Pioneer intros budget Chromecast Bluetooth VSX-933 Dolby Atmos AV receiver

Pioneer has introduced the VSX-933, a budget-priced 7.2-ch (5.2.2) Dolby Atmos AV receiver with Bluetooth and Chromecast built-in. The AVR, which is rated at 135 W/ch (into 6 ohms) is also compatible with DTS:X 3D audio, and has DTS Neural:X and Dolby Surround upmixing for standard surround formats. Reflex Optimiser technology is said to resolve phase-lag created by upfiring Dolby-enabled speakers.

All 4K 60p HDCP 2.2 HDMI inputs support HDR10, HLG , Dolby Vision, and BT.2020 pass through out of the box. Super Resolution 4K upscaling, first developed for Pioneer Blu-ray players, is also on hand.

Auto calibration is covered by MCACC.(Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System). Phase Control technology eliminates phase-lag between the main channels and subwoofer. It is also compatible with DTS Play-Fi and FlareConnect wireless multiroom using compatible components. Hi-Res Audio support includes 192 kHz/24-bit FLAC and DSD 2.8 MHz/5.6 MHz.

The receiver has dedicated zone 2 speaker outputs, able to distribute sources via analogue inputs, network, USB and Bluetooth to a second room. It can also be used with Google Assistant, opening up voice control.

The VSX-933 sells for £550, and is available with black or silver finish.