Pioneer’s new VSX-530-K receiver packs the heat for under $300

By Ryan Waniata Updated August 4, 2015

pioneer vsx 530 k av receiver 280 front

Let’s face it: Save a few lucky one-percenters, we’re all on a budget of some sort. Cuts must be made, compromises extended, and something on the list is going to draw the short straw. However, for those looking to build a home theater on the cheap, one compromise just got a little easier thanks to Pioneer’s latest budget receiver, the VSX-530-K.

At $280, you really can’t ask for a whole lot of features in an AV receiver, but luckily, with the VSX-530-K, you don’t have to. This little workhorse comes stacked with just about everything the average home theater needs to get things going, including 5.1 channel sound with 80 watts per channel, Bluetooth, and all the latest specs for 4K HD video to future proof your setup for the next big thing in TV.

The video specs read just like you’d expect from a top tier receiver, but at a much more manageable price point. The system will pass 4K UHD video at 60p for smooth playback, as well as offering HDCP 2.2 technology for the latest in copyright protection so your system can grow with the UHD sources of the near future.

On the audio side, the VSX-530-K won’t get down with Atmos or DTS:X (no surprises there), but it will handle just about any standard high-definition codecs, including Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD for top-notch lossless audio from Blu-rays. In addition, the unit employs Pioneer’s Phase Control Technology, which is designed to correct for bass lag so bass is rich and full, treble is detailed, and every note hits you in time and in balance.

Other features for the VSX-530-K include a face mounted USB input to play back music files, and aptX for CD-quality playback via Bluetooth from your compatible devices.

Pioneer is shipping its new sub-$300 receiver now, available at select retail outlets, and online at Pioneer’s website.

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Former Digital Trends Contributor

Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…

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