Pioneer VS Onkyo AV Receivers

Onkyo AV Receivers

High time to choose your own Onkyo receiver

Onkyo's high-end class receivers represent the epitome of modern technological advancements and achievements in the field of audio-video receivers. Onkyo's multichannel receivers have always been a hit among home theater enthusiasts. A major factor behind their success is the company's strategy to incorporate cutting-edge technologies not only in their top-tier models but also in their mainstream and budget-friendly models. This approach is particularly crucial when introducing new video and audio formats, as the electronic components of a home theater can quickly become outdated, failing to meet the standards of the new specifications. We encourage you to read the detailed article and compare Onkyo's receivers.

Onkyo receivers comparison through modern lines

If you aspire to own a high-end audio system but are restricted by a mid-range budget, the Onkyo RZ series receivers are designed for you. They are meticulously designed and engineered to produce a potent yet controlled sound in a THX-certified home theater. They come with features you truly need - Google Cast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. By adding optional Onkyo speakers, you can experience the same quality of sound in another room as in your home theater, thanks to the wireless FireConnect technology. You can control the playback using our dedicated application, or listen to various audio sources in different zones due to the powerful output to Zone 2 and a linear output to Zone 3. In Zone 2, the HDMI output can transmit video to a second display. This makes the receiver not just a powerful addition to your home theater but also a hub for distributing home entertainment throughout your house.

Onkyo RZ series

Understanding the specialties of its series is essential for comparing Onkyo receivers. Specifically, the Onkyo RZ series offers a dynamic, detailed, and emotionally thrilling sound. It features improved components such as a huge power transformer and a circuit on discrete elements with shallow feedback. These upgrades allow the device to output large instantaneous currents, resulting in swift transitions, impressive resolution of fine details, and extremely powerful bass that reaches down to 5 Hz.

Onkyo TX-NR receivers shake your floor with their specs

The AV-receivers that have received THX Select certification are known to deliver high-quality sound in rooms up to 57 cubic meters. This has been confirmed by 2,000 bench tests conducted in 75 different areas in the THX laboratories, utilizing around 14,000 data points. The dynamic audio system uses a specially made high-performance transformer, along with an enhanced block of capacitors. This combination ensures the best-in-class current flow, which is critical for instant dynamic response and precise monitoring. Moreover, the system is capable of identifying and offsetting minor background noises, such as the hum of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, to guarantee a more precise calibration. The AccuReflex™ technology incorporated in the system ensures that Dolby Atmos speakers are fully synchronized with the rest of the speakers.

Onkyo: Brand History

Onkyo has always been recognized for the superior quality of sound produced by its audio, video, and TV equipment. The company's primary strength lies in its ability to provide a full, immersive musical experience for listeners. This begins with the speakers, the diffusers of which were initially made by the company's founder, Takeshi Godai, from waste paper he collected on the streets. Unlike many of its competitors, Onkyo remains committed to classic enhancement techniques. The company uses a number of proprietary technologies in the construction of amplification stages, which enhance sound quality and increase dynamic potential. By enhancing audio without any phase shift, Onkyo is able to create a sound image that is incredibly clear, perfectly focused, and exceptionally realistic.

Pioneer AV Receivers

Pioneer Corporation, a Japanese multinational corporation, has a rich history in the television industry. The company was established in 1938 in Tokyo, Japan, by Nozomu Matsumoto - a man with a passion for music that he hoped to share with the world through high-quality audio speakers. The brand later expanded into various electronics including television sets. Pioneer is particularly renowned for its plasma televisions and was one of the first brands to introduce this technology to the market. In 2006, Pioneer launched the Kuro line of plasma displays, which were lauded for their superior black levels and color accuracy compared to other brands on the market at the time. However, with the advent of LCD and LED technologies, Pioneer faced stiff competition and eventually decided to withdraw from the television market in 2010. Despite this, the brand's legacy in the television industry is still recognized today. Pioneer televisions, particularly their plasma models, are often compared favorably to other brands for their exceptional picture quality and color accuracy. However, the brand's televisions were often more expensive than their competitors, which may have contributed to their decision to exit the market.

What we appriciate?

Resolution

Pioneer, a renowned brand in the television industry, offers high-resolution displays that significantly enhance the viewer's experience. The brand's televisions are equipped with the latest 4K Ultra HD technology, providing four times the resolution of Full HD. This results in a sharper, more detailed picture quality that brings a cinematic experience right into your living room. The high dynamic range (HDR) support further enhances the image quality by delivering brighter, more realistic colors and greater detail. Compared to other brands, Pioneer holds its ground in terms of resolution. While brands like Samsung and LG also offer 4K Ultra HD TVs, Pioneer's implementation of the technology is commendable. However, it's worth noting that Pioneer TVs may fall short when compared to brands like Sony and LG that have moved a step further to offer 8K resolution TVs. Overall, while Pioneer offers excellent resolution quality, it may not be the top choice for consumers seeking the highest resolution available in the market.

Smart Features (Streaming apps, voice control)

Pioneer, in the television category, has made significant strides in incorporating smart features into their models. Their televisions come equipped with various streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and YouTube, which offer a wide range of content to the users. Furthermore, Pioneer TVs are also compatible with voice control technologies such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which allow users to control their television with simple voice commands, enhancing the overall user experience. However, while Pioneer has made commendable efforts in integrating these smart features, it does fall short when compared to some other brands like Samsung or LG. These brands offer a more extensive range of pre-installed apps and more sophisticated voice control features. Additionally, some users have reported a slightly more complex user interface on Pioneer's smart TVs compared to its competitors. Despite these drawbacks, Pioneer TVs still offer a robust range of smart features that cater to the needs of most users and provide a seamless streaming and control experience.

Screen size

Pioneer is well-known for its wide range of television sizes, catering to various customer needs. They offer smaller sizes perfect for bedrooms or kitchens, and larger models that are ideal for living rooms or home theaters. One of their latest offerings is the Pioneer Kuro KRP-500A, which boasts a size of 50 inches. This model features full HD 1080p resolution, providing viewers with a detailed and immersive viewing experience. However, when compared to other brands such as Samsung or Sony, Pioneer's size range might be considered somewhat limited. These competitors offer TVs that go up to 85 inches or more, catering to a market that desires a cinema-like experience at home. Despite this, Pioneer's focus on quality over quantity is evident in their products. Their televisions, regardless of size, are known for their excellent picture quality and durability. The brand may not offer the largest TVs on the market, but they certainly hold their own in terms of performance and reliability.

Price

Pioneer, a renowned brand in the television industry, is known for its high-end products that come with a premium price tag. The brand's televisions are equipped with the latest technologies such as 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR10+ support, Dolby Vision, and advanced sound systems, which justify their high cost. However, the price of Pioneer televisions can be a significant drawback for budget-conscious consumers. When compared to other brands in the market, Pioneer's pricing strategy is on the higher end. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony offer televisions with similar features and technologies at a more affordable price range. While Pioneer's high price point is reflective of its superior quality and cutting-edge technology, it could potentially deter a segment of consumers who are looking for more cost-effective options. Therefore, while Pioneer televisions offer an excellent viewing experience, their high cost could be a limiting factor for some consumers.

Brand reputation

Denon, as a brand, has a strong reputation in the consumer electronics industry, particularly in the audio and home theater sectors. However, it is important to note that Denon does not manufacture televisions. They are renowned for their high-quality audio equipment, including AV receivers, soundbars, and Hi-Fi components, which are often used in conjunction with televisions from other brands to enhance the audio-visual experience. Denon's reputation is built on its commitment to delivering premium sound quality, innovative features, and durable construction. Their products are often compared favorably to those of other leading brands in the audio industry, such as Yamaha and Sony. The brand's latest technologies, such as the Denon AVR-X3700H 9.2 channel 8K AV receiver, are lauded for their support for the latest video formats, including 8K and 4K, and advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. However, the brand's high-end positioning may not appeal to budget-conscious consumers, and their focus on audio equipment means they do not offer a complete home theater solution, unlike brands such as Samsung or LG that produce both televisions and audio equipment.

Sound Quality

Pioneer is a well-known brand in the television industry, particularly recognized for its exceptional sound quality. The brand's televisions come equipped with advanced sound technologies, such as Dolby Atmos, that provide a more immersive audio experience to the users. The sound system of Pioneer televisions delivers clear and powerful audio that enhances the overall viewing experience. The brand's focus on sound quality is evident in its use of multiple speakers that ensure balanced and well-distributed sound. However, while the sound quality of Pioneer televisions is generally impressive, it might not always match up to the high standards set by some other brands in the market, such as Sony or Samsung. Some users have reported that the bass could be more robust, and the sound may sometimes appear less dynamic compared to the competitors. Despite these minor drawbacks, Pioneer televisions still offer superior sound quality than most brands and stand out for their consistent performance in this aspect.