The VSX-830-K was introduced in 2015 and was a moderately-priced option in its day. Today, it doesn’t have any of the features that the average home enthusiast would want, but it does offer decent performance and can be had on the used market for less than a monthly payment on a modern unit. This Pioneer VSX-830-K review will discuss why this old version of an AV receiver is not a good choice for most people despite the incredibly low cost on the used appliance market. (>>>Find on Amazon)
Pioneer VSX-830-K Review of Specifications:
| Pioneer VSX-830-K | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Video | 4K/60Hz |
| Amplifier | 5.2 Channel (140W per channel) |
| Sound | Advanced MCACC |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Price | Find on Amazon |
The Pioneer VSX-830-K is a 5.2-channel audio-video receiver that boasts up to 130 watts of power per channel (one channel powered). While it lacks most of the common features in use today, it does offer the convenience of built-in Wi-Fi for streaming and Bluetooth (2.1) for wireless connectivity.
Video Specifications
When this receiver was introduced, 4k Ultra HD was the newest and greatest thing since sliced bread. Obviously today, you’ll see most receivers offering 4k as a minimum with many offering 4k@120Hz and 8k@60Hz resolutions that are far superior to this older technology. The VSX-830-K will provide 60 frames per second speeds with 4k resolution.
You won’t find special functions for enhanced gaming, nor will you find any type of programming protocol to enhance vocals for better movie watching experiences since these are modern technologies not in use in 2015. This receiver is not compatible with eARC connections, so you are stuck using an older version of an optical link or connecting to the TV with RCA cables or through one of the six HDMI ports (HDMI 2.1). This receiver is not compatible with modern copyright protocols so you may encounter playback issues when using DVDs from RedBox.
Audio Specifications
The front, center, and rear speakers connect using RCA cables only. There are no direct-line speaker inputs on this receiver. A dual-output subwoofer channel is also available for connecting powered subs. There isn’t a whole lot else going on with this receiver. It has some of the older Dolby functionality, like Dolby Digital Plus and DTS:HD, but lacks the more modern versions of Dolby that enhance surround sound and 3-dimensional audio. An included Digital Signal Processor helps clean things up, but the processor was designed in 2006, so it is behind the times with what is on the market these days.
Pros
- When you find on on the used market, it’s really cheap
- Not a bad way to add better sound than using you TV speakers as long as you understand the limitations
Cons
- Seriously outdated technology and protocols that won’t meet the demands of most casual listeners today
- Lack of support due to outdated product
Connectivity
Today, almost everything we do depends on being able to wirelessly connect to devices and have one, streamlined way of handling things. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it possible to connect most devices wirelessly for streaming and to use your phone as a remote. The older protocols and lack of modern features means that you’ll have the most success using older iPhone products through Apple AirPlay (not AirPlay 2 compatible). You’ll need an iOS device from before 2017 to use this feature.
Tuning Capabilities
Most of the modern AVR devices out there today will use some type of a digital setup wizard that enables you to set the proper time-phase for your speakers. That technology wasn’t common when this receiver was built, so you’ll have to do everything using the older MCACC protocol. It works, but it’s not as streamlined as what you’ll find from a receiver built in the last five years.
Conclusion
If you are thinking about picking one of these receivers up at the thrift store or at a pawn shop, make sure it is in proper working condition first. Receivers like this were not built to last very long and this was not a high-end model when it was released nearly a decade ago. Most people will be better off finding a receiver that is two or three years old and provides some of the more modern conveniences like AirPlay2, HDCP 2.3, and modern HDMI protocols.
This would make a decent option for a spare bedroom or a room that is seldom used since it is so cheap. For anyone looking to set up a proper home theater system, pass on this old machine for something more modern. (>>> Check on Amazon)