Pioneer AVR: VSX-932 Vs. VSX-1131 Worth The Upgrade?

Geekomatic on 23/09/2017 - 15:47

Hi all,

I had the Pioneer VSX-920 some years ago which was burnt in an electrical storm (lightning actually cracked our inside tiles!).

The insurance sent the VSX-930 as replacement. That, was fine— except I'm now about to return the second one they've sent as both units turn themselves off while playing internet radio. The first shut off with nothing plugged in & on any selected source. The current one also refuses to connect to the network via PIN or WPS.

So, the insurer has emailed saying they will now replace it with the VSX-932. I had a look & it seems I'll lose HDMI in + no 2-zone.

I looked at the VSX-1131 & it has more HDMI & does have the 2-zone.

Should I insist on the VSX-1131, even though it's more expensive? I think it's also an older unit which, to me, is a bit more reassuring.

Thanks for your opinions!

:)

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • vinni9284 on 23/09/2017 - 15:57

    The later model is always going to be better for you to have.

    It will support newer codecs.

    The VSX1131 is newer & better than the VSX930 so I will opt for that.
    I guess it depends on if the insurance accepts it and the price difference is not too much.

    Cheers

    • Geekomatic on 23/09/2017 - 19:20

      @vinnie

      I'm being offered the 932 (the 930 are the two they tried that are coming defective).

      I'm trying to figure out what, other then the extra HDMI & 2 zones is different? I can't seem to find a side-by-side exact comparison.

      Ta

      • vinni9284 on 24/09/2017 - 07:36
        +1

        Apologies,

        You can compare yourself.

        VSX932

        http://www.pioneer-audiovisual.eu/eu/def/products/vsx-932

        VSX1131

        http://www.pioneer-audiovisual.eu/eu/def/products/vsx-1131

        The only difference that I can see at a glance is that the newer VSX932 has HDR10 and Dolby Vision support.
        Unless you have a 4K TV that has native HDR10 bit panel (or even 8bit + FRC) and supports Dolby Vision, then it won't be a big deal.
        TV's that support this feature are usually mid-high end TV's such as the OLED/QLED.
        Also to mention that all of the HDMI ports support HDCP2.2

        The VSX1131 has more connectivity options and more power but lacks HDR10, Dolby Vision. It does support HDR but doesn't specify 10bit.
        It also is limited in HDCP2.2 input to only 3 x HDMI's

        Future proof and if you have intentions of buying a decent 4K TV any time soon (unless you already have one) = VSX932
        Current offering connectivity & more power = VSX1131

        Many manufacturers talk fluff about power ratings, as it is not really standardised.
        So would it make a difference having the 932 with 130W RMS @ 6 Ohms vs 160W RMS to the 1131? Probably none! However, the 1131 might have a bigger power supply and drive more current.
        Btw, this is the rating for 6 Ohms and many late speakers support 8 Ohms, so therefore chop another 20-30W RMS off their rating.
        Furthermore, many don't specify but that rating can be 2 channel driven. So minus a few more watts when you get 7 speakers connected to it.

        It is a shame that you had issues with these units as I believe now that Pioneer has been bought out by Onkyo.
        Pioneer LX series receivers (their higher end) used to be 5 Year warranty but now, it's 3 Years.
        It seems that they are cutting costs and quality.

        Cheers

        • Geekomatic on 24/09/2017 - 15:05

          @vinni9284 — Thank you, so much, for that run-down. No, I don't have a 4k TV, & may never get one, so that isn't an issue. I was actually more concerned with the loss of the HDMI ports going from the 930 to the 932. It's odd they'd only give 4?

          Likewise, the watts difference wouldn't really sway me— the 930 is plenty powerful (when it works).

          Then, there's the 2-zone also missing. I'm not currently using that, but I have in the past & may want to again. They have their "Fireconnect", but that means buying special speakers.

          And I agree about the shame of Pioneer quality seeming to go down. I hadn't known, until the first one went, that Pioneer outsourced AVR repairs to a group called Powermove.

          I think I'll ask for the 1131 & see what they say.

          Thanks again!

          :)

  • oscargamer on 23/09/2017 - 17:29

    Do you need the extra HDMI or 2-zone? if yes, then insist on the model that has the same (or more) than the 932 - otherwise the insurer is not replacing 'like for like'

    • Geekomatic on 23/09/2017 - 19:23

      @oscargamer

      Right now, I'm using 3 ports, full-time, & leave one open for my kids when they want to just run in & plug in to their laptop to watch something (they can't be bothered with dicking around with wi-fi, apps, etc- lol).

      That means there would be none available for anything else….

      My query is whether the 932, being newest, would have something the 1131 wouldn't.

      Ta

  • Hashstrid on 19/12/2017 - 11:07

    What did you end up getting? I'm looking at the VSX 932, can barely find anything on it

    • Geekomatic on 20/12/2017 - 02:17

      I thought I'd replied back here! Must've been the other audio forums.

      I ended up with the 932, as the insurer said they could no longer source the 1131.

      It's the same chassis as the 930 so looks the same.

      I'm not thrilled with how they've done the internet radio. Again, instead of allowing direct input via the unit itself, you have to go through "TuneIn" radio or etc….which means that at any point, it could simply go under & that would no longer work. I also don't like having to tie into another site for no reason. My 920 had the ability to log in to it via any browser, directly, & fill in the .pls or .m3u of an online radio station, plus name it whatever you wished. There were 24 slots.

      The remote has improved, imho. The old one had too many, tiny buttons & text so small you couldn't read it w/o putting it on your nose (even my 20/20 vision kids had a hard time). This one is much better. You can also control the 932 with your mobile phone. It comes with Google Chromecast built-in, but only the audio. I had thought being an AVR, it would handle video once a TV was plugged in— I was excited to think I could cast from a tablet on the sofa, but no. I haven't had much time since initial set-up to play around with it, but at least I have my somafm.com/lush playing again!

      A final gripe: when ANY amp or TV cannot be controlled with physical buttons on the unit itself. It's solid black & having manual buttons wouldn't detract from appearance.

      Anything else— let me know & I'll see if I can help.

      ;)

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