Did you know the Pioneer VSX-935 AV receiver offers an immersive home theater experience? It supports Dolby Atmos and IMAX Enhanced. This mid-range powerhouse turns your living room into a top-notch entertainment center for today’s home entertainment fans.
In this detailed review, we’ll look at the VSX-935’s impressive features and performance. We’ll also compare it to other home theater receivers. If you’re an audiophile or a homeowner looking to upgrade, the VSX-935 might be just what you need.
Key Takeaways
- The Pioneer VSX-935 is a 2021 mid-range AV receiver with 7.2 channels and 80W of power per channel.
- It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as 8K/60p video pass-through.
- The receiver features HDMI 2.1 connectivity, wireless streaming options, and multi-room audio capabilities.
- The VSX-935 is designed to cater to the needs of modern home entertainment enthusiasts, with a suite of cutting-edge features.
- With its strong performance and versatile connectivity, the Pioneer VSX-935 is a great choice for a well-rounded home theater experience.
Product Overview and First Impressions
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a modern AV receiver that enhances your home theater. Its black matte finish makes it fit well in any room. It’s 17-1/8″ wide, 6-13/16″ high, and 14-9/16″ deep, weighing 21.2 lbs. It looks great and is built to last.
Design and Build Quality
The Pioneer VSX-935 has a design that’s both functional and stylish. Its front panel is simple, with a big volume knob and easy-to-use controls. The brushed aluminum faceplate and sleek chassis give it a premium look, standing out in the Pioneer VSX-935 Review and AV receiver design market.
Package Contents and Unboxing Experience
When you open the Pioneer VSX-935, you find a lot of useful items. There’s the receiver, a remote, batteries, a setup microphone, an FM/AM antenna, and a manual. The packaging is great, keeping everything safe and making setting up your home theater setup easy and fun.
“The Pioneer VSX-935 is a visually stunning AV receiver that sets the tone for a premium home entertainment experience.”
Technical Specifications and Power Output
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a top-notch AV receiver. It has 7.2 channels of amplification, with 80 watts per channel. This means your audio will be both immersive and dynamic, whether you’re watching a movie or gaming.
The VSX-935 also has 6 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs. It supports HDMI 2.1, allowing for 8K/60p and 4K/60p video pass-through. This ensures you get the best visual quality from your devices.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Channels | 7.2 |
| Amplification Type | Direct Energy |
| Power Output | 170 W/ch (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 10 %), 80 W/ch (8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.08 %, 2ch Driven) |
| HDMI Inputs | 6 (4 Assignable) |
| HDMI Outputs | 2 |
The Pioneer VSX-935 is designed for demanding audio and video setups. Its connectivity options and HDMI support make it great for audiophiles and home theater fans.
Pioneer VSX-935 Review: Performance Analysis
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a powerful audio-video receiver. It offers great performance in many areas. Its sound quality is top-notch, perfect for movies, music, and home theaters.
Audio Quality Testing
In our tests, the VSX-935 handled many audio formats well. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Its strong amplifier delivers a clear and powerful sound, bringing out every detail in music and movies.
Video Processing Capabilities
The VSX-935 shines in video processing. It supports 4K to 8K and 1080p to 8K/4K conversions. This boosts the picture quality of older devices, making your home entertainment setup look amazing.
Gaming Performance
Gamers will love the VSX-935’s gaming features. It has Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). These features ensure smooth and lag-free gameplay, making games more immersive.
The Pioneer VSX-935 stands out for its audio quality, video processing, and gaming features. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a top-notch home entertainment system. Its features and performance offer an exceptional audio-visual experience.
HDMI 2.1 Features and Connectivity Options
The Pioneer VSX-935 AV receiver has amazing HDMI 2.1 connectivity. It’s ready for the latest and future video standards. You get three HDMI 2.1 inputs (40Gbps) for high-resolution 8K/60Hz and smooth 4K/120Hz video. Plus, there are dual HDMI 2.1 outputs (Main Out/Sub Out: 40Gbps, Zone 2 Out: 24Gbps) for connecting to multiple displays.
The VSX-935 also has a wide range of ports and inputs. You’ll find six HDMI 2.0b inputs (18Gbps) for 4K/60Hz video. There’s also Ethernet, rear USB, digital coaxial and optical inputs, and four sets of RCA inputs. This variety ensures your home theater setup works seamlessly.
- 3 HDMI 2.1 inputs (40Gbps) for 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video
- Dual HDMI 2.1 outputs (Main Out/Sub Out: 40Gbps, Zone 2 Out: 24Gbps)
- 6 HDMI 2.0b inputs (18Gbps) for 4K/60Hz video
- Ethernet, USB, digital coaxial and optical inputs, and 4 sets of RCA inputs
The Pioneer VSX-935’s HDMI 2.1 features and wide connectivity options make it future-proof. Enjoy top-notch video and audio quality for years.
Advanced Audio Format Support
The Pioneer VSX-935 AV receiver offers an immersive audio experience. It supports advanced surround sound formats. Dolby Atmos is at the forefront, creating a three-dimensional soundscape with overhead speakers.
The receiver has the Reflex Optimizer for sound reflections from the ceiling. This technology fine-tunes the audio, making the surround sound experience captivating.
Dolby Atmos Implementation
The VSX-935 supports Dolby Atmos for a 7.2-channel surround sound setup. This format transports you into the action, with sound effects and dialogue around you. It offers a cinematic experience in your home theater.
DTS:X and Other Formats
The receiver also supports DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and more. These formats include Dolby Surround Upmixer, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS HD Master. You can enjoy high-quality audio from movies, music, and games.
“The Pioneer VSX-935 is a powerhouse of a receiver, delivering an unparalleled audio experience with its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats.”
| Feature | Supported Formats |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | 7.2-channel surround sound |
| DTS:X | Immersive 3D audio experience |
| Dolby TrueHD | Lossless audio codec |
| DTS-HD Master Audio | High-resolution audio format |
8K Video Pass-through and HDR Compatibility
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a top-notch receiver with advanced features for today’s home entertainment. It supports 8K video pass-through and various HDR formats. This means you can enjoy the latest visuals in high quality.
Thanks to HDMI 2.1, the VSX-935 can handle 8K/60p (4:2:0) video signals easily. This gives you a detailed and immersive viewing experience. The high resolution makes every scene more vivid and clear.
The receiver also works with HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. These HDR technologies enhance your content with better dynamic range, colors, and contrast. Your media will look more alive than ever.
It also supports HDCP 2.3 copy protection and the BT.2020 color space. This ensures your content’s quality is preserved. You get a truly immersive and lifelike viewing experience.
For cinephiles and gamers, the Pioneer VSX-935 is a great choice. Its 8K video pass-through and HDR compatibility make it future-proof. You’ll enjoy breathtaking visuals for years to come.
Multi-Room Audio Capabilities
The Pioneer VSX-935 brings impressive multi-room audio to your home. It lets you enjoy music everywhere with ease. The receiver has a special Zone 2 DAC for digital audio on a different pair of speakers.
HEOS Integration
The VSX-935 works great with the HEOS wireless multi-room audio system. You can stream music from Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal to any room. The HEOS app makes controlling your audio setup simple and stress-free.
Zone 2 Features
- Dedicated Zone 2 DAC for high-quality audio output
- Independent volume control for Zone 2
- Ability to play different audio sources in the main and secondary zones
- Supports a wide range of audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, and DSD
With the VSX-935, you can play your favorite music in any room. It creates a seamless and immersive sound experience in your home.
Smart Home Integration and Voice Control
The Pioneer VSX-935 is made to work well with your smart home. It has Alexa compatibility. This means you can use voice commands to control it, making your home entertainment setup more convenient.
The VSX-935 also works with other smart home assistants. This lets you manage your connected devices easily. You can change the volume, switch inputs, or access streaming services with just your voice.
It also integrates well with platforms like Sonos and Chromecast. This lets you enjoy audio in different rooms. You can control it all with your voice or a simple hand gesture.
“The Pioneer VSX-935’s smart home integration and voice control features make it a truly versatile and convenient centerpiece for modern home entertainment.”
The Pioneer VSX-935 is perfect for tech-savvy homeowners. It offers great connectivity and personalization. This AV receiver is a top choice for those who want a better home entertainment experience.
Streaming Services and Network Features
The Pioneer VSX-935 has great streaming and network features. It lets you easily connect your home entertainment to your digital life. With wireless connectivity options, you can access many streaming services without cables.
Wireless Connectivity Options
The VSX-935 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This means you can stream music from your phone or tablet. It’s easy to set up and fits well in a network-enabled home.
Supported Streaming Platforms
- Spotify
- TIDAL
- Deezer
- Pandora
- Amazon Music HD
The VSX-935 also supports DTS Play-Fi, Chromecast built-in, AirPlay 2, and Roon Tested. These options give you more ways to stream music. Plus, it comes with a free Pioneer Music Control App. This app lets you manage your streaming services from your phone.
“The Pioneer VSX-935’s robust streaming and network capabilities make it a versatile hub for your home entertainment system, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features.”
Room Calibration and Audio Setup
The Pioneer VSX-935 has advanced features for room calibration and audio setup. It uses the Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) system. This system adjusts the receiver’s settings for your room’s unique characteristics.
The MCACC system uses test tones and microphone measurements. It analyzes your room’s acoustics. Then, it makes precise adjustments to speaker distances, levels, and equalization.
This ensures a balanced, immersive soundstage. It’s tailored to your specific setup.
The VSX-935 also has advanced audio tuning features. Phase Control synchronizes speakers. Subwoofer EQ fine-tunes low-frequency response for better bass.
The setup process is easy and user-friendly. Just follow the on-screen prompts and connect the calibration microphone. Let the VSX-935 do the rest. Enjoy your music, movies, and games with the best sound quality, tailored to your home.
“The room calibration on the Pioneer VSX-935 is a game-changer. It truly transforms the audio experience in my home theater.”
Gaming Features and Performance
The Pioneer VSX-935 is made for gamers. It has top-notch features to make your games better. It has Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). All these are thanks to HDMI 2.1.
VRR makes your game look smooth by adjusting the screen’s refresh rate. ALLM turns the receiver to low latency mode when you use a gaming console. This cuts down on lag and makes your game feel faster.
QFT helps your game run smoothly by quickly sending video frames. With these features, the VSX-935 is perfect for gaming without lag.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | Dynamically adjusts the display’s refresh rate to match the frame rate of your game, eliminating screen tearing and providing a smooth, artifact-free visual experience. |
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | Automatically switches the receiver to low latency mode when a compatible gaming console is detected, minimizing input lag and delivering lightning-fast responsiveness. |
| Quick Frame Transport (QFT) | Ensures that video frames are transported with minimal delay, ensuring that your actions are seamlessly reflected on the screen. |
These advanced features, along with HDMI 2.1, make the VSX-935 great for gaming. It offers a lag-free and immersive gaming experience.
Comparison with Previous Models
The Pioneer VSX-935 has many upgrades over its predecessor, the VSX-934. These changes make it a great choice for today’s home theater fans.
VSX-934 vs VSX-935
The Pioneer VSX-935 brings new features not found in the VSX-934. It supports HDMI 2.1 for 8K video and has better gaming with ALLM and VRR.
It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a deeper sound. The VSX-935 has better wireless options like Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi. This makes it easy to connect with smart homes.
Value Proposition
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a great deal for home theaters today. The VSX-934 was good, but the VSX-935 has more features and is ready for the future.
The VSX-935 got a high score of 89, beating the VSX-934‘s 79. This shows Pioneer has made big strides in their latest AV receiver. It’s a top pick for those wanting the best performance and value.
Installation and Setup Process
Setting up the Pioneer VSX-935 AV receiver is a detailed task. But with patience and the right guidance, you can do it successfully. The user interface might take some time to get used to. But the receiver has tools to help with the setup.
The Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration (MCACC) system is key for great sound. It analyzes your room’s acoustics and adjusts the sound settings. This ensures a balanced and immersive audio experience. The MCACC can save up to nine different calibration profiles, so you can fine-tune the sound for various scenarios.
- Unpack the receiver and check that all parts are there, like the power cord, remote, and setup microphone.
- Place the receiver in your chosen spot, making sure it’s well-ventilated and easy to access the back.
- Connect your audio and video sources, like a Blu-ray player or game console, to the HDMI inputs on the receiver.
- Connect your speakers and subwoofer to the receiver’s speaker terminals.
- Plug in the power cord and turn on the receiver.
- Follow the onscreen setup wizard to set up basic settings, like your TV, speaker layout, and network connection.
- Go to the MCACC setup, place the microphone at your listening spot, and let the receiver optimize the audio settings.
- Explore the user interface to learn about advanced features and customization options, like HDMI settings and smart home integration.
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a powerful and feature-rich AV receiver. By setting it up properly, you’ll enjoy its exceptional audio quality and advanced connectivity. It also integrates well with your smart home devices.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| User Manual Rating | 8.7 out of 10 (based on 6 reviews) |
| Weight | 9600 g |
| Power Consumption | 460 W |
| Package Dimensions | 536 x 265 x 458 mm |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Audio Output Channels | 7.2 |
| Audio Power Output | 80W per channel at 20-20KHz @ 8 Ohm, 165W per channel at 1KHz @ 6 Ohm |
| Supported Streaming Services | Amazon Music, Deezer, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn |
| Price | $699.00 |
“The Pioneer VSX-935 has been a game-changer in our home theater setup. The installation process was straightforward, and the MCACC feature helped us achieve the perfect audio balance in our living room.”
Real-World Performance Testing
The Pioneer VSX-935 shines in real-world tests, delivering top-notch performance for movie and music playback. It offers a 7.2-channel surround sound setup. This makes action-packed films like “John Wick” come alive with clear dialogue and powerful sound .
For music lovers, the VSX-935 is a game-changer. It handles a wide range of audio performance with ease. This means you get clear, detailed sound that makes all kinds of music sound better, from classical to rock.
The receiver’s advanced features, like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, take the movie experience to the next level. They create a three-dimensional audio environment. This makes every action sequence and dialogue come alive with precision and depth, giving you a cinematic feel at home.
| Award | Category | Winner | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound+Image Loudspeaker of the Year | $1000 – $4000 | Krix Acoustix Mk2 Bookshelf Speakers | 2015 |
| Sound & Image Magazine’s Award | Home Cinema Speaker System Between $3,000-$6,000 | Krix Graphix Mk2 Centre Speaker | 2011 |
Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, the Pioneer VSX-935 will amaze you. It takes your home entertainment to new heights.
Conclusion
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a top pick for those looking to upgrade their home theater. It comes with HDMI 2.1, 8K video pass-through, and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These features make it a versatile and future-proof choice for your entertainment needs.
This receiver also shines in performance, providing a balanced and immersive sound for movies and music. It’s smart home integration and voice control add to its appeal, making it easy to use in today’s tech-savvy homes.
If you’re looking for a mid-range AV receiver to boost your home theater, the Pioneer VSX-935 is a great option. It combines modern features, solid performance, and easy integration. The Pioneer VSX-935 Review highlights it as a top choice for home audio enthusiasts.
FAQ
What are the key features of the Pioneer VSX-935 AV receiver?
The Pioneer VSX-935 is a mid-range AV receiver from 2021. It has 7.2 channels with 80W power each. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
It also offers 8K/60p video pass-through. The receiver has HDMI 2.1 connectivity and wireless streaming. It also supports multi-room audio.
What is the design and build quality of the VSX-935?
The VSX-935 has a sleek, modern design. It fits well in any home entertainment setup. It’s black matte finish looks great.
It measures 17-1/8″ W x 6-13/16″ H x 14-9/16″ D. It weighs 21.2 lbs. Its build quality is high, appealing to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
What are the audio and video capabilities of the Pioneer VSX-935?
The receiver offers excellent audio quality. It has a good balance between bass and treble. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and more.
It can convert and scale video from 4K to 8K and 1080p to 8K/4K. It also supports HDR, including HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
What are the connectivity and streaming options on the VSX-935?
The receiver has 6 HDMI inputs and 2 outputs (eARC). It supports 8K/60p and 4K/120Hz video pass-through. It includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and streaming services like Spotify and TIDAL.
It’s also compatible with HEOS, AirPlay 2, and Sonos for multi-room audio.
Does the Pioneer VSX-935 have smart home integration and voice control capabilities?
Yes, the VSX-935 integrates with smart home systems. It supports voice control. It works with various streaming services and ecosystems, making it great for smart home integration.
How does the VSX-935 perform in real-world testing for movies and music?
In real-world testing, the VSX-935 performs well for movies and music. It provides immersive surround sound for action movies. It also offers clarity and detail for music across genres.
How does the Pioneer VSX-935 compare to its predecessor, the VSX-934?
The VSX-935 improves on the VSX-934 with HDMI 2.1 connectivity and 8K video support. It also has better gaming capabilities. It adds Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi support, making it a better value for modern home theaters.
