When comparing Pioneer VSX-530-K vs Sony STR-DN850, the Slant community recommends Sony STR-DN850 for most people. In the question“What are the best A/V receivers under $400?” Sony STR-DN850 is ranked 4th while Pioneer VSX-530-K is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Sony STR-DN850 is:
Its seven speakers add more depth and detail to the sound when compared to a standard five speaker system. In addition, dual sub-woofers offer more optimal listening positions and has increased headroom. Together, the 7.2 channel configuration creates a more immersive and fuller sound for your system.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Additional playback options
Even though it doesn’t have internet connectivity and the music streaming services that come with it, a flash drive or Bluetooth is a great, convenient way to replace internet radios for music playback.
Pro Low price
The solid basics coupled with the low price make it a receiver with a great value.
Pro Can support future copyrighted content
Has 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output which are HDCP 2.2 compliant to support future copyrighted content in full 4K resolution.
Pro An increased depth of sound
Its seven speakers add more depth and detail to the sound when compared to a standard five speaker system. In addition, dual sub-woofers offer more optimal listening positions and has increased headroom. Together, the 7.2 channel configuration creates a more immersive and fuller sound for your system.
Pro Good interface
It has a simple and easy to understand interface that shows all the necessary information while still making it pleasant to look at. This can be applied to the remote as well. It isn’t cluttered with buttons but still offers the same functionality.
Pro Access to multiple streaming services
Can access some of the regularly used streaming services through its Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections. These streaming services are Spotify, TuneIn and Apple’s Airplay.
Pro An extra option for control
The application SongPal is being used as an another controller to manipulate the receiver. It provides the very basic options, such as, source selection, playback of music, volume settings but even includes adding different types of effects to the audio.
Pro Additional music playback
Has a USB port at the front and Bluetooth connectivity with NFC support to give you additional music playback choices.
Pro Supports 4K resolution
For its 5 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output it has 4K pass-through and can even upscale video to a 4K resolution.
Cons
Con No network
Lack of network options means that there are no streaming applications specifically set up for music playback.
Con Achieving a great sound can be difficult
Doesn’t seem to be designed for newcomers because of its lack of automatic sound calibration. The user is expected to know what are the ingredients for a good sound and how to manually achieve them. It might take some effort before you can enjoy the sound on your system.
Con Uses an inferior method to connect speakers
For three of its speakers it uses spring clips which are an inferior way of connecting speakers to a receiver. With spring clips the wires are likely to have a tiny contact area which can result in poor performance. Binding posts are available for the two main speakers.
Con Not future-proof
None of the HDMI ports have HDCP 2.2 support which will prevent the user from experiencing copyrighted 4K quality content. Additionally, it doesn’t employ Dolby Atmos technology which is used to create an extra immersive sound. Currently these technologies are not widespread but will probably become more prevalent as time goes on.
Con Unreliable sound setup
The sound calibration can be a hit or miss. It will either perform accurately and set up your system to a good standard or widely misrepresent the sound. Not suited for people who don’t like to rely on their ears for sound modification.