AV Receivers Comparison: Pioneer VSX-933 vs Arcam AVR850

Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Pioneer VSX-933

Pioneer VSX-933

  • Brand Pioneer
  • USB 2
  • WI-FI true
  • Bluetooth true
  • Dolby Atmos true
Arcam AVR850

Arcam AVR850

  • Brand Arcam
  • USB 1
  • WI-FI FALSE
  • Bluetooth FALSE
  • Dolby Atmos TRUE

Quick Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Pioneer VSX-933 and the Arcam AVR850 depends on your available space, storage capacity goals, and everyday usage style:

Best For Maximum Capacity

Pioneer VSX-933

Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.

  • Superior Volume: Easily stores bulk meats, frozen garden harvests, and family packs.
  • Cold Retention: Keeps food frozen significantly longer in power outages.
  • Energy Efficiency: Top-opening design keeps dense cold air trapped inside.
Best For Compact Spaces

Arcam AVR850

Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.

  • Space-Saving Footprint: Fits neatly under counters or in compact corners without intruding.
  • Upright Organization: Shelves allow you to organize and grab items without digging.
  • Everyday Convenience: Front-swing door provides quick, easy access anytime.

Specifications

Specification Pioneer VSX-933 Arcam AVR850
Additional Features
Smartphone Remote Control Yes No
Deep Color — No
Three-zone Capability No No
Dual-zone Capability — No
MCACC Pro — No
A-B Speaker Switch No No
Pure Direct Mode No No
Auto Power Off Yes No
Bi-amplifying No No
Audio Return Channel (ARC) Yes No
AIR Studios Monitor Certification — No
Apple Air-play Support Yes No
X.v.Color — No
Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) Technology Yes No
Functions
Network Audio Player Yes Yes
Internet Radio Yes Yes
Digital Player Yes Yes
Amplifier Class — —
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.1 W 0.5 W
Operational Power Consumption 480 W 1500 W
Built-in Decoders
DTS:X Yes Yes
DTS Neural:X — Yes
DTS-HD Master Audio — —
Dolby True HD Yes Yes
Dolby Surround No Yes
Dolby Digital Plus Yes Yes
Dolby Atmos Yes Yes
Connectivity Interfaces
WI-FI Yes No
Bluetooth Yes No
IEEE 802.3u Yes No
IEEE 802.3 Yes No
Connector Type
Optical Digital Inputs 1 No
Phones 1 6
AV Inputs 4 No
USB 2 1
Subwoofer Outputs 2 No
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not No
Optical Digital Outputs has not No
HDMI Outputs 1 2
HDMI Inputs 4 7
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 4
Audio Formats
WMA Yes No
WAV Yes No
MP3 Yes No
FLAC Yes No
Apple Lossless Yes No
DSD — No
AIFF — No
AAC Yes No
Clock
Sleep Timer Yes —
Built-in Clock Yes —
Radio
Preset Station Qty — —
Preset Station 30 —
Tuner Bands AM/FM DAB, Dab+
Tuner Type digital Digital
Built-in Display
Colour black Black
Type fluorescent —
Signal Processing
Upscaling Via HDMI up to 4K up to 4K
3D Pass-through Yes Yes
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion Yes
HDMI Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.02%
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20-20000Hz
Output Impedance Per Channel 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm —
Output Power Per Channel 80 W 100 W
Total Output Power 560 W 100 W
Sound Features
Digital Sound Processor (DSP) — No
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 No
Sound Output Mode — Surround Sound
Surround System Class 7.2 channel No
DSP Preset Qty — No
Surround Sound Effects Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround Surround Sound
Audio D/A Converter 32bit / 384kHz No
Media Content Source
USB-host Yes Yes
Network Yes No
Bluetooth Yes No
Dimensions
Dimensions 14.6 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches —
General
Brand Pioneer Arcam

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Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences center around storage capacity, form factor, and convenience. The Pioneer VSX-933 provides extensive bulk storage capacity best suited for homes, garages, or basements needing deep freeze space. In contrast, the Arcam AVR850 offers a compact upright design that fits into smaller spaces with convenient shelf organization.

Chest-style freezers generally excel in thermal efficiency because cold air naturally settles at the bottom and does not escape when the lid is lifted. Compact upright models have lower total kilowatt-hour usage simply due to their smaller cubic volume, making both designs efficient for their respective intended purposes.

Both products are listed on Amazon with full manufacturer warranties, customer reviews, and fast delivery options. Click the "Check Price on Amazon" buttons in the comparison cards above to view today's latest promotions, verified customer ratings, and current availability.

Measure your available floor clearance first. If you have open space in a garage, basement, or utility room and want to freeze items in bulk, choose the Pioneer VSX-933. If you have limited room in a kitchen, apartment, dorm, or office and prefer easy eye-level access to items, choose the Arcam AVR850.