Denon AVR-X1500H VS Pioneer VSX-933
Denon AVR-X1500H
  • Brand - Denon
  • Manual - avr-x1500h.pdf
  • USB - 1
Pioneer VSX-933
  • Brand - Pioneer
  • Manual - vsx-933.pdf
  • USB - 2

Pioneer VSX-933 vs Denon AVRX1500 – what is better for you?

Pioneer VSX-933 vs Denon AVRX1500

I had a chance to test Pioneer VSX-933 vs Denon AVRX1500 and I would like to share my experience to help other people choose the right model.

Features & Performance

Pioneer VSX-933 vs Denon AVRX1500 back

These models have the exact total output power – 560 W. Both receivers support the modern 4K video standard with HDR and HLG. Pioneer can work with Sonos, while Denon supports the Alexa voice control technology. It also supports the seamless integration with automation systems like Control4 SDPP and remote controlling.

Connections & Setup

These receivers have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, so you can access various online services or stream content from your devices. Pioneer VSX-933 comes with the built-in Chromecast technology and it supports the Google Assistant. It is compatible with the DTS Play-Fi technology and Denon AVRX1500 works with HEOS. Both models support the zone-2 technology.

Customers do not have any issues with the ports. If we compare Denon AVRX1500 vs Pioneer VSX-933 in terms of the HDMI ports – we see that Denon has 6 in and 1 out HDMI ports, while Pioneer features 4 and 1 ports respectively.

Pioneer uses the MCACC technology and Denon uses the Audyssey technology to control the output sound. The auto-calibration process is precise – both manufacturers provide you with the required microphone. However, you can fine-tune the settings afterward using a user-friendly menu.

Design

These models look alike – they have a simple LCD display, two large knobs and many small buttons (everything is labeled properly). Both models have additional ports on the front panel.

These two models come with ergonomic remote controllers. Both models are easy to control whether you use a remote controller or buttons located on the receiver itself.

The dimensions are 14.6x17.1x6.8 in for Pioneer VSX-933 versus 13.3x17.1x5.9 in for Denon AVRX1500.

Pros & Cons

Denon AVR-X1500H

VS

Pros

    • The output sound quality is high. No voice latency.
    • The sound is crystal clear and has plenty of power.
    • Build quality is great. It's a heavy unit.
    • The cooling system is great – it does not overheat after a long period of using.

Cons

    • Some users find the on-screen interface outdated. It also works quite slowly.

Pioneer VSX-933

VS

Pros

    • It maintains all audio formats. You do not have to spend a lot of time to find the appropriate file.
    • Built-in Chromecast and DNS Play-Fi provide streaming music and internet radio from the mobile device.
    • Stable Wi-Fi for wireless connection with any smartphones and laptops, as well as PC.

Cons

    • Pay attention! If you want to buy this receiver because of the multi-zone feature, keep in mind that it is only compatible with the analog inputs. HDMI won’t help you use zone 2 function.
    • In Zone 2 it works only on the RCA (analog) inputs but not HDMI or digital ones. So, to install speakers on the patio for accessing to satellite audio channels it is necessary to get DAC with the optical/coax outputs of the sat AV going in. Then you need to get RCA output going into the RCA inpu

Specifications

Specification Denon AVR-X1500H Pioneer VSX-933
Connector Type
Subwoofer Outputs 2 2
Coaxial Digital Outputs has not has not
Optical Digital Outputs has not has not
Hdmi Outputs 1 1
Hdmi Inputs 6 4
Coaxial Digital Inputs 1 1
Phones 1 1
Optical Digital Inputs 2 1
Usb 1 2
Av Inputs 6 4
Radio
Preset Station 56 30
Tuner Bands AM/FM AM/FM
Tuner Type digital digital
Additional Features
Pure Direct Mode
Auto Power Off
Bi-amplifying
Audio Return Channel (arc)
Apple Air-play Support
Advanced Sound Retriever (asr) Technology
Three-zone Capability
Smartphone Remote Control
A-b Speaker Switch
Dual-zone Capability
Functions
Digital Player
Network Audio Player
Internet Radio
Clock
Sleep Timer
Built-in Clock
Audio Formats
Wav
Mp3
Flac
Apple Lossless
Aiff
Aac
Wma
Built-in Display
Colour black black
Type fluorescent fluorescent
Signal Processing
Upscaling Via Hdmi up to 4K
3d Pass-through
Video Conversion/scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling HDMI to HDMI scaling, analog to HDMI up conversion
Hdmi Pass-through up to 4K up to 4K
Amplifier
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.08 % 0.08 %
Frequency Response 20 Hz-20 kHz 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Impedance Per Channel 8 Ohm 6 Ohm, 8 Ohm
Output Power Per Channel 80 W 80 W
Total Output Power 560 W 560 W
Sound Features
Digital Content Protection HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
Surround System Class 7.2 channel 7.2 channel
Surround Sound Effects Dolby Surround Theater-Dimensional Virtual Surround
Audio D/a Converter 24bit / 192kHz 32bit / 384kHz
Built-in Decoders
Dolby True Hd
Dolby Surround
Dolby Digital Plus
Dolby Atmos
Dts:x
Media Content Source
Usb-host
Network
Bluetooth
Dimensions
Dimensions 13.3 x 17.1 x 5.9 inches 14.6 x 17.1 x 6.8 inches
Connectivity Interfaces
Ieee 802.3u
Ieee 802.3
Wi-fi
Bluetooth
User Manual
Manual avr-x1500h.pdf vsx-933.pdf
Power Device
Standby Power Consumption 0.5 W 0.1 W
Operational Power Consumption 430 W 480 W
General
Brand Denon Pioneer

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