Pioneer VSX-935 AV Receiver

Pioneer VSX-935 is a seven-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It also has a height virtualizer for non-Dolby Atmos sources. The HDMI inputs can handle Ultra HD, HDR 10 and Dolby Vision. There are six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs - they also have provision for the latest 4K HDCP copy protection protocols. Connectivity is good with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can also stream using DTS Play, Sonos and Apple Airplay 2. The remote control has personal pre-set buttons. Finally, there is also a subwoofer output so that you can create a 7.2 surround sound system. A bonus is the built-in AM/ FM tuner and phono preamp.

HDMI 2.1

HDMI 2.1 is the latest specification for HDMI. It can deal with higher resolution formats as well as faster refresh rates with 8k at 60Hz as well as 4K at 120Hz. There is also HDR or High Dynamic Range video. 8K has twice the resolution of 4K and provides a super-immersive experience with smooth motion. This is also good for gamers as the variable refresh rate eliminates lag, stutter and frame tearing. Fluid gameplay is assured with ALLM or Auto Low Latency Mode.

E-ARC HDMI

The HDMI connectivity also included E-ARC or Enhanced Audio return Channel. This allows for higher bit rates including Dolby Atmos as well as DTS-HD Master Audio.

Bi-directional Bluetooth

The VSX-935 can send as well as receive Bluetooth audio. You can stream from your device to the AV receiver using SBC or AAC codecs. Additionally, you can send audio playing through the AV Receiver to Bluetooth headphones using SBC, aptX or even aptX HD codecs. This gives maximum versatility with no loss of quality.

Auto room tuning

MCACC is an auto tuning methodology that measures the actual sound in the room. In this way, it can compensate for standing waves that interfere with the sound quality.  A microphone is used to measure up to nine locations in the room, these can then be saved. Overall the sound should have better bass and clearer high frequency sounds.

Roon tested

Roon is an audio archiving and playback app that can be installed on any device that is compatible. The VSX 935 has been Roon optimised to work flawlessly with simple setup and easy use. 

Great connectivity

Digital inputs include coaxial and optical as well as USB. There are five analogue inputs including a phono input for turntables. Additionally, there is an AM/FM tuner built in. There are six HDMI inputs as well as two outputs. This lets you connect Blu-ray players, Satellite receivers and game consoles without changing leads. The amplifier delivers 80 watts per channel into 8 Ohms and there are a number of surround modes.

Why use an AV receiver?

If you’re new to home cinema, you may be wondering why an amplifier has video inputs. That is because AV receivers act as switching centres for video and audio signals. AV stands for Audio / Video. Moreover, most AV receivers are also surround sound capable with up to eleven channels. That is two front left and right channels as well as the height channels required by Dolby Atmos. There is also usually a centre dialogue channel and a  subwoofer output. Finally, there is an ever-changing set of video standards, such as 4K video and HDR. The HDMI inputs need to be able to handle the type of video source you will be using. Some receivers also come with AM/ FM tuners, hence the receiver part of the name.