Pioneer VSX-521

Pioneer VSX-521 review

If you can live without some of the more advanced frivolity infiltrating the AV receiver market, there are some remarkable bargains to be had. Straightforward multi-channel amplifiers that used to cost around £500 now routinely sell for less than £300. This is great news if you need an upgrade principally for HDMI connectivity or 3D compatibility. Pioneer's 5.1-channel VSX-521 is one such cheapie. It will set you back around £280.At a glance, you'd never think the VSX-521 costs less than £300. It shares the same glossy black aesthetic and build quality as step-up models in the Pioneer line. There's some flex to the chassis but, overall, the finish is of a high standard.Connectivity is also decent. You get four 3D-friendly HDMI 1.4a inputs -- one more than the even cheaper VSX-421 -- plus two component, four phono AV, two analogue stereo and three digital audio (two optical) inputs. There's also a subwoofer output for the low-frequency effects channel, plus pre-outs for hooking the VSX-521 up to a second amplifier, which is then hooked up to an additional two speakers, if you want to get 7.1-channel surround sound.