and the lack of a phono input and custom installation features found on the LX103, including IR in, 12-volt trigger out, and RS-232c.

For more information, visit pioneerelectronics.com.