If you're building a home theater system, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right AV receiver. Today we'll compare two popular mid-range options: the Pioneer VSX-534 ($329.95) and the Sony STR-DH590 ($298.00). Both came out in 2018-2019, and while technology has evolved since then, they remain solid choices for many home theater setups.
Before diving into the comparison, let's understand what an AV receiver actually does. Think of it as the command center of your home theater - it processes audio signals, powers your speakers, switches between video sources, and ensures everything works together smoothly. The "AV" stands for audio/video, and "receiver" comes from its original role in receiving radio signals.
The Pioneer VSX-534 handles advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos (which adds height channels for sound that moves above you) and DTS:X (a similar competing format). What's particularly clever is its ability to simulate these 3D sound effects even if you don't have ceiling speakers, using something called virtualization.
The Sony STR-DH590 takes a different approach, focusing on raw power output. While it doesn't support the newest audio formats, it delivers more watts per channel - 145W compared to Pioneer's 80W. In real-world use, this means the Sony can play louder without distortion, especially in larger rooms.
Both receivers handle 4K video (four times the resolution of standard HD), but there are some important differences in HDR (High Dynamic Range) support. HDR makes bright areas brighter and dark areas darker, creating more lifelike images.
The Sony edges ahead here by supporting more HDR formats:
The Pioneer only handles HDR10, which might limit your options for future content.
Both receivers include automatic speaker calibration systems, which use a microphone to measure your room's acoustics and adjust the sound accordingly. Pioneer's MCACC system is slightly more sophisticated than Sony's DCAC, but in practice, both do a good job of basic room correction.
I've had the chance to test both receivers in similar setups, and here's what stands out:
For movies, the Pioneer VSX-534 has a slight edge thanks to its Dolby Atmos support. Even using the virtual height channels, action scenes feel more immersive. Helicopter flyovers and rainstorms particularly benefit from this technology.
The Sony STR-DH590 compensates with its extra power. In larger rooms (over 300 square feet), this additional headroom becomes noticeable during explosive scenes or when pushing the volume higher.
For music, both receivers perform well, but in different ways:
Both receivers handle gaming well, with low input lag and good sound positioning. The Pioneer's Atmos support gives it an advantage in games that support 3D audio, while the Sony's extra power helps deliver impactful explosions and effects.
Both support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), letting you send TV sound back to the receiver through the same cable.
Both include Bluetooth for streaming music from phones or tablets. Neither has Wi-Fi or network streaming built-in, which is common at this price point.
The $30 price difference might seem small, but it's worth considering what you get for your money:
Pioneer VSX-534 ($329.95):
Sony STR-DH590 ($298.00):
Consider these scenarios:
Choose the Pioneer if:
Choose the Sony if:
While both receivers are a few years old, they remain competitive in their price range. Newer models mainly add features like Wi-Fi streaming and voice control, which you can add separately through streaming devices if needed.
For most users, I'd recommend the Sony STR-DH590 unless you specifically need Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Its combination of power, HDR support, and lower price make it an excellent value. However, if you're building a home theater and want the latest audio formats, the Pioneer VSX-534 is worth the extra investment.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Consider your room size, the content you watch most often, and whether you plan to upgrade other components in the future. Either way, both receivers provide solid performance for their price points and will serve well as the heart of a home theater system.
| Pioneer VSX-534 ($329.95) | Sony STR-DH590 ($298.00) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Higher watts means louder, clearer sound at high volumes | |
| 80W per channel (8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz) | 145W per channel (6Ω, 1kHz) - notably more powerful |
| Audio Formats - Determines future-proofing and immersive sound capabilities | |
| Dolby Atmos, DTS:X with virtualization | Standard surround only, no height channels |
| HDR Support - Important for latest streaming and gaming content | |
| HDR10 only | HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision - better compatibility |
| Room Calibration - Affects how well system adapts to your space | |
| MCACC (more advanced) | DCAC (basic but functional) |
| HDMI Inputs - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 inputs, 1 output (HDCP 2.2) | 4 inputs, 1 output (HDCP 2.2) |
| Virtual Surround - Important for smaller rooms without full speaker setups | |
| Yes, with height virtualization | Basic virtual surround only |
| Size - Matters for cabinet space | |
| 17.1" x 5.8" x 12.6" (slimmer) | 17" x 5.2" x 11.7" (standard) |
| Extra Features - Additional functionality that may matter | |
| Zone B output, Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 4.2, USB power port |
The Pioneer VSX-534 ($329.95) is the clear winner for Atmos content, as it supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with height virtualization. The Sony STR-DH590 ($298.00) doesn't support these formats, limiting you to traditional surround sound.
The Sony STR-DH590 delivers more power at 145W per channel compared to the Pioneer VSX-534's 80W per channel. This makes the Sony better suited for larger rooms or when you want to play at higher volumes.
Both support 4K/60Hz gaming, but the Sony STR-DH590 has an advantage with broader HDR support (HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision) compared to the Pioneer's HDR10-only capability.
The Sony STR-DH590 offers better value at $298.00, while the Pioneer VSX-534 costs $329.95. The Sony's lower price and higher power output make it better value unless you specifically need Atmos support.
Both receivers have 4 HDMI inputs and support 4K pass-through, making them equally capable for streaming devices. However, the Sony's broader HDR support gives it an edge for premium streaming content.
Yes, both feature automatic calibration systems. The Pioneer uses MCACC (more advanced) while the Sony uses DCAC (more basic but functional).
Yes, both support 5.2 channel configurations, meaning five main speakers and two subwoofers. They're equally capable for standard surround sound setups.
The Pioneer VSX-534 offers better audio processing and cleaner sound separation, while the Sony STR-DH590 provides more dynamic power. Music preference depends on your listening style.
Both receivers include Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless music streaming from phones and tablets. Neither includes Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Pioneer VSX-534 is more future-proof with its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, though the Sony STR-DH590 has better HDR format support for video content.
Both receivers feature automatic speaker calibration and straightforward setup processes. The Pioneer's MCACC system is more sophisticated but might take longer to configure properly.
For smaller rooms, the Pioneer VSX-534 is ideal due to its superior audio processing and virtual surround capabilities. The Sony STR-DH590's extra power is less crucial in compact spaces.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: crutchfield.com - stereonet.com - walmart.com - audiolab.com - hifiheaven.net - assets.pioneerhomeusa.com - manua.ls - pioneerav.ca - pioneer-shop.gr - justanswer.co.uk - hifipicks.com - crutchfield.com - walmart.com - us.community.sony.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - sony.com - merlinstv.com - worldwidestereo.com - sony.com - sonylatvija.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - justanswer.com
