Pioneer's new VSX-933 is a 7.2-channel AV receiver rated at 80 watts per channel (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.08 percent THD at eight ohms, two channels driven). It features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding to support a 5.2.2-channel configuration. It can also pass a full 4K/60p 4:4:4 signal, with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision pass-through. The receiver has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as AirPlay, DTS Play-Fi, Chromecast, and FlareConnect. The VSX-933 is available now for $479.
From Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation
Onkyo & Pioneer Corporation has announced that the Pioneer VSX-933 7.2-Channel Network AV Receiver is now available ($479). With a deep reservoir of power smoothly delivered through all channels and a selection of inputs for High-Res Audio and pure analog sources, the VSX-933 vastly improves the audio playback quality of music, movies, TV programs, and games.
The AV receiver is comprehensively equipped to handle state-of-the-art 4K/60p-ready media players, TV displays, and projectors with pass-through support for HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma), Dolby Vision, and BT.2020 color space via HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI terminals.
Premium High-Class Amplification Design
The VSX-933 has 165 W/Ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10%, 1-ch driven) for fluent and responsive surround sound. Direct Energy design delivers wide-band frequency reproduction for an expansive soundstage with excellent spatial organization with multichannel and stereo sources.
Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback is enabled with a 5.2.2-channel speaker layout. Object-based audio places sound where it would occur naturally in space, creating a lifelike audio experience for movies and games. With the addition of Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, movie lovers can experience a 3D soundfield without installing speakers in the ceiling. DTS:X technology allows for the flexible placement of speakers to enable optimized playback in a variety of layouts.
Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X Up-Mixing Solutions
DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround technologies up-mix legacy "2D" soundtrack formats to reproduce surround sound with a more seamless and cohesive package in the 5.2.2-channel environment. Both solutions are cross-compatible with Dolby and DTS formats and are designed to create immersive 3D sound for movie soundtracks encoded on DVD, Blu-ray Disc, or selected video streaming services.
MCACC with Phase Control Technology
MCACC (Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System), developed with the expertise of professional recording studios, creates an ideal listening environment in the entertainment space. Using a custom setup microphone, the system automatically 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.
Reflex Optimizer
When using Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers, high-directivity sound reflects off the ceiling, while low-directivity sound reaches the ears directly. This subtle difference causes a phase shift, making sound feel uncomfortable. Reflex Optimizer technology resolves this phase lag and optimizes the performance of Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers for clear sound imaging at the viewing position.
HDMI Support for HDR, 4K/60p, and BT.2020 Video Formats
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.
High-Res Audio Smoothly Delivered
Popular Hi-Res Audio formats are supported over the local network and USB. These include 192-kHz/24-bit FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and ALAC, along with DSD 2.8 MHz/5.6 MHz. The VSX-933 also plays Dolby TrueHD up to 192-kHz/24-bit.
Online Music and Internet Radio
Online music services include Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, TIDAL, and Deezer, and owners can enjoy a limitless flow of music, sports, podcasts, and news entertainment courtesy of TuneIn internet radio.
Chromecast built-in and Google Assistant
Stream any music from your 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, be used to queue up, play back, and control content on the VSX-933 by voice. Just say "Hey Google" and request desired content.
Multi-Room Audio
DTS Play-Fi enables distribution of high-quality music from online services, media servers, and mobile devices to any number of compatible products using the 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.
FlareConnect shares audio from network and external audio input sources between compatible components. Enjoy effortless multi-room playback of LP records, CDs, network music services, and more with supported components and speaker systems. Music selection, speaker grouping, and playback management across the home are built into the Pioneer Remote App. For external input availability, visit https://pioneer-audiovisual.com/flareconnect/.
Dedicated ZONE 2 Speaker Outputs and Zone 2 Line Output
Connect stereo speakers to dedicated ZONE 2 speaker outputs to distribute sources via analog inputs, network, USB, and Bluetooth to another room. Play audio in Zone 1 (Main) or Zone 2 only; synchronize playback in both rooms at the same time; or play a unique source in each zone simultaneously. Users can enjoy a 5.2-channel setup in Zone 1 with powered ZONE 2 distribution enabled; or retain a 5.2.2-channel layout and use Zone 2 line-output to share audio to an existing hi-fi system, powered speakers, or power amp and stereo speakers featuring a line input.
Wireless Technology
High-fidelity sound sources can be played wirelessly over a Wi-Fi connection offering 5-GHz (11a/n) and 2.4-GHz (11b/g/n) bands. In busy households with many devices vying for connectivity on the 2.4-GHz band, the 5-GHz channel offers smooth transmission of audio files without radio-wave interference.
With Bluetooth wireless technology on board, the VSX-933 is a convenient audio streaming solution for almost any content playing on mobiles, tablets, and laptops.
Intuitive Graphical User Interface with Easy Initial Setup
Pioneer's intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI) over HDMI makes operation a pleasant, stress-free experience. The top page of the onscreen GUI displays System Setup, MCACC, and Network/Bluetooth, with quick access to each menu. A simple graphical display detailing receiver functions improves everyday operability, while Setup Guidance makes initial network setup easy.
Additional Resources
• Pioneer Introduces New Elite VSX-LX103 AV Receiver at HomeTheaterReview.com.
