Pioneer VSX-823-K vs Pioneer VSX-523-K

       
       

      Highlights

      • 5.1 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • 4K/30Hz Passthrough
      • Bluetooth, Ethernet

      Highlights

      • 5.1 Channels
      • 5.1 Channel Processing
      • 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
      • 4K/30Hz Passthrough

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      1. Overview

      Here we are comparing Pioneer VSX-823-K to Pioneer VSX-523-K to reveal their common strengths and weaknesses as well as the differences between them which will help you in making a correct decision before the purchase. Both receivers have 5 channel and equally powerful amplifiers.


      Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K

      Pioneer VSX-823-K was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/30Hz video signal.

      Pioneer VSX-523-K was introduced in 2013. It is equipped with 5 channel amplifier with 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz and 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 5.1 maximum channel processing. It , passes 4K/30Hz video signal.


      We evaluated Pioneer VSX-823-K and Pioneer VSX-523-K and gave them scores of 67 and 63 out of 100 recpectively. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

      Pioneer VSX-823-K

      Pioneer VSX-523-K

      Amplifier
      71
      Amplifier
      71
      Audio Features
      64
      Audio Features
      62
      Video Features
      59
      Video Features
      59
      Connectivity
      74
      Connectivity
      61
      Zones
      55
      Zones
      55
      Radio
      85
      Radio
      59
      OVERALL
      67
      OVERALL
      63

      For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluations section.

      2. Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Pioneer VSX-823-K and Pioneer VSX-523-K.

      PROS

      Pioneer VSX-823-K

      Pioneer VSX-523-K

      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   Bluetooth
      •   USB Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Ethernet
      •   Analog Tuner
      •   Pandora
      •   Spotify
      •   DSD via HDMI
      •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
      •   New HDCP Version
      •   USB Input
      •   Composite Video Inputs
      •   Analog Tuner

      CONS

      Pioneer VSX-823-K

      Pioneer VSX-523-K

      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W
      •   5.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Tidal
      •   Few Channels - 5.1
      •   Low Power Output - 80 W
      •   5.1 Channel Processing
      •   No Dolby Atmos
      •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
      •   No DTS:X
      •   No IMAX Enhanced
      •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
      •   No HDR10
      •   No HDR10+
      •   No Dolby Vision
      •   No eARC
      •   No 8K Passthrough
      •   No Wi-Fi
      •   No Bluetooth
      •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
      •   4 HDMI Inputs
      •   1 HDMI Outputs
      •   0 8K Input
      •   Few RCA Line Inputs
      •   No Phono Input
      •   No RCA Pre-Outs
      •   No Ethernet
      •   No Zones
      •   No Digital Radio
      •   No Pandora
      •   No Spotify
      •   No Tidal


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Pioneer VSX-823-K

      Pioneer VSX-523-K

      •   6 HDMI Inputs

      3. Advantage of Pioneer VSX-823-K

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pioneer VSX-823-K over Pioneer VSX-523-K.

      Check the Price

      Pioneer VSX-823-K vs Pioneer VSX-523-K
      Dolby Digital EX vs
      DTS-ES vs
      Music Playback via USB MP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFF vs MP3, WMA, AAC
      Higher Resolution Music Playback via USB 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit vs 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
      High Resolution Audio Formats via USB Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF vs
      Gapless Playback vs
      Sound Retriever AIR vs
      Digital Noise Reduction vs
      Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately) vs
      MHL Input 1 Front (Version 2.0) vs
      Remote Controll App ControlApp vs
      More HDMI Inputs 6 (1 front) vs 4
      More Composite Video Inputs 3 (1 front) vs 2
      Ethernet vs
      Front A/V Inputs HDMI, USB, Composite Video vs USB
      adapterport vs
      On-Screen Display Network GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI Only vs Composite Video Only
      Internet Radio vTuner vs
      Pandora vs
      Spotify vs
      More Large Speaker Terminals 5 vs 2
      Bigger Power Supply 450 W vs 415 W

      4. Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Auto MCACC Auto
        New HDCP Version2.22.2
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        Composite Video Inputs3 (1 front)2
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
      WEAKNESSES Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Few Channels5.15.1
        Low Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Channel Processing5.15.1
        No Dolby Atmos
        No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        No DTS:X
        No IMAX Enhanced
        No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        No HDR10
        No HDR10+
        No Dolby Vision
        No eARC
        No 8K Passthroughup to 4K/30pup to 4K/30p
        No Wi-Fi
        Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        Few HDMI Outputs11
        Few 8K Inputs
        Few RCA Line Inputs33
        No Phono Input
        No RCA Pre-Outs0.10.1
        No Zones11
        No Digital Radio
        No Tidal

      5. Amplifier

      Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K

      5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-823-K features 5 channel power amplifier with Discrete Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).

      5 channel Discrete Direct Energy Amplifier: Pioneer VSX-523-K features 5 channel power amplifier with Discrete Direct Energy design. It is rated at 80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven).



        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Channels5.15.1
        Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Amplifier DesignDiscrete Direct EnergyDiscrete Direct Energy
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability

        Check the Price

        6. Speaker Configurations

        Pioneer VSX-823-K's and Pioneer VSX-523-K's amplifiers can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

        • Configurations: Available configurations are:
        • Pioneer VSX-823-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.
        • Pioneer VSX-523-K: 5.1 with internal amplifier.

        Check the Price

        7. HDMI

        Pioneer VSX-823-K comes with 6 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

        Pioneer VSX-523-K comes with 4 HDMI inputs. It has 1 output.

        • 4K/30Hz Passthrough: On both receivers all inputs pass up to 4K/30p video signal.
        • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: Both receivers are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
        • 3D Ready: Both receivers are able to pass 3D video through HDMI.


        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.22.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/30pup to 4K/30p
        Video Signal Upscaling

        Check the Price

        8. Inputs and Outputs

        Audio

        • Analog Line Inputs: There are 3 pair of line inputs on both receivers for connecting sources with analog outputs.
        • Digital Inputs: 1 optical input and 1 coaxial input are available for digital audio connections on both receivers.
        • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel of each receiver.

        Video

        • HDMI:
        • Pioneer VSX-823-K
          Inputs:
          6 (1 front)   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Pioneer VSX-523-K
          Inputs:
          4   Outputs: 1
          8K Inputs: 0.
        • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
        • Pioneer VSX-823-K
          Inputs:
          3   Outputs: 1.
        • Pioneer VSX-523-K
          Inputs:
          2   Outputs: 1.

        Front A/V Inputs

        • Pioneer VSX-823-K: HDMI, USB, Composite Video
        • Pioneer VSX-523-K: USB

        Pioneer VSX-823-K

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found

        Pioneer VSX-523-K

        Image cannot be found Image cannot be found
        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)4
        HDMI Outputs11
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs11
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs11
        RCA Line Inputs33
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.10.1
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs3 (1 front)2
        Composite Video Outputs11
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs

        Check the Price

        9. Evaluations

        We evaluated Pioneer VSX-823-K and Pioneer VSX-523-K and gave them scores of 67 and 63 out of 100 recpectively. We also gave separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


        Pioneer VSX-823-K

        Pioneer VSX-523-K

        OVERALL
        67
        OVERALL
        63

        Amplifier

        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W
        GOOD
        71
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   Low Power Output - 80 W

        Audio Features

        AVERAGE
        64
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   5.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI
        AVERAGE
        62
        •   Few Channels - 5.1
        •   5.1 Channel Processing
        •   No Dolby Atmos
        •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        •   No DTS:X
        •   No IMAX Enhanced
        •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        •   DSD via HDMI

        Video Features

        AVERAGE
        59
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough
        AVERAGE
        59
        •   No HDR10
        •   No HDR10+
        •   No Dolby Vision
        •   No 8K Passthrough

        Connectivity

        GOOD
        74
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   No Wi-Fi
        •   Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   6 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   Ethernet
        AVERAGE
        61
        •   No eARC
        •   New HDCP Version
        •   No Wi-Fi
        •   No Bluetooth
        •   Does not Work with Amazon Alexa
        •   4 HDMI Inputs
        •   1 HDMI Outputs
        •   0 8K Input
        •   USB Input
        •   Few RCA Line Inputs
        •   No Phono Input
        •   No RCA Pre-Outs
        •   Composite Video Inputs
        •   No Ethernet

        Zones

        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones
        AVERAGE
        55
        •   No Zones

        Radio

        EXCELLENT
        85
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   Pandora
        •   Spotify
        •   No Tidal
        AVERAGE
        59
        •   Analog Tuner
        •   No Pandora
        •   No Spotify
        •   No Tidal

        10. Specifications

        GENERAL Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        BrandPioneerPioneer
        ModelVSX-823-KVSX-523-K
        TypeA/V ReceiverA/V Receiver
        CountryUSAUSA
        Release Year20132013
        PredecessorPioneer VSX-822-K Pioneer VSX-522-K
        SuccessorPioneer VSX-824-K Pioneer VSX-524-K
        AMPLIFIER Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Channels5.15.1
        Power Output80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)80 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
        Amplifier DesignDiscrete Direct EnergyDiscrete Direct Energy
        THX™ Certification
        Continuous 6 Ω Rated
        Certified 4 Ω Performance
        Bi-amp Capability
        AUDIO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Digital Signal Processing (DSP) EngineTexas Instruments AureusTexas Instruments Aureus
        DAC Specs192 kHz/24 Bit192 kHz/24 Bit
        Maximum Channel Processing5.15.1
        Air Studios Monitor Certification
        Dolby Atmos
        Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
        Dolby Atmos Music
        Dolby TrueHD
        Dolby Digital Plus
        Dolby Surround Upmixer
        Dolby Pro Logic PLII PLII
        Dolby Digital EX
        Surround EX
        DTS:X
        DTS Neural:X
        DTS Virtual:X
        DTS Neo Neo:6 Neo:6
        DTS-HD Master Audio
        DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
        DTS 96/24
        DTS Express
        DTS-ES
        IMAX Enhanced
        Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
        PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
        Music Playback via USBMP3, WMA, AAC, Apple Lossless, 192kHz / 24-Bit WAV, FLAC, AIFFMP3, WMA, AAC
        High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz/24 bit
        High Resolution Audio Formats via USBApple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, AIFF
        Gapless Playback
        DSD via HDMI 2-ch Input 2-ch Input
        DSD to PCM Converter
        USB DAC
        Jitter Reduction
        Auto Level Control2 Channel2 Channel
        Dialog Enhancement
        Dialogue Lift
        Sound Retriever Advanced (2-Channel) Advanced (2-Channel)
        Sound Retriever AIR
        Digital noise Reduction
        Tone Control Front L/R Channels Front L/R Channels
        Compressed Music Enhancer Advanced Sound Retriever Advanced Sound Retriever
        High-resolution Music Enhancer
        Audyssey Dynamic EQ
        Audyssey Dynamic Volume
        Audyssey LFC
        Audyssey Sub EQ HT
        Audyssey DSX
        Direct Mode
        Pure Direct Mode
        Auto Surround
        Optimum Surround
        Advanced Surround9+1 Mode DSP9+1 Mode DSP
        Wide Surround
        Front Stage Surround Advance
        Headphone Surround
        Virtual Speakers
        Virtual Depth
        Independent Subwoofer Outputs
        CALIBRATION Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. MCACC Auto MCACC Auto
        Manual MCACC
        MCACC Memory11
        Phase Control
        Auto Phase Control Plus
        Full Band Phase Control
        Standing Wave Control
        EQ Bands5-Band5-Band
        Symmetric EQ
        X-Curve
        Distance Adjustment0.1 Feet0.1 Feet
        Precision Distance
        Polarity Check
        Auto Subwoofer Crossover
        PC Display
        VIDEO FEATURES Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        HDR10
        HDR10+
        Dynamic HDR
        BT.2020 color space
        Dolby Vision
        HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
        HDBaseT Compatible
        Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
        HDCP Version2.22.2
        QMS (Quick Media Switching)
        ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
        VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
        QFT (Quick Frame transport)
        3-D Ready
        Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K/30pup to 4K/30p
        Video Signal Upscaling
        Analog To HDMI Upconversion
        Component Video Upscaling
        Analog to Analog Video conversion
        Stream Smoother
        Pure Cinema
        Video Parameter Adjustments
        Triple HD noise Reduction
        Super Resolution
        isf Certified Calibration Control
        CONNECTIVITY Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Wi-Fi
        Bluetooth via optional AS-BT100 or AS-BT200 adapters (sold separately)
        Works with Amazon Alexa
        Chromecast Built-In
        Works with SonoS
        DTS Play-Fi
        MHL Input 1 Front (Version 2.0)
        DLNA 1.5
        AirPlay AirPlay AirPlay
        Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad via front USB iPod and iPhone via front USB
        Remote AppControlApp
        InstaPrevue Input Source Prevue
        TERMINALS Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)4
        HDMI Outputs11
        8K Inputs
        USB Input1 Front1 Front
        USB DC Out Port
        Optical Inputs11
        Optical Outputs
        Coaxial Inputs11
        RCA Line Inputs33
        RCA Line Outputs
        XLR Line Inputs
        Phono Input
        Multi-Channel Input
        RCA Pre-Outs0.10.1
        XLR Pre-outs
        Composite Video Inputs3 (1 front)2
        Composite Video Outputs11
        S-Video Inputs
        S-Video Outputs
        Component Video Inputs
        Component Video Outputs
        Ethernet
        Ethernet Switch
        PC In
        Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB, Composite VideoUSB
        Speaker A/B
        Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")6.3 mm (1/4")
        Detachable Power Cord
        adapterport
        ZONES Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Number of Zones11
        RS-232C Interface
        +12V Trigger Output
        Remote (IR) Input/Output0 / 00 / 0
        MISCELLANEOUS Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        On-Screen DisplayNetwork GUI / Set-Up Text - HDMI OnlyComposite Video Only
        Multi-Zone On-Screen Display
        AV Navigator
        IP Control
        PreAmp Mode
        Versatile Speaker Configuration
        FL Dimmer
        Function Rename
        Remote ControllerPreset Remote ControlSystem Remote Control
        RADIO Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Analog Tuner FM/AM FM/AM
        Presets3030
        Digital Radio
        Internet Radio vTuner
        Pandora
        Spotify
        Tidal
        Deezer
        Napster
        SiriusXM
        CONSTRUCTION Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Front PanelBrushedBrushed
        Solid Aluminum Front
        Speaker Terminals55
        Large Speaker Terminals52
        Color-Coded Speaker Terminals
        3D Space Frame Construction
        Gold plated RCA terminals
        POWER Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Power SupplyAC 120 V, 60 HzAC 120 V, 60 Hz
        Low Leakage Flux Power Transformer
        Transformer Stabilizer
        Power Consumption450 W415 W
        Standby Power0.1 W0.1 W
        ECO Mode / Hybrid Standby Function
        Auto Power Standby
        PHYSICAL Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 168 mm x 331.5 mm
        17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
        435 mm x 168 mm x 331.5 mm
        17-1/8" x 6-5/8" x 13-1/16"
        Weight8.5 kg (18 lb 12 oz)8.3 kg (18 lb 5 oz)
        SPECIFICATIONS Pioneer VSX-823-K Pioneer VSX-523-K
        Power Output (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven, FTC)80 W (0.08% THD)80 W (0.08% THD)
        Power Output (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 1 channel driven, FTC)140 W (1% THD)140 W (1% THD)
        Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)200 mV/47 kΩ (Line)
        S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)98 dB98 dB
        S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))79 dB79 dB
        DSD Sampling Rates via HDMI2.8 MHz2.8 MHz
        Video Input Sensitivity/Output Level and Impedance 1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)1 Vp-p/75 Ω (Composite)
        Ethernet Standard10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
        HDMI TerminalType A (19-pin)Type A (19-pin)
        HDMI Output Type5 V, 100 mA5 V, 100 mA
        HDMI Input/MHL Terminal5 V, 900 mA
        USB TerminalUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 2.1 AUSB2.0 (Type A) 5 V, 1 A
        FM Frequency87.5 MHz - 108 MHz87.5 MHz - 108 MHz
        AM Frequency530 kHz - 1700 kHz530 kHz - 1700 kHz
        Warranty1 Year1 Year

        * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
        ** - 480i/576i only
        *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
        **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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