The front panel of the device looks familiar for an AV receiver, namely, a source selector, volume control, FM and AM frequency tuning, mute speakers, and a four-level brightness adjustment of the display. Also a headphone jack and a microphone jack, plus a USB connector. The selection of the input from which the signal comes is induced on the display.
Design features
The rear panel is equipped with two screw jacks for the front speakers or stereo pair and spring ones for the rear and center. There is also a subwoofer output, one composite and one HDMI output, four HDMI inputs, two digital – coaxial and optical, and three stereo RCA.
And the remote control helps to control all that, of course, it is included too. By the way, you can also control other devices.
Also included is a microphone for automatic tuning and antennas for AM and FM.
Service features
Pioneer VSX series receivers are fairly new, this series is excellent for audio playback, and the 423rd is no exception, although this model is budget. It uses TexasInstruments Aureus digital signal processor TMS 320DA808.
By the way, there is an automatic sound tuning for inexperienced users, as well as high and low frequencies, channel volume, rear delay level adjustment and tone compensation, and with the help of Face Control the sound frequency level is automatically adjusted, helping to listen to high-quality sound without adjustments.
By the way, despite the fact that the receiver does not support DSD format, uncompressed high quality audio can be heard with the converter from DSD to PSM. Surround sound in a limited space? – Yes!
MCACC analyzes the space with a calibration microphone and helps us to adjust the sound for each speaker separately, getting the desired result.
Of course, no one is surprised today, but not always automatic tuning in receivers works correctly – in VSX-423 especially there is nothing to complain about.
The USB port is located on the front panel, – for those who like to listen to music from a flash drive a nice bonus – the device can play MP3, WMA and AAC. Fans of “apple” technics will have no problem to connect here iPhone or iPad, in this case the cover of the album and metadata will be shown on the connected TV.
Much has been said about the usefulness of 4K resolution, but – still, Ultra HD support wouldn’t hurt. It’s got it here — the 4K Pass Through signal allows you to watch the highest-resolution video without loss on the appropriate screen. True, these screens will most likely be used with a different level of receivers, but who knows what their cost will be in a couple of years?
Multichannel sound can be improved by phase adjustment, which saves time adjusting the system to level out delays due to strong low-frequency signal, which is important for audio in movies.
Additionally, the receiver is connected to the Wi-Fi adapter Pioneer AS-WL200 to access the network. There’s also the ECO function, which helps to save energy and volume without compromising the quality ECO Working , – though, of course, for our country – energy saving … So, – you get it ..
One more pleasure for “apple people” – the receiver can be controlled by Android and Ios smartphones in wireless mode and you can make lists of your favorite songs.
Some personal impressions
Really impressive surround sound, the receiver has no problem in a room of up to 25 square meters to pump speakers and subwoofer.
Custom sound setting helps AUDIOPHILES DO NOT READ! Feel a little like a DJ and choose the equalizer settings suitable for the style of music you’re listening to. During the transmission of video loss was not noticed.
The sound, – 130 W per channel not bad for a budget level is rather pleasant, – we listened on the budget line of acoustics “Monitor audio” that corresponds to the price. Of course, you won’t hear a jazz singer pumping air into your lungs, but for the mainstream you won’t notice any problems.
Subjective there is a slight rise in the middle and the upper middle. By the way, the presence of a subwoofer output will suit those who like to listen to music in triphonic.
Who fits?
This device will appeal to people who go to the cinema and love surround sound, fans of good sound at home and those who do not part with their mobile gadgets.
Of course, it does not support all audio formats, but it is good enough for the category of people who buy equipment in this price range, because we are talking about quite an accessible model with a lot of nice features, options and capabilities.
By the way, for those who are puzzled by the choice of equipment for their interior, this model is presented both in black and in silver colors.
Technical parameters
Cost: 10 200 p.
Number of channels: 5.1
Front channel power: 130 W 6 Ohm 100 W 8 Ohm
Center channel power: 130W
Rear channel power: 130 watts
Recommended acoustic impedance: 6 – 16 ohms
Frequency range: 5 – 100000 Hz +0/-3 dB
Harmonic coefficient: 0.06% 8 Ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 50 watts/channel
Signal/noise ratio: 98 dB
Audio DAC sample rate: 192 kHz
Audio DAC bit rate: 24-bit
Interfaces:
Inputs: composite x2, HDMI x4, coaxial x1, optical x1, line x3
Outputs: Subwoofer x1, Composite x1, HDMI x1, Headphone x1
Front panel headphone jacks, USB Type A
Support 1080p signal HDMI – is
Headphone jack 6.3 mm
Speaker connectors screwed + spring loaded
Features
Direct mode: yes
Automatic surround sound calibration – yes
On-Screen Display OSD menu
Decoders: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS, DTS Express, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS Neo:6.
Optional: equalizer, tone compensation, digital sound processing
Tuner: Digital AM/FM, 30 stations, RDS
Color: black, silver
Dimensions WxHxD : 435x168x332 mm
Weight 8.3 kg
Can anyone confirm if the Pioneer VSX-423 AV-receiver truly lives up to its promise of providing a cinema-like experience?
Can the Pioneer VSX-423 AV-receiver truly replicate the cinematic experience for home users? Does it offer the same level of audio and video quality one would typically find in a movie theater?