Pioneer VSX-1131 Review and Specs

The Pioneer VSX-1131 receiver is positioned in the company's lineup as the top model in the middle segment. The next model has the LX index and refers to the upper segment. Let’s enjoy Pioneer VSX-1131 specs from this Pioneer VSX-1131 review.

Pioneer VSX-1131 review

Features

The top model of the budget line of Pioneer AVX AV receivers offers state-of-the-art cinema technology, powerful sound processing, and compliance with the latest video and audio standards for relatively little money. This is the only VSX-series AV receiver with seven gain channels. This means that this is the most affordable option for building a home theater with support for new surround formats Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Its output power is 160 W / channel (6 Ohms). For home cinemas, a version of the standard adapted for working in living rooms is used that uses surround sound systems in configurations from 5.1.2 to 7.2.4, when the standard version with seven surround speakers and two subwoofers is supplemented by two pairs of “ceiling” speakers.

Design and build

Classic power amplifiers based on complementary pairs of Toshiba 2SA1962 / 2SC5242 transistors operating in class A / B are used here, and not branded Direct Energy HD amplifiers operating in class D. The necessary computing power to decode the new Dolby Atmos and DTS: X audio formats is provided by the Cirrul Logic quad-core processor with Digital Core Engine technology. The digital-to-analog conversion is entrusted to the Asahi Kasei eight-channel 32-bit AK4458 chip. This DAC is capable of processing digital streams with resolutions up to 32 bit / 768 kHz.

Connectivity

We were pleased with the presence of two HDMI outputs. If desired, you can configure the signal output to only one of the outputs or both at the same time. Inputs: 6x HDMI, component, 2x composite, coaxial, 2x optical, linear, with phono. Outputs: 2x HDMI, 2x for subwoofer, for the second zone.

Setup

Calibrating the sound of the AV receiver to the acoustic features of the room is traditionally assigned to the Pioneer company MCACC Pro, created in collaboration with the British professional recording studio AIR Studios.

Pros and Cons